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POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position Description:             General Manager, Saratoga County Agricultural Society

Job Title:                                General Manager

Date:                                       August 2026

Supervisor:                            Saratoga County Agricultural Society Board of Directors / Executive Board

It shall be the mission of the Saratoga County Agricultural Society to operate and maintain an exhibition-type facility in which to produce a county fair that: educates and involves the general public of our present and past agricultural and rural heritage, promotes the benefits of a strong agricultural industry in Saratoga County, and provides a unique blend of family-style entertainment and competitions that people of all ages can participate in and/or appreciate.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

General Manager responsibilities include, but are not limited to, providing oversight for all agricultural aspects of the Exposition Center / Fair Grounds operations including activities held at the fairgrounds, facilities operation and maintenance, Agricultural Society’s budget and accounting systems for monetary control, marketing of the fairgrounds year-round, marketing the annual county fair, promotion and support of the fairgrounds ag based events, space rentals, and supervision of assigned staff. Manages a budget near $1 million. This position collaborates with the Saratoga County Agricultural Society board of directors. Remains current and knowledgeable of the development and promotion of Agricultural Economic Development business. 

 Saratoga County Fairgrounds

The facility is located in the village of Ballston Spa, minutes from Exit 12 of Route 87 Northway, in historic Saratoga County, Saratoga County Fairgrounds offers an array of buildings and facilities unique to the area, including:  30+ acres of fenced property; 20+ acres of parking off grounds; 4 barns, horse/cattle/goat/sheep; 8 enclosed buildings; grandstand bleachers; seats approximately 1700+ people; 5 covered pavilions, total 39,000  square feet; 2 restroom facilities; camper hookups; 2 shower rooms; and stage areas available, portable and fixed locations.

JOB DUTIES           

A.          Management Accountabilities

·         Manage budgets, identify and secure funding that supports the Ag Society, Fair and Fairgrounds , including sponsorship, grant writing, nd developing public and private relationships.

·         Supervise office support staff, including Office Manager, Bookkeeper, and others as added throughout the fiscal year.

·         Coordinate work schedules and crew assignments with the Equipment and Maintenance Supervisor to ensure project goals and deadlines are met

·         Provide input / feedback and updates to the SCAS BOD every month via Managers and Financial Reports.

·         Provide input to the SCAS BOD on planning projects and events at the fairgrounds

·         Provide input to the SCAS BOD on construction and renovation projects.

·         Responsible for the quality and completion of assigned projects

·         Participate in evaluating part-time and seasonal staff

·         Other duties as assigned by the SCAS President.

B.     Facilities Accountabilities

·            Identify and Manage Projects and Resources to maintain and improve the Fairgrounds, including structures and infrastructure.

·            Identify Off-season events to rent the grounds to support budgetary targets.

·            Occasionally required to develop innovative solutions.

C.    Staff and Professional Development

·         Orient and direct Ag Society and Fair-related adult and seasonal staff, providing instruction/coaching/mentoring.

D.    Professional Improvement

·      Jointly develop and pursue a professional improvement plan in cooperation with the Board of    Directors to increase competency in position responsibilities.

·      Participate in appropriate safety training opportunities

·      Participate in appropriate Human Resources training opportunities

·      Participate in IAFE development / enrichment programs.

·      Development of Yearly Goals and Objectives to be reviewed annually.

II.    REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Direct supervision by the Saratoga County Agricultural Society Board of Directors. 

Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.  Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. Resolves routine questions alone and any complex questions with input from supervisor. Maintains effective working relationships with the community.

III.  DEGREE AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

         Minimum:

Institute of Fair Management Graduate (Preferred)

College Degree, 2/4 year (Preferred)

Prior Management / Supervisory Experience

Knowledge of and experience in the Saratoga County Fair.

        Required to pass a background investigation; hiring is contingent upon passing.  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES

• Knowledge:  Saratoga County Fair operation of the grounds for various public and private events
• Resourcefulness, flexibility, and the ability to work independently to complete work in a professional and high-quality manner
• Maintain business office hours. Ability to work flexible hours which may include evenings, weekends or holidays.
• Manage and provide oversight, exercise discretion and independent judgment in managing employees and volunteers.
• Ability to solve practical problems and interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form
• Communicate effectively with governmental officials, community, volunteers, employees and others through oral, written, and visual channels.
• Market the Agricultural Society and Fair along with other events held at the Fair Grounds through social, print, and other media.  
• Computer Skills / Proficiency or the ability to learn and effectively use software, including use of the internet and Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Excel.
• Ability to train/educate people on task/job related software applications.
• Organize and manage multiple tasks.
• Demonstrate ability to lead and effectively participate in team efforts
• Demonstrate ability to relate effectively to co-workers, advisors, community and professional leaders, and clientele groups
• Effectively work with the Board of Directors, Maintenance Supervisor, and Committees
• Identify and utilize resources effectively
• Ability to operate small tools safely

Physical Requirements:  This job requires the ability to perform the essential functions contained in this description.  These include, but are not limited to, the following requirements.  (Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified applicants unable to fulfill one or more of these requirements):  Ability to access all areas of the fairgrounds.

Working Conditions:  Working conditions vary and require close concentration, visual attention, or physical dexterity.  Must be able to work in high temperature and humidity conditions throughout the summer months.  Must be able to lift 50 pounds with or without accommodations.

Special Requirements

A valid New York State Driver’s License, the ability to drive, and a driving record acceptable for Association insurance coverage are required.

Occasional travel requirements associated with this position.

Ability to meet the demands of the position, which includes weekends and evening responsibilities.