The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) is searching for a personable, dynamic, highly organized and motivated individual to serve as Director of the Common Ground Country Fair. This is an outstanding opportunity to work year-round on a unique agricultural event, celebrating sustainable living practices in Maine, while highlighting organic farming and gardening and vital local economies. MOFGA, founded in 1971, is the oldest and largest state organic association. The Common Ground Country Fair, now in its 32nd year, is MOFGA's signature event, and is the largest known organic fair. It runs three days (always the third weekend after Labor Day), and draws more than 60,000 visitors.

MOFGA intends to conduct a thorough search for top-level candidates for this post. A search committee will interview candidates who have: a demonstrated commitment to MOFGA's mission; excellent verbal and written communication skills; a record of strength in organizing large events and handling many projects simultaneously; the ability to work calmly and productively under fast-paced, occasionally stressful conditions; extensive experience managing staff, volunteers and committees; an unwavering affinity for attention to detail; a proven record of managing a large and complex budget; the ability to learn computer software programs easily -- particularly data management programs; and a willingness to work during evening and weekend hours as needed.

This is a full-time, year-round position that occasionally requires attendance at evening and weekend meetings, and long hours during the month of September, especially during the week leading up to the Fair. The position is based at MOFGA's headquarters in rural Unity, Maine -- located a half hour east of Waterville, 50 minutes northeast of Augusta, a half hour northwest of Belfast, and about an hour southwest of Bangor. The Fair Director directly supervises an assistant, works closely with MOFGA's staff of 20, and coordinates a Fair Planning Team of roughly 180 volunteers.

The search committee will conduct at least two rounds of interviews among serious prospects. MOFGA hopes to fill the position by April 2008, but will keep the position open until the right candidate comes along. Applications should arrive in the MOFGA office by January 18th, 2008. Send a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and list of three professional references to: Fair Director Search, MOFGA, PO Box 170, Unity, ME 04988.

Job Description

Title: Common Ground Country Fair Director
Primary Responsibility: to coordinate the Common Ground Country Fair (CGCF), supervising the Educational Programs Assistant and working closely with the CGCF Steering Committee and Planning Team
Supervisor: Associate Director
Work Week: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday through Friday
Additional Work Hours: Evening and weekend meetings and work as needed.
Position: Salaried. Federal Fair Labor Standards Act Exempt.

Required Abilities and Knowledge:

    * working creatively and independently
    * planning, promoting, organizing, coordinating and evaluating large events
    * managing personnel and volunteers
    * communicating verbally and in writing with staff, volunteers and the public
    * managing a large budget
    * understanding computer systems including word processing, database and spreadsheets
    * understanding issues related to organic farming and sustainable living in Maine
    * handling many projects simultaneously
    * recognizing operational needs and delegating accordingly
    * working well with staff, volunteers and the public

Responsibilities:

    * working closely with the Fair Steering Committee and Planning Team to ensure that area concerns are being addressed and met
    * coordinating meetings and activities of the Fair Steering Committee, Planning Team, Fair sub-committees
    * evaluating and developing CGCF areas and programs
    * supervising Educational Programs Assistant
    * maintaining communication between Fair committees and MOFGA Staff and Board
    * managing budget and fiscal planning of the CGCF
    * producing promotional literature including Fair brochures, posters, directories, schedules and articles for Fairbooks
    * working with MOFGA's webmaster and the media to promote the CGCF
    * procuring and managing goods and services for the CGCF
    * organizing CGCF outreach program to Maine schools
    * organizing an internship and summer help program for the Fair office
    * developing and maintaining a comprehensive listing of guidelines for the Fair and its areas
    * coordinating Fair set-up, clean-up, and related meetings
    * maintaining smooth operation of the CGCF
    * managing appropriate use of non-personnel resources allocated to the CGCF
    * representing the CGCF and MOFGA at meetings of the Maine Association of Agricultural Fairs
    * attending meetings outside of regular business hours as needed
    * carrying out all of the responsibilities listed above in accordance with the mission statement, goals, and philosophy of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association