Executive Director

Job Overview
About Us

Southeast Alaska State Fair Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit organization founded in 1972 and based in Haines, Alaska. Initially created solely to host the Southeast Alaska State Fair, the organization has grown and evolved. The Fair has become a four-day festival of live music, eclectic food, and Southeast Alaskan crafts and culture. Additional regionally significant summer events have been added to the schedule such as Beerfest and the Fisherman’s Barbeque, as well as smaller community celebrations throughout the year including Winterfest and our monthly summer concert series, Dalton City Limits.

Today, the 42-acre property acts as a community gathering space and an economic driver for the town of Haines. Beyond our public events, the Fair provides commercial rental units for small businesses, venues for private events, houses a community garden, Farmer’s Market, disc golf course, baseball field, and a green space that is open for outdoor recreation all year long.

Position Overview

Supported by the Board of Directors, the SEAK Fair Inc. Executive Director holds full programmatic, financial, and operational oversight for the organization. The ideal candidate brings significant leadership, fundraising, and management experience. They serve as the face of the Fair, a catalyst for community, and the organization’s highest advocate. They do not simply manage the Fair as it exists, but help evolve it to better meet Haines’ and Southeast Alaska’s needs for the years to come.

This position averages 40 hours per week throughout the calendar year. The Executive Director is required to oversee and run events on weekends, evenings, and outside of regular business hours. Due to the concentration of summer events, flex time is saved for the winter months, and a hybrid work schedule is available in the off-season.

Areas of Responsibility

Works in partnership with the Board of Directors to develop and implement a compelling strategic plan that pushes the organization forward without outpacing its capacity.• Manages a seasonally fluctuating staff, including hiring and firing decisions, as well as ensuring the recruitment of volunteers for Fair events.• Acts a liaison between the Board of Directors and staff.• Responsible for the planning, oversight and execution of the Fair’s annual events• Creates annual work plans for maintenance and improvement of Fair’s facilities. • Oversees the development of capital projects and major maintenance work lists of the 42-acre fairgrounds property.• Manages annual budgeting, daily finances, fundraising, and maintains existing donor relations. This includes grant writing and procuring sponsorships from new and longstanding sponsors.• Oversees the use, development and maintenance of safe, aesthetically pleasing, and functional fairgrounds.• Collaborates and advocates on behalf of the organization, including with local government and other community organizations.
Required Skills and Qualifications:

Demonstrates ability to manage multiple projects, respond quickly to emerging opportunities, and be flexible to adapt to changing circumstances• Proven track record of successful employee management• Excellent oral and written communication skills• Experience with budgets, financial management, and bookkeeping• Project management or event management experience• Ability to navigate public relations• Ability to work in cloud-based workspaces and host virtual meetings
Ideal Skills and Qualifications:

Facility management experience• Basic website management• Experience using Quickbooks, Canva, Microsoft Office, AirTable, and Google Workspace• Familiarity with various social media platforms• Understanding of marketing best practices• Volunteer coordination experience
Additional Requirements

Ability to regularly and safely lift 35 pounds• Valid Alaska driver license• Able to pass a background check• Currently Holds, or able to obtain a TAP alcohol service certification
We encourage you to apply even if your background does not perfectly match every item above. We are looking for thoughtfulness, relevant skills, and a genuine interest in building strong systems in service of our community-focused mission.

Compensation: $60,000 - $65,000 DOE

Benefits:

Simple IRA retirement plan with 3% employer match• 3 weeks paid time off• 1 week annual holiday office closure• 12 paid federal holidays• Hybrid work environment in winter• $250 per month wellness stipend• Family Fair passes
Southeast Alaska State Fair inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Employment and promotional opportunities are based upon individual capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, ****** orientation, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established under law.

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

careers@seakfair.org

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person