*EVENT DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR
Pay Range GC18

INTRODUCTION

Under general supervision of the Fairgrounds Manager, this position develops marketing plans and strategies for facilities in the Douglas County Fairgrounds Complex pursuant to the mission, goals and objectives of the Douglas County Fair Board and the Douglas County Board of Commissioners.  The Event Development Coordinator successfully executes rental permits with in-house event clients, manages commercial exhibits, acts as an advocate for Complex clients, establishes and maintains effective communication links between clients and fairgrounds staff, and performs other duties as may be assigned.

EXAMPLES OF PRINCIPAL DUTIES

(Duties assigned to this classification include, but are not limited to, the following examples.)

1. Manages in-house promoted commercial exhibits. May require work weekends and evenings.

2. Oversees routine Complex rentals as well as coordinates and manages special events and activities as may be assigned.

3. Negotiates and secures commercial vendor agreements.

4. Administers budgets for events which includes taking primary responsibility for the collection of event revenues and the tracking of event expenditures.

5. Outlines annual goals, strategies and tactics to accomplish business development goals.

6. Identifies and develops potential annual sponsorships.  Nurtures sponsorship relationships to ensure continued support.

7. Collaborates with Fair Manager in the handling of media, public relations and ad management.

8. Prepares advertising and other marketing strategies.

9. Prepares marketing and promotional copy.

10. Identifies market and promotional opportunities and develops marketing and sales strategies.

11. Administers and maintains Fairgrounds Complex web site.

12. Develops and defines new service concepts based on identification of key user needs and service voids that offer the greatest potential to generate revenues for the Complex.

13. Provides support services to ensure events run smoothly.  Provides client services such as (but not limited to) copies of floor plans, facility tours, and ingress and egress information.

14.Provides event and activity reports and statistical analyses as may be requested.

15. Assists in negotiating contracts with print, electronic and broadcast media, graphic designers and other vendors.

16. Provides back-up coverage and assistance, as needed, for the Fairgrounds Financial Services Manager position.

17. Performs various administrative support functions and other duties as may be assigned to facilitate fairground complex operations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY REQUIRED BY THIS POSITION

Thorough Knowledge of laws, regulations, practices and procedures of the fair and exposition industry; thorough knowledge of principles and practices of facilities and event promotion and marketing; considerable knowledge of contract negotiation, preparation and administration; general knowledge of business and office practices and procedures; reasonable knowledge of methods and procedures of budgeting and fiscal monitoring; reasonable knowledge of accounting principles and practices.  Skill in: Use of personal computer, spreadsheet and word document software, web-site development tools and computerized reporting systems.  Ability to: Communicate effectively in both oral and written forms; plan, organize and administer all events and activities assigned; make decisions independently in accordance with established policies and procedures; use initiative and judgment in completing tasks and responsibilities; coordinate a variety of projects and schedule time to meet deadlines; establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with other employees and the public; write and edit promotional and informational materials; ability to utilize problem identification and resolution techniques; remain calm and use good judgment during confrontational or high pressure situations; adjust to priority changes.

Education, experience and training: Bachelor's degree in public or business administration, finance, facilities management, event management or related fields; and at least two years of progressively responsible work experience in fair or event management and/or the trade and exposition industry OR a minimum of six years progressive related experience in the fair or event management/trade/exposition industry OR an equivalent combination of training and related progressive experience.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS OF THIS POSITION

Work is performed under the general guidance of the Fairgrounds Complex Director.  The employee works independently in administering a complex area of responsibility and confers with supervisor for advice.  Work is accomplished within a broad framework, with authority and responsibility in area of service.  Periodic reviews of work performance are conducted in terms of expected results.

GUIDELINES

Work is performed within established department policy and procedures, federal, state and county statutes, rules, regulations and ordinances; established accounting principles and practices, personnel rules, software and equipment manuals.  Employee uses seasoned independent judgment in interpreting and using appropriate guidelines.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Regular and consistent attendance is required.  Work is performed in an office environment; may require bending, gripping with hands and fingers, hearing voice conversations, keyboarding, lifting up to 15 pounds, reaching, sitting, standing, twisting and considerable walking of the complex facilities.