County Fair and Special Events Manager

El Paso County (CO); Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 80,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

El Paso County in Colorado Springs is seeking a seasoned Fair and Special Events Manager to lead the El Paso County Fair and Events Center. You will shape long-range strategies and translate them into engaging community experiences.

The role requires directing the annual fair, managing budgets, fundraising, sponsorships, and marketing, while supervising staff and volunteers to deliver outstanding service. A strong track record in event management, leadership, and collaboration with officials and

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; degrees may substitute for experience.
• Five years of experience in fairgrounds or event venue management or related fields.
• Three years of supervisory or management experience.

Responsibilities

• Direct, design, and execute the annual County Fair and year‑round events.
• Develop and manage operating budgets; drive fundraising and sponsorships.
• Serve as liaison to the Fair Advisory Board, elected officials, and partners.
• Lead staff and volunteers to deliver exceptional customer service.
• Oversee facility operations, scheduling, safety, and compliance.
• Represent the center to County leadership and the public with reports and presentations.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Marketing & fundraising

Communication

Team leadership

Risk management

Event management

Strategic planning

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate’s degree substitution for one year

Bachelor’s degree substitution for two years

Tools

Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access)

Job description

Step right up and lead the celebration of community, culture, and agricultural heritage!

As the El Paso County (CO) Fair and Special Events Manager, you aren't just managing a venue—you are the heartbeat of the celebrated El Paso County Fair and Events Center. In this dynamic, high-impact leadership role, you will bridge tradition with innovation, transforming long-range business strategies into vibrant, unforgettable community experiences.

Your Mission

• The Master Architect: Direct, design, and execute the annual County Fair alongside a year-round calendar of special events, facility rentals, and public programs.
• The Financial Strategist: Build and balance robust operational budgets while driving growth through creative fundraising, corporate sponsorships, and high-impact marketing campaigns.
• The Relationship Builder: Serve as the chief storyteller and primary liaison to the Fair Advisory Board, Fair Corporation, elected officials, agricultural organizations, and the public.
• The Team Champion: Inspire, mentor, and lead a dedicated team of staff and volunteers to deliver gold-standard customer service and operational excellence.

Hiring Range: $80,000.00 - $91,090.00 annually

This position has an anticipated work schedule of Tuesday - Sunday, 8:00am – 5:00pm; Nights and weekends are required for events, rental prep and can include Sundays and Mondays, as needed.

Please be advised this position may close without advance notice, should we receive a sufficient number of qualified applications.

Provides leadership and comprehensive management of the El Paso County Fair and Events Center. Responsible for planning, directing, organizing and evaluating all operational, financial and administrative functions of the Fair and Events Center. Develops long-range business strategies to maximize community benefit, operational efficiency, financial sustainability, and preservation of the County Fair’s agricultural heritage. Employment is subject to the terms, conditions, and policies detailed in the Personnel Policies Manual (PPM). This position requires regular in-person presence as an essential job function.

• Provides overall strategic leadership and management of the El Paso County Fair and Events Center, including the annual El Paso County Fair, year-round facility operations, special events, facility rentals, and other programs.
• Develops and implements strategic plans, operational goals, business initiatives, policies, and performance measures that support the County's mission while preserving and promoting the agricultural heritage of the El Paso County Fair.
• Develops and manages the Fair and Events Center operating and event budgets. Oversees, develops, and coordinates fundraising strategies, marketing efforts, sponsorships, and capital campaigns.
• Directs the planning, coordination, and execution of the annual County Fair and other County-sponsored events.
• Plans and manages facility operations and readiness in compliance with policies and regulatory requirements. Oversees scheduling, maintenance coordination, emergency preparedness, risk management, animal health coordination, and continuous improvement of the Fair and Events Center to maximize facility utilization and enhance customer experience.
• Develops and manages working relationships with agricultural organizations, community partners, sponsors, vendors, promoters, and other stakeholders.
• Assigns, supervises, and evaluates the work of staff members and volunteers. Conducts performance evaluations and motivates employees to achieve peak productivity and performance, including a high level of customer service and professionalism; participates in the hiring and disciplinary process.
• Serves as the primary County liaison to the Fair Advisory Board and Fairgrounds Corporation.
• Represents the Fair and Events Center before County leadership, elected officials, advisory boards, community organizations, and the public by preparing reports, presentations, recommendations, and other communications related to operations, budgets, strategic initiatives, and organizational performance.
• Evaluates operational performance, customer service, attendance, financial results, and community impact to identify opportunities for continuous improvement, innovation, and expanded public benefit.
• Performs other duties as required.

Supervision Exercised

This classification requires supervising and monitoring performance for a regular group of employees or unit(s), including providing input on hiring/disciplinary action and work objectives/effectiveness, performance evaluations, and realigning work as needed. A first-line or second-line supervisor typically performs these tasks.

Supervision Received

Receives Administrative Supervision: This classification typically performs job duties and resolves conflict according to their own judgment and initiatives, requesting supervisory assistance only when necessary. Special projects are managed with little oversight, and assignments may be reviewed upon completion. Performance reviewed periodically.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Working knowledge of fairground operations, event management, and facility management.
• Working knowledge of financial management, including budget development and management, contract administration, and procurement.
• Ability to analyze financial and operational data to support strategic decision-making.
• Knowledge of agricultural programming and livestock events.
• Skills in marketing, sponsorship development, and fundraising.
• Knowledge of risk management and emergency preparedness.
• Ability to lead, manage, and train others; ability to objectively review, evaluate, and document the performance of employees.
• Skills in strategic planning, organizing, prioritizing, and coordinating multiple projects and competing priorities.
• Ability to assess situations and make prudent decisions; ability to effectively apply conflict resolution and problem‑solving skills.
• Must possess exceptional writing and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co‑workers, elected officials, media, other agencies, vendors, volunteers, and the public. Ability to provide excellent customer service.
• Ability to use standard office equipment, including computers, fax machines, telephones, and copiers. Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Access.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.

Required Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent education.
• Five years of experience in fairgrounds management, event venue management, programming, hospitality management, agricultural events, or public facility administration.
  • Associate’s degree in a related field may substitute for one year of the required experience.
  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field may substitute for two years of the required experience
  • Education substitutions are not cumulative; only the highest qualifying degree will be considered.
• Three years of supervisory or management experience.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in event management, parks and recreation administration, non‑profit administration, marketing, or related field.
• Experience working with county fairs, CSU Extension, 4‑H, FFA, agricultural organizations, and non‑profit boards.
• Experience managing public event venues or fairgrounds.

Licenses/Certificates

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) preferred.
• Certified Fair Executive (CFE) designation or equivalent preferred.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Must pass conditional post‑offer background investigation, motor vehicle record check, and drug screen.

Duties are primarily performed in an office environment and outside at the County Fair and Event Center and other event locations; may work in inclement weather conditions. Some travel is required. Work week is typically Tuesday through Saturday and may require on‑call hours.

The classification specification above is intended to describe the general nature of work, key responsibilities, and minimum qualifications. Minimum qualifications reflect the baseline experience required for the classification. Departments may establish additional or preferred qualifications to address operational needs, assignment complexity, and specialized functions, provided such qualifications are job‑related, consistent with the intent of the classification, and as approved by the Human Resources department. Specific job assignments, duties, education, experience, licenses/certifications, and working conditions may vary based on the needs of the department or office and the requirements of the assigned position. Changes to this classification specification may only be made by the Human Resources Department.