Job Description
Description About the State Fair of Texas Since its inception in 1886, the State Fair of Texas has celebrated all things Texan by promoting agriculture, education, and community involvement through quality entertainment in a family-friendly environment. The State Fair of Texas is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with proceeds helping to preserve and improve our home, Fair Park; underwrite museums, community initiatives, and scholarship programs to support students throughout the Lone Star State pursuing higher education; and help improve State Fair operations. Summary The Manager of Creative Arts will work with the Director of Creative Arts to oversee the strategic development and execution of all Creative Arts competitions pre and during the Fair (Arts & Crafts and Cooking) and the programming within the Creative Arts building during the Fair, including the iconic butter sculpture. This position will be responsible for departmental budgetary oversight, management of seasonal staff, execution of programmed activities in the building, and overall satisfaction of Creative Arts participants.
DUTIES And RESPONSIBILITIES Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Essential Functions - Work with Director of Creative Arts to plan, design, and oversee the Arts & Crafts and Cooking Competitions for the Fair. Work with the SVP of Customer Engagement to build a multi-year strategy to attract and retain participants with a diverse set of contests and artistic disciplines. Develop a master schedule of all contests that aligns with key Fair dates. Create a structure to evaluate current contests and new opportunities.
- Hire and train seasonal department heads and their support staff who will execute contests on behalf of the Fair. Provide budgetary oversight for seasonal staff schedules to ensure they are within the allotted hours.
- Collaborate with the Marketing Department to build a communication strategy for the Fair, including but not limited to email and direct marketing, collateral development, and digital content.
- Oversee the recruitment and training of contest judges, ensuring they have subject matter expertise in the area they are judging for the Fair. Develop a communication plan for judges that spans the life cycle of their involvement (invitation, event details, credentials, etc.)
- Collaborate with Brand Experience and Customer Engagement to develop and program activities in the building during the Fair, including the Creative Arts Demo Kitchen, the butter sculpture, and related short-term activation. During the Fair, staffing, budgetary oversight, and daily execution of these areas are the direct responsibility of this position.
- Work with Customer Engagement to ensure sponsors' benefits for sponsored areas of the building are activated and aligned with the contracts. Develop a strategy for new paid partnerships in this area and in-kind opportunities.
- Build and execute outreach plans to the crafting community to expand the program's reach.
- Oversee the development of the annual Creative Arts Cookbook for the Fair. Work with the seasonal Cookbook editor and the Marketing team to publish the books for delivery in late spring. Coordinate with the marketing team to develop content and social media strategies to promote book sales.
- Serve as the building point of contact for security protocols and building opening/closing procedures. Ensure staffing coverage each day of the Fair needed to open and close the building.
- Work with the Director of Creative Arts post-fair to oversee the breakdown and prepare the building for non-fair-time activities.
Requirements EXPERIENCE and TRAINING GUIDELINES Any combination of experience that would likely provide the required knowledge is qualifying. Qualifications - Understanding and alignment with the core values of the State Fair of Texas.
- Excellent customer service skills.
- Detail-oriented with the ability to prioritize between tasks.
- A passion for the arts and an appreciation for creativity and craftsmanship.
- Communicate clearly and concisely with vendors, Creative Arts contestants, Fair guests, and other staff.
- Interpret and administer applicable policies and guidelines related to Creative Arts.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office suite of products.
Preferred Education And/or Experience - Bachelor’s degree in Arts Management, Event Planning, Fine Arts, or a related field required.
- At least 5 years of experience in event management, arts programming, or creative competitions. Experience in a leadership role within a large-scale event or festival is preferred.
- A background in the arts (visual, performing, or culinary) and knowledge of local and regional art communities is a plus.
License Or Certificate - Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate Texas driver's license.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED and EXERCISED - Reports to the Director of Creative Arts
- Works with the supervision of the SVP of Customer Engagement
WORKING CONDITIONS Environmental Conditions - Working outdoors in various weather conditions and on uneven and/or slippery surfaces, as necessary, especially during Fair time and special events.
Physical Conditions - Essential and other important responsibilities and duties require maintaining physical condition necessary for
- Remaining in a stationary position for prolonged periods of time.
- Moving short and long distances to access office supplies, meet guests, perform duties within Fairgrounds, etc.
- Verbally communicate with both internal and external contacts.
- Occasionally lift objects no more than 25 pounds unassisted.
Work Schedules - Varies depending on events.
Job Tags
Temporary work, Seasonal work, Local area, Outdoor, Long distance,