SEAKFair Inc. is seeking an Executive Director

Join a dynamic team at the fair putting on events for everyone at the place where Southeast comes to play!

Career Opportunity – Executive Director

The magical Southeast Alaska State Fair is seeking candidates for the position of Executive Director. Will you be our new chief of fun and games?

About SEAKFAIR

Southeast Alaska State Fair is an organization based in Haines, Alaska and serving residents of Southeast Alaska and the Yukon. Throughout the year, Southeast Alaska State Fair hosts several regionally significant events and smaller community events, manages a 42-acre property for community use, and rents out space for small businesses and other community venues.

Position

Reporting to the Board of Director of SEAKFAIR Inc., the Executive Director will oversee and direct the operations of the organization. The purpose of the position is to ensure SEAKFAIR is sustainable in implementing its mission which is to enrich community by hosting celebrations of heritage, creativity, and social exchange. The objectives of the Executive Director are:

• To host top-notch events that enrich heritage, creativity and social exchange in Haines and the region;
• To oversees the use, development and maintenance of a safe, aesthetic, and functional fairgrounds for community use; 
• To achieve a financially sustainable organization that meets its mission in the community;
• To foster a spirit of play, joy, and fun for board, staff, members, volunteers, and the community at large

Working environment

We offer a casual and family friendly office environment.  The Executive Director has their own private office on the Fairgrounds in Haines and collaborates closely with the team (3-4 at the moment), the volunteers and with the Board of Directors.  The position averages 40hr/week over the calendar year, however more time may be required in the summertime vs. the wintertime, where time off can be taken. There are instances, where the Executive Director is required to be offsite, running events on weekends and evenings and outside the regular hours of the office.

Areas of accountability

Event Planning and Management

• Oversees the programing 
• Oversees the recruitment and management of volunteers
• Oversees event planning, execution, and evaluates success
• Actively participates in events as a staff person

Strategy, Business Development and Marketing

• Identifies priorities and sets goals to meet the Fair’s mission statement
• Creates annual work plans, including for events, maintenance and improvement of Fair’s facilities, organizational and HR development

Financial 

• Creates and manages the annual budget, in collaboration with the Board
• Manages day to day finances and operation
• Acts as primary fundraiser, including grant writing

Human Resources

• Adjusts the administrative and staffing structure in such way that meets the fluctuating organizational needs
• Hires, fires, manages and evaluates Fair’s staff
• Fosters and maintains a positive work environment

Fairground Property Management

• Manages the use and maintenance of the 42-acre fairgrounds property
• Oversees the development of capital projects and major maintenance work lists
• Manages lease agreements for Dalton City rental units, and seasonal vehicle storage

Community and Public Relations

• Being the “Face of the Fair”, serves as organization’s primary spokesperson
• Collaborates and advocates on behalf of the organization, including with local government and other community organizations

Board of Director

• Attends monthly Board meetings, as ex-officio member
• Provides in-depth monthly report to Board of Directors, including financials

Other duties as required

Qualifications

Our ideal candidate is a versatile and energetic leader who is not afraid of responsibilities. Someone who can communicate, collaborate, delegate and lead by example in order to reach our goals. We believe that skills can be learned, and will provide additional training for the right candidate. 

Qualifying Skills:

• positive and professional leadership skills in a diverse and changing environment
• Proven track record successfully managing employees
• Strong delegation skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Experience with budgets and financial management
• Project management and/or event management experience
• Ability to navigate public relations and the political environment

Previous experience assets:

• Facility management experience
• Knowledge of computers and basic software programs in a Mac environment
• Experience with Quickbooks
• Knowledge of advanced publishing and photo editing software a plus
• Basic fluency in website management
• Knowledge of fundraising best practices
• Understanding of marketing best practices
• Previous success with grant writing and reporting
• Demonstrated success leading, motivating, and managing volunteers

 Other:

• Ability to regularly and safely lift 35 pounds
• Willingness and ability to work weekends and evenings as required
• Valid Alaska driver license
• Excellent job references
• Legal to cross international borders; work with children; work with alcohol

 What We Offer:

Compensation: 2022 Annual Salary $50,000 to $60,000 DOE

Benefits:

• Simple IRA retirement plan with 3% employer match
• Medevac Insurance
• 2 weeks paid time off
• 5 days of paid personal leave
• Family Fair passes

Interested candidates may apply by submitting a resume and cover letter to:

INFO@SEAKFAIR.ORG

Deadline to apply is 5:00 pm Thursday, December 8, 2023

Interested candiates may apply by submitting a resume and cover letter to:

info@seakfair.org