Executive Director of Operations and Events

About the role

Washington County Fair Park & Conference Center (WCFP), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is entering an exciting new era of modernization, mission expansion, and year-round growth. We are seeking a strategic, marketing-savvy, fundraising-driven Executive Director of Operations and Events to lead WCFP into its next chapter and elevate one of Washington County's finest community assets.

Responsibilities

This role has ultimate responsibility for WCFP's day-to-day operations, strategic plan execution, and financial oversight — including budgeting, capital planning, and Board reporting — while supervising the WCFP team and overseeing all fairs, exhibits, conferences, and promotional events.

• Execute Strategic & Business Plans, including budgeting, forecasting, and capital planning
• Build & Lead the Friends of the Fair Foundation, including capital campaign fundraising
• Drive Marketing, Brand & Visibility to grow attendance, rentals, and WCFP's regional profile
• Shape the Organizational Structure for Future Growth, including designing a modern staffing and leadership structure
• Lead Internal Operations with Strong Management & Culture, including overseeing daily operations and building a collaborative, customer-first culture
• Grow Conferences, Exhibitions & Year-Round Programming to increase visibility, utilization, and regional economic impact

Core Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning, Operations & Facility Administration, including facilitating and leading WCFP's Business and Strategic Plans
• Marketing & Fundraising, including serving as WCFP's lead fundraiser and driving the Friends of the Fair Foundation's capital campaign
• Staff & Board Leadership, including building and leading a high-performing team and counseling the Board and staff on staffing, hiring, and training needs

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, Public Administration, or a related field
• 5–8 years of experience in marketing, fundraising/development, and project management, with fairgrounds, expo center, convention center, or major attraction experience preferred
• Proven fundraising track record, including major-gift cultivation, sponsorship development, and capital campaign leadership
• Demonstrated marketing, brand-building, and public relations skills, with the ability to grow visibility, attendance, and community engagement
• Excellent leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills with donors, sponsors, government partners, and the community

Pay

Starting Salary $110K