Project Manager 1

Project Manager 1

The Director of Agriculture and Competition leads and directs all aspects of agriculture programming and policy development as well as oversight of related exhibitions and competitive events hosted by the Ohio Expo Center & State Fairgrounds including livestock, horse, and agriculture-focused competitions and exhibitions led by the Fair's overall mission and goals. Supervise two part-time permanent employees, 26 seasonal co-barn directors, and the Entry department. Lead, manage, and hold accountable staff, interns, volunteers, and contractors. Oversee all livestock and equine competitions with strategic planning of show selection, co-barn director selection and renewals, and operations.

Develop and maintain strong constituent relationships with Agricultural leaders throughout the state of Ohio, commodity group leaders, Ohio Department of Agriculture, The Ohio State University CFAES, 4-H, FFA, etc. Work with The Ohio State University's CFAES's and Extension leaders for scholarship growth across all species, State Fair scholarship endowments, application processing, review and scholarship disbursements.

Pursue creative and fresh programming initiatives to educate the public about agriculture while growing participation. Seek innovative technologies toward modern show structure, exhibitor messaging and possible livestream broadcasts for shows or Grand Drives. Lead an initiative to program the agriculture exhibit along with key partners to create an exceptional and uniquely-Ohio exhibition for the annual Ohio State Fair.

Develop, supervise and oversee approximately 26 co-barn directors (Fair) and various barn director efforts in the creation of a consistent and coordinated effort towards standardization of sponsorships, auctions, live or recorded broadcasts, signage, and all execution of third-party activation and involvement throughout the barns. Supervision of the co-barn directors who are charged with leading the programming for all species including but not limited to : supervising, writing job descriptions, develop contracts, communication, and provide performance evaluations. Assist barn directors with writing show policy and procedures, abiding by Ohio State Fair, Ohio Department of Agriculture and JCAAR rules / standards and any registered association or sanctioned show rules. Assist with hiring judges, including pay assignments, show schedules, and any necessary judge amenities. Assist barn directors, if needed, with peripheral support hires maintaining strict budget.

Hire and schedule veterinarians and assistants necessary to complete animal well-checks upon entry to fairgrounds; stay abreast of infectious disease news, inspections quarantine processes and barriers to entry.

Manage department's financials including budgets, cost projections, capital improvements, opportunities for revenue growth and premium payouts. Oversight of maintenance related items that involve capital and operational improvements or repairs to the facilities, grounds, and equipment relative to the barns, show areas and livestock complex including but not limited to stalls, ties, scales, pens, show ring, bedding suppliers, changeovers, etc.

Work alongside the Rental Services department to prospect and secure regional and national agriculture and equestrian events and activities for new and existing business opportunities. Work with marketing team to broadcast alerts and information on website, promote shows to exhibitors and guests, and other marketing initiatives. Work with the public relations team to assist with live and recorded broadcasts to promote agriculture throughout the State and region.

Lead and manage the Fair's youth auction known as the Sale of Champions Auction event and oversight of the Virgil L. Stickler Youth Reserve program that includes auction planning, logistics, production, advisory group interaction, buyers / bidder participation and development and distribution of funds for both the auction winner and administration of the reserve fund.

Oversee Birthing exhibition including veterinarian staffing and housing, new interactive programming, public education, collaboration with cooperating livestock groups, technology such as audio and video including live streaming, and management of animal rights groups. Oversee Milking Parlor including staff assignments, veterinarian coordination, public communication and advocacy, interaction with guests, milking schedules, assigning barn space (working with other species) and coordinating with dairy directors. Oversee Fair staff check-in process including coordination of packets, onsite ticket sales, livestock trailer parking, barn move in, changeovers, and more. Management and oversight of vehicle and livestock trailer parking and housing operations for the annual Ohio State Fair with a third-party parking operator.