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State of Colorado CDA - Colorado State Fair General Manager in Pueblo County, Colorado

CDA - Colorado State Fair General Manager

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CDA - Colorado State Fair General Manager

Salary

$120,000.00 - $147,000.00 Annually

Location

Pueblo County, CO

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

BAA-44300-06142024

Department

Department of Agriculture

Division

Colorado State Fair

Opening Date

06/28/2024

Closing Date

8/2/2024 11:59 PM Mountain

FLSA

Determined by Position

Primary Physical Work Address

305 Interlocken Parkway, Broomfield CO 80021

FLSA Status

Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.

Department Contact Information

Mary Hunt - mary.hunt@state.co.us or 303-869-9006

Type of Announcement

This announcement is not governed by the selection processes of the classified personnel system. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado.

How To Apply

Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.

  • Description

  • Benefits

  • Questions

Department Information

Who we are:

Agriculture is a part of all our lives. When you eat, put on clothes, or care for an animal--yourlife is touched by agriculture. Colorado's food and agriculture industry generated $47 billion of economic activity in2019and supports nearly 5% of the state's workforce. CDA is proud to be a part of such an important industry.

Mission:

The CDA's mission is to strengthen and advance Colorado's agriculture; promote a safe and high-quality food supply; protect consumers; and foster responsible stewardship of the environment.

Core Values: Partnership, Service, Professionalism, Proactivity, and Respect

CDA Wildly Important Goals:

To accomplish our mission, CDA focuses on four “wildly important goals:”

Goal 1: Advance National and International Market Access

Goal 2: Develop agricultural Leaders

Goal 3: Advance the Colorado Water Plan in Agriculture

Goal 4: Establish Awareness of Non-lethal Predator Confliction Reduction Program

We use these goals to focus and align the daily work of our staff in support of Colorado farmers and ranchers. Learn more about our Department and our wildly important goals in our performance plan on our website (https://ag.colorado.gov/home/about-us) .

What you get from us:

In addition to a great work location and rewarding and meaningful work, we offer:

  • Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan (https://www.copera.org/) plus optional 401(k) and 457 plans (www.copera.org).

  • Benefits: See "Benefits" tab in the job announcement for the variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program.

  • 11 paid holidays per year plus generous vacation and sick leave accruals

  • BenefitHub (https://stateofcolorado.benefithub.com/app/multiproduct) state employee discount program

  • Employee Wellness program MotivateMe (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/employee-wellness-program)

  • Excellent work-life programs, such asflexible schedules,remote work opportunities,free parking,professional developmentand more!

To learn about the total compensation package for State government employment visit: https://www.colorado.gov/dhr/totalcompensation

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

Learn more about our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion by visiting our EDI Homepage: https://dpa.colorado.gov/about-us/edi .

Description of Job

Work Unit:

The Colorado State Fair Authority is one of nine divisions within the Colorado Department of Agriculture. The Colorado State Fair Authority (“Division”) oversees historical state fairgrounds in Pueblo, Colorado that serve as an economic and social pillar of the Pueblo community; serving as a community gathering place for Southern Colorado Communities by hosting public and private events throughout the year. The Division’s showcase event is the Colorado State Fair and Industrial Exposition (the “State Fair”), which is an 11-day exposition that celebrates the rich agricultural, industrial, and cultural heritage of Colorado by showcasing Colorado’s achievements in animal husbandry, horticultural, industrial mining, water conservation, tourism and recreation, and scientific innovation. The State Fair receives over 500,000 visitors each year and features junior livestock competitions and auctions, artistic and cultural exhibits, rodeos and summer concerts, a full-scale carnival and a children’s carnival, and other fair entertainment.

Position:

The Colorado State Fair is a division of the Colorado Department of Agriculture. This position serves as the State Fair General Manager and is a member of the Senior Management Team at the Colorado Department of Agriculture. As the State Fair General Manager, this position serves as the Division Director and is responsible for the successful execution of the Division’s mission and core functions, including strategic planning, operation, and administrative needs, management of an $11 million annual budget, personnel management of 25 full-time employees, community and media engagement, facilities management, and overall promotion and execution of the annual 11-day State Fair in August. In addition, this position serves as a staff lead to the 13-member Colorado State Fair Authority Board of Commissioners (“Board”) by providing support, guidance, and performance reports that assist the Board in the development of the Colorado State Fair Authority policies and other Board-led initiatives that promote the advancement of the State Fair. This position negotiates with governmental entities to obtain funding; manages contracts with various entities including entertainment, marketing, vendors, and sponsors; and is the liquor licensing authority for all liquor licenses held by vendors on the fairgrounds.

Duties Include:

Strategic & Operational Oversight of the State Fair Division

Responsible for the strategic direction and continuity of operations of the State Fair Division, including strategic

planning, performance management, and daily operational and administrative functions. This includes identifying opportunities for the fairgrounds to service community needs, operating its year-round rental program, and continually developing a robust and engaging State Fair.

Planning & Execution of Annual Colorado State Fair

Responsible for the successful planning and execution of the annual 11-day State Fair in August. This includes oversight into the strategic and logistical planning, theme development, event and entertainment production, promotional strategy and execution, vendor management, security, resolving unforeseen challenges, and conducting a post-fair after-action review and improvement process.

Supervision and Leadership of Staff

Oversee the supervision of five direct reports, as well as supporting 25 full-time division employees to be successful in their positions. This includes establishing a positive team culture, providing resources and training, addressing performance issues, and leading initiatives that improve staff performance and development.

Budget & Financial Management

Responsible for ensuring programs have the necessary financial resources to cover personnel and operating expenditures, including the effective use of an annual budget of $11 million in General Funds, Cash Funds, and grant funding. In addition, the position will work with division staff and to manage several sub-budgets related to capital construction, and pass-through of revenue to third-party partners and contractors. It will be critical that this position come to understand the nuances of the state budget and how the State Fair and Colorado Department of Agriculture budgeting processes work.

Fairgrounds Management, Master Plan and Capital Campaign Development

Provide executive oversight of the State Fairgrounds covering over 100 acres and several historical buildings. Fairground management includes management of several ongoing maintenance and improvement projects; and requires this position to successfully oversee project planning, procurement, and construction. In addition, this position will lead the efforts to advance the Colorado State Fair Master Plan to modernize the fairgrounds through oversight of a multi-million dollar capital campaign to raise private and public funding.

State Fair Board Authority Staff Lead

Manage the Colorado State Fair Authority Board of Commissioners. Management includes

assisting in filling vacant Board seats, Board member education, preparing for facilitating monthly meetings, and assisting Board members in developing policies for the State Fair through support, guidance and reporting.

Community, Media, and Government Relations

Serve as the principal spokesperson for the Fair and frequently interact with community organizations,

media, and state and local government officials. As the spokesperson, this position must know all aspects of the State Fair operations to provide accurate and effective information. This position will grow and maintain collaborative relationships that contribute to the key performance indicators related to community engagement, media exposure, and operational goals of the fair.

Statewide and Special Projects

Position performs other duties as assigned and may be requested to lead or participate in meetings, workgroups, emergency response efforts, investigations, or general projects either department-wide or statewide. These special projects may require this position to travel, including overnight.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

This announcement is not governed by the selection processes of the classified personnel system.Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado.

Interview Information:

First round interviews will be conducted virtually the week of August 15th. Second round interviews will be conducted in-person in Pueblo, Colorado the week of August 26th. Travel and lodging will be reimbursed by the Colorado Department

of Agriculture. Accommodations for the in-person interview may be made for emergent situations.

Salary:

$4,615.38 - $5,653.85 Biweekly

$10,000.00 - $12,250.00 Monthly

$120,000.00 - $147,000.00 Annually

Minimum Requirements:

Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a field of study relevant to the position (see substitutions below); and

  • Six (6) years of full-time professional experience in event or fair management or executive management experience with a government agency, nonprofit organization, or private business similar in size and mission to the Colorado State Fair.

  • . Experience must include:

  • Management of a multi-use facility with an annual festival or event.

  • Management of a multi-million dollar budget and contract management.

  • Professional public or business administration which included establishing organization structure,

developing strategic work plans, budget development and control, setting goals and objectives to

achieve program results and foster a team environment.

  • Professional experience in engaging with local communities and working with community leaders.

  • Two (2) years of experience must include supervision, including hiring, setting goals, performance

evaluation, and correcting performance issues as needed.

Substitutions:

  • A combination of work experience as listed in the minimum qualification, which provides the same kind, amount and level of knowledge acquired in the required education, may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the bachelor's degree.

YOUR APPLICATION MATERIALS WILL BE USED IN A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS. RESUMES AND COVER LETTERS WILL NOT BE USED IN THIS PROCESS, PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOUR APPLICATION IS DETAILED AND COMPLETED IN FULL.


Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with managing a state or county fair, or similar community event

  • Knowledge of agriculture

  • Experience managing a governing board

  • Experience working with local governments and community organizations.

  • Experience in marketing or promoting events.

  • Experience contracting with entities including entertainment, marketing, donors, and sponsors.

  • Experience working in a complex political environment, including navigating legislation.

Conditions of Employment:

  • Must possess and maintain a valid Colorado Driver's License and be able to travel independently. This position will require travel throughout Colorado and may include traveling on short notice.

  • Circumstances may require a position to work outside of regular business hours.

Required Competencies:

  • Clear understanding and experience in managing large events or fairs t he size and scope of the Colorado State Fair.

  • Excellent interpersonal and public speaking skills.

  • Proven experience in budget, financial and contract management with the ability to target areas for efficiency and manage to target.

  • Project management skills: ability to multitask, problem - solve, prioritize, create systems and processes and collaborate with and engage others.

  • Ability to work in a fast - paced environment and juggle multiple priorities, and able to react and adjust quickly to changing conditions .

  • Detail oriented .

  • Excellent communication skills; able to communicate effectively and articulately in writing and orally with diverse communities in all corners of the state .

  • Work well under pressure.

  • Strong relationship management skills and excellent representation of the department in community interactions.

  • A proven track record for developing and maintaining trusted relationships with stakeholders and industry experts.

  • Excellent negotiation and consensus building skills.

  • Proactive approaches to problem - solving and strong decision - making capability.

  • Highly resourceful team - player, with the ability to also be extremely effective independently.

  • Ability to work in a complex political environment


Important Information:

Part of, or the entire selection process for this position will involve a review of the information you submit in your application materials. Therefore, it is paramount that in the experience portion of your application, you describe the extent that you possess the education, experience and competencies outlined in the job announcement as well as the special and/or preferred qualifications. Failure to include adequate information or follow instructions may prevent you from competing in subsequent measures used to arrive at a top group of applicants.

Please submit the following:

  • Online application (completed fully) describing how you meet the minimum qualifications

  • OR If you are not able to submit an online application, a paper application is available at this link: PDF State Paper Application (https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/sites/default/files/Colorado%20Paper%20Application%20%28February%202020%29.pdf) (Download PDF reader). Paper applications must be received (either by US mail or email to mary.hunt@state.co.us by the closing date and time of the application period listed on this announcement.

  • Resume and cover letters (preferred)

  • Unofficial copy of transcripts (if applicable)

  • DD214 (if applicable)

Factors that will be assessed:

  • Technical Competence – Technical experience as it relates to the duties outlined in this job announcement.

  • Depth and Breadth of Experience – Experience that covers multiple areas outlined in this job announcement. Experience should be varied and not one dimensional and demonstrate a wide range of community involvement.

  • Job Fit – Experience will be evaluated to determine how well your past experience aligns with and meets the business needs of this position. Current experience is preferred.

Supplemental Information

Important Information: Part of, or the entire exam for this position will involve a review of the information you submit in your application material. Applications are considered complete and accurate at the time of submission. Therefore, additional information may not be solicited or accepted after your application has been received. Therefore, it is very important that you clearly describe all of your relevant experience on the application itself . Applications left blank or marked "SEE RESUME" will not be considered.

All applications that are received by the closing date of this announcement will be reviewed against the Minimum Qualifications in this announcement by a Human Resources Specialist. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications may proceed to the next step. Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process.

ADAAA Accommodations:Any person with a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be provided a reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete an employment assessment. To request an accommodation, please contact by phone or email at least five business days before the assessment date to allow us to evaluate your request and prepare for the accommodation. You may be asked to provide additional information, including medical documentation, regarding functional limitations and type of accommodation needed. Please ensure that you have this information available well in advance of the assessment date.

The Department of Agriculture is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to Mary Hunt, atmary.hunt@state.co.usor call 303-869-9006.

Toll Free Applicant Technical Support: If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time). Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application first, ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and second, close the document before you attempt upload (attach) it.

Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.

01

Are you a current or previous Colorado state employee?

  • Yes

  • No

    02

    If you are a current or previous Colorado state employee, please provide your Employee Identification Number (EID) in order to verify your current or previous employment. Your EID begins with 997 and is nine digits long. Please do not enter your Social Security Number.

    03

    Please list your management experience of an annual festival or event or executive experience that would be similar to the size and mission of a state fair.

    04

    Describe your experience with developing strategic work plans. Include any information about setting goals and objectives to achieve program results.

    05

    Describe your experience with marketing a facility or event.

    06

    Supporting future agricultural leaders is a Wildly Important Goal for the Department, what initiatives would you implement at the State Fair to cultivate the development of future ag leaders?

    Required Question

Agency

State of Colorado

Address

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Website

https://careers.colorado.gov/

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