Assistant Coordinator Home Arts & Hobbies

Job Overview
A position within the Agriculture, Arts and Education Department that reports to the Arts Program Supervisor, the Home Arts and Hobbies Assistant Exhibit Coordinator assists the Exhibit Coordinator in planning, organizing, and implementing competitive exhibits such as quilting, needle arts, sewing, knitting/crochet, decorative crafts, paper arts, baked goods, and preserved foods, and creates a dynamic and educational exhibit to be installed during the San Diego County Fair, assisting in overseeing its assembly, maintenance, and customer service functions.

Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Serve as a contact for exhibitor questions, ensuring consistent interpretation of rules.
• Collaborate with the Exhibit Coordinator to update the Exhibitor Guide content (divisions, classes, rules, premiums, schedules) and finalize on time.
• Help develop timelines for entry receiving, judging, exhibit installation, daily staffing, demos, and entry release.
• Recruit, schedule, and coordinate judges; prepare judging criteria and materials.
• Assist in planning the exhibit area, display layout, signage, and case assignments.
• Actively engage in community outreach that includes art/craft fairs, guild and club meetings, focus groups, social media, and presentations to interest groups.
• Collaborate on marketing efforts such as newsletter announcements, social media posts, emails, and networking.
• Foster strong participation from demonstrators, experts and other content providers.
• Schedule and support live demonstrations and interactive elements.
• Review exhibit staff candidate applications and participate in interviews.
• Assist in training and directing approximately (12) exhibit staff in appropriate exhibit operations and guest service.
• Order exhibit supplies, signage and equipment. Review event and catering orders.
• Create engaging displays of competition entries, signage, interactives, and dcor.
• Assist set-up, maintenance, and tear-down of exhibits, including assigning tasks to exhibit attendants.
• Oversee entry receiving/check-in, classification, and secure storage.
• Direct judging processes, reconcile awards, and coordinate receptions.
• Perform manual labor involved in the installation of the exhibit, which may include using tools and equipment.
• Lead safe handling and installation of exhibits; maintain exhibit cleanliness and display standards.
• Help coordinate orderly entry release/check-out, verify identity, and document any damages.
• Compile material and equipment inventory; summarize post-event recommendations.
• Respond to verbal and written questions and concerns in a timely and knowledgeable manner.
• Practice and direct others in correct physical work methods and established standards; maintain a safe work environment.
• Use and direct others to use personal protective equipment (e.g., gloves, googles) properly.
• Perform other related duties as assigned or requested when needed.

Qualifications

• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to direct staff/volunteers in fast-paced environments.
• Experience coordinating exhibits or events preferred.
• Knowledge of competition/exhibit subject preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Customer service skills with calm problem-solving approach.
  

Working Conditions

• Seasonal, part-time schedule starting in October through Mid-July.
• Work is mainly indoors, some outdoors.
• Work in a lively environment with loud noises and large groups of people.
• Work may involve exposure to weather conditions including fluctuating temperatures.
• Work will include standing and walking on concrete floors and exposure to dust and dirt.
• Work will include lifting objects up to 50 pounds and moving heavy objects.
• Schedule includes nights, weekends, and holidays when necessary.