Fair Director

The Carolina Classic Fair is one of the largest and most beloved events in North Carolina, attracting over 250,000 visitors each October to the Winston‑Salem Fairgrounds. With a rich tradition of agricultural education, thrilling rides, world‑class entertainment, and mouth‑watering fair food, the fair has become a cornerstone of the community. In addition to the annual ten‑day fair, the Fairgrounds operates year‑round, hosting an array of community events, concerts, the weekly Winston‑Salem Fairgrounds Farmers Market, and major sporting and entertainment events.

Together, these events generate over $5 million in revenue annually, making the Fairgrounds a vibrant hub for all of Winston‑Salem and beyond.

• Fair Operations Management:
  Lead all aspects of fair operations including budgeting, contracts, programming, and long‑term strategic planning.
• Year‑Round Operations:
  Oversee the day‑to‑day operations of the Fairgrounds, including staff management, event coordination, facility maintenance, and budget management for non‑fair events, purchase orders, and capital improvements.
• Contract Negotiation:
  Negotiate and administer contracts with entertainers, carnival operators, concessionaires, sponsors, and other vendors.
• Marketing and Promotion:
  Direct and oversee marketing and promotional efforts to maximize attendance, community impact, and brand awareness for the Fair.
• Public Safety Coordination:
  Collaborate with local law enforcement, Fire, EMS, and Emergency Management to ensure public safety during all events.
• Regulatory Compliance:
  Ensure compliance with state and local regulations, including safety standards set by the NC Department of Labor and city/state authorities.
• Staff Management:
  Hire, train, and evaluate both permanent and seasonal staff. Foster a culture of professional development and excellent customer service.
• Public Relations:
  Serve as the face of the Fair, representing the event in media interviews, with civic groups, industry associations, and at community events.
• Industry Engagement:
  Collaborate with organizations such as International Association of Fairs and Expos (IAFE), North Carolina Association of Agricultural Fairs (NCAOAF), and National Independent Concessionaires Association (NICA) to stay ahead of industry trends and best practices.
• Farmers Market Oversight:
  Manage the Fairgrounds Farmers Market, ensuring its growth and alignment with the mission of the Fairgrounds as a year‑round community destination.

• Experience:
  
  Minimum of seven years in event management, festival planning, or public assembly facility management with a proven track record in leading large‑scale public events.
• Leadership
  
  Skills:
  
  Strong executive leadership and team management experience with the ability to inspire and guide both full‑time and seasonal staff.
• Financial Acumen:
  Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, contracts, and financial operations with a focus on maximizing revenue and efficiency.
• Communication
  
  Skills:
  
  Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with experience in public speaking, media relations, and stakeholder engagement.
• Problem‑Solving:
  Ability to handle high‑pressure situations with a strategic mindset, especially when managing large crowds or emergency situations.
• Industry Knowledge:
  Familiarity with the fair industry, state and federal regulations, and best practices in event safety and management.
• Education:
  
  A bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Event Management, Business Administration, or Hospitality and Tourism, or equivalent experience in a related field is preferred.
• IAFE Fair Executive Certification or similar certification strongly preferred.