Reports To:

Gordon County Administrator

Position Summary

The Director is responsible for the overall leadership, management, marketing, and operational success of the Gordon County Community Events Center. This position requires proven experience in marketing, event planning, and venue management, with a strong emphasis on agricultural, equestrian, and large-scale outdoor events. The Director will oversee daily operations, drive revenue growth, build regional partnerships, and position the facility as North Georgia’s premier destination for conferences, agricultural showcases, and entertainment.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Operations

● Manage day-to-day operations of the conference center and outdoor arena

● Implement policies, goals, and strategic direction established by the Gordon County Board of Commissioners and/or the County Administrator

● Ensure facilities are event-ready, safe, and well-maintained

● Coordinate closely with the Maintenance Operator to support event execution

● Oversee staffing, vendor coordination, and event logistics

Event Planning & Programming

● Book, plan, and manage a diverse calendar of events, including:

○ Agricultural shows, livestock exhibitions, rodeos, and equestrian events

○ Conferences, trade shows, expos, and corporate meetings

○ Concerts, fairs, festivals, and community celebrations

● Develop annual and multi-day signature events that generate recurring revenue

● Coordinate promoters, vendors, exhibitors, security, and service providers

Marketing & Business Development

● Lead all marketing and promotional efforts for the facility

● Develop and execute local and regional marketing campaigns

● Build strong relationships with agricultural associations, promoters, tourism partners, and corporate clients

● Identify sponsorship, naming rights, and partnership opportunities

● Represent the facility at industry events, trade shows, and community meetings

Financial & Administrative Oversight

● Develop and manage operating budgets in coordination with Gordon County’s Financial Policy

● Monitor revenue streams including rentals, vendor fees, sponsorships, and event partnerships

● Negotiate rental agreements within approved authority

● Provide regular performance, financial, and activity reports to the County Administrator and the Gordon County Board of Commissioners

Community & Advisory Engagement

● Engage local organizations, businesses, and stakeholders

● Promote Gordon County’s agricultural heritage and community identity through programming

Required Qualifications

● Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, Hospitality, Event Management, or similar field

● Strong background in agriculture, agribusiness, or agricultural event programming

● Demonstrated experience in marketing, promotions, and brand development

● Proven experience in event planning, venue management, or tourism-related operations

● Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills

● Ability to manage multiple events and priorities simultaneously

● Experience working with public entities, boards, or advisory groups preferred

Preferred Experience

● Managing conference centers, arenas, fairgrounds, or similar multi-use facilities

● Agricultural expos, rodeos, livestock shows, equestrian competitions, or fairs

● Sponsorship development and naming rights negotiations

Employment Type

Full-time, Salary Exempt Position

Hiring Timeline

April 2026

Salary Range

Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Benefits

Gordon County offers 10 paid holidays, vacation and sick time, group health insurance, and retirement plans.

Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination

(a)Policy. There shall be no discrimination exercised due to race, national origin, color, religion, creed, age, handicap, sex, or political affiliation with respect to the recruiting and examination of applicants, the hiring of eligibles, or in any personnel transactions affecting employees, including training, promotion, separation and disciplinary actions. All personnel actions shall be based solely upon merit and fitness of the individual.

(b)Publicity. The county administrator shall see that information about job opportunities is readily available to potential job applicants. A continuing program shall be conducted to make the equal employment policies known to all citizens of the community and other potential job applicants.

(c)Appeals based on alleged discrimination. An applicant or employee who alleges discrimination in any personnel transaction shall have the right to appeal, as provided in section 10-31(g).

(d)Facilities accessible to the handicapped. The county will maintain offices in facilities that are accessible to the handicapped, or make any reasonable adjustments to office facilities, to eliminate architectural barriers to the handicapped. Any artificial barriers to employment will be eliminated.

(Ord. of 12-19-95, Ch. XVI)