Jobs & Careers

FAIRGROUNDS & EVENT CENTER DIRECTOR  - Montrose, CO (posted April 2, 2025)

Provides leadership and strategic direction for the Fairgrounds and Event Center Department. Responsible for all business and operational aspects of the Montrose County Fairgrounds and Events Center. Work involves strategic planning and ensuring customer satisfaction and the protection of County property and assets. Works in cooperation and coordinates with other County staff.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES:

Essential Functions: Any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all duties which may be found in positions of this class.

• Provides strategic direction, oversight, program evaluation and budget administration for all Fairgrounds and Event Center programs. Works with staff to develop and implement program objectives. Analyzes services and programs to determine goals, staffing needs and budget requirements for existing and new programs and services.
• Develops objectives, strategies, plans policies and programs for the Fairgrounds and Event Center Division. Establishes the strategic direction for the Fairgrounds and Event Center Department in alignment with the County’s strategic priorities; ensures all Fairgrounds and Event Center staff is aware of their roles in performance measurement and achieving strategic priorities and facilitates the reporting on performance measures to County Management including the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) and the Fairgrounds and Event Center staff. Oversees maintenance and custodial functions for the Fairgrounds and Event Center facilities.
• Provides overall leadership, including facilitating the development of long-term and short-term goals, objectives, strategies, and core values for the fairgrounds and Event center. Responsible for implementing long-term facility improvements while at the same time managing the day-to-day operations of the Fairgrounds, Event Center, and property.
• Directs and supervises personnel including scheduling work assignments; hiring and training employees; reviewing work progress and completion; providing recommendations regarding employee job performance; conducting performance evaluations; recommending salary adjustments; counseling employees; and ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws.
• Prepares and recommends the Fairgrounds and Event Center Division’s annual budget. Oversees accounting functions including monitoring account balances, researching revenue sources, and reviewing financial statements and reports.
• Oversees the development and administration of the annual budget for the Fairgrounds and Event Center Department. Coordinates with other county divisions on related/mutual projects and shared budgetary information.
• Plans, organizes, directs, coordinates, and administers Fairgrounds and Event Center business and operations, including security of the Fairground and Event Center facilities, scheduling and overseeing events, to ensure that established policies, procedures, and programs are implemented in accordance with County and State ordinances and regulations to protect the health, safety, and welfare of staff, sponsors, participants, and patrons.
• Develops and implements policies and procedures for the Fairgrounds and Event Center Department as necessary to improve efficiency.
• Negotiates and administers contracts and agreements for Fairground and Event Center facility use with show promoters, organizational leaders, business owners, and the general public; advises customers in organizing and planning activities and events based on knowledge of facility (as appropriate); manages renter invoicing and collection; returns refundable deposits as appropriate; makes recommendations for rental rate adjustments.
• Assists with bids and RFPs for contractor services. Meets with contractors and vendors to facilitate program needs.
• Performs public relations and marketing functions to promote year-round usage of the facilities; attends meetings related to the promotion and function of the County Fairgrounds and Event Center; attends events (as appropriate) and is in charge of public contact and promotion, including the content for the County website.
• Provides lead support to the Montrose County Fair Board, attending meetings and providing input and recommendations based on expertise and observations, as appropriate.
• Serves as member of various county committees and task forces, attending meetings and providing input based on expertise and observations, as appropriate. Attends meetings, seminars, conferences, tradeshows, etc., to stay current on trends in the fair, event management, and festival industry; reviews professional journals and otherwise maintains contact with other Fairgrounds professionals to facilitate exchange of information and best practices.
• Regular and predictable attendance is required.

 Full Details and Application Link: CLICK HERE