Chief Operations Officer (COO)

The Red River Valley Fair is seeking a skilled and dynamic Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join our team. As the COO, you will play a pivotal role in driving operational excellence, strategic growth, and overall organizational efficiency. The COO must be a skilled communicator, effective leader, and driven business person. The COO reports to the Chief Executive Officer and is a key member of the leadership team.

Mission: The Red River Valley Fair is dedicated to providing a safe, multi-use complex that is entertaining, educational and sets the standards for excellence in enriching lives.

Essential Job Duties

OPERATIONAL:

• Oversee day-to-day operations to ensure efficiency, quality, and compliance with organizational standards
• Secure functionality of the business to drive smooth events
• Provide leadership and management with project status updates, feedback, and appropriate reporting on key responsibilities
• Implement business strategies, plans, and procedures
• Identify areas for improvement and implement streamlined processes to enhance overall productivity
• Foster a positive and collaborative work environment
• Identify opportunities for cost savings and operations improvements
• Participate in all future planning meetings
• Stay informed about industry trends and best practices to proactively address challenges and opportunities
• Secure all equipment needs for events
• Engage with the Red River Valley Fair Board of Directors, participating in board meetings as needed
• Identify and prepare upcoming construction projects
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including clients, vendors and partners
• Engage in contract negotiations
• Work closely with the CFO to develop and manage budgets
• Represent the Association in a professional and positive manner

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY:

• Maintain information technology strategies by managing staff and outside contractors
• Recommend information technology strategies, policies and procedures by evaluating organization outcomes, identifying problems, identifying trends and anticipating requirements
• Responsible for relationship with outside contractors who provide support for networks and WiFi
• Coordinate and meet with outside contractors to implement plans that will optimize organizations various systems
• Oversee completion of projects by coordinating resources and timetables with users

FAIR TIME AND OTHER EVENTS

• Collaborate with the team to develop comprehensive strategies for successful events, considering objectives, target audience, and overall brand goals
• Oversee al logistical aspects of events
• Take ownership of the entire event management process, from initial planning and concept development to execution
• Ensure a cohesive and seamless experience for participants, clients, and stakeholders
• Utilize technology solutions to enhance event operations
• Implement and maintain high standards for event execution, continuously evaluating and refining processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness
• Conduct thorough post-event evaluations, gathering feedback from clients, attendees, and team members

IDEAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors degree in Business, Event Management or related field and/or comparable experience
• Additional certifications in event planning are a plus
• 7 or more years of closely related experience
• 7 or more years of experience in a leadership role or capacity
• Extensive knowledge of event planning, logistics and execution
• Strong strategic planning and problem-solving skills
• Excellent project management skills
• Exceptional organizational and multitasking skills
• Effective communication and negotiation skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast paced and dynamic event environment
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team and build strong relationships

We are looking to add a full-time employee that will receive our full benefit package which includes completely paid for single coverage of health, dental, vision, long and short-term disability. We also have a great paid time off policy along with a 401K match after one year of employment.

We are a Fair so of course we have a fun environment filled with new adventures and tasks each day. You will never be bored.

Interested? Apply at redrivervalleyfair.com/employment

Red River Valley Fair Association is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. All employment is based on qualifications, merit, and business need.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Weekends as needed

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Management: 5 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person