Event Manager - Long Term Contract

As this iconic Tasmanian event embarks on a new 5-year strategic plan, the Tasmanian Craft Fair is looking for a dynamic, community-minded person with event management experience to take over the operational delivery of Australia’s largest working sales and displays of quality arts and crafts. 

About the Fair

The Rotary Club of Deloraine has delivered the event for the past 43 years with the help of the volunteer members of the Club, community groups and volunteers. As we plan for the future, the Club and key stakeholders are charting an ambitious growth strategy to double attendee numbers by 2030 and ensure sustainability as a key driver of creativity across our region

We are building on all of the features and activities that make us a stand-out event, including adding more interactive displays, a new Masterclass program, enhancement of our locations and of course attracting quality artisans. 

This is an important time in our history, as we recognise the structure and heart of the Fair that brought us so far, whilst understanding the need to implement fresh ideas and systems for today’s world, future generations and within the growing scope of regional and Australian artisans.

Key Responsibilities

• Work in concert with the Craft Fair Director, Treasurer and Secretary and our key strategic partners to collate existing systems to plan to adapt and execute 2024 event delivery with the intention of preparing for future years.
• Collaborate with an eclectic mix of artisans, sponsors, suppliers and community groups and the supportive team at the  Rotary Club of Deloraine to elevate the Craft fair
• Deliver the agreed benefits for sponsors to enhance their investment and assist all parties to grow the program. If you have experience in this area, your role would extend to being the first point of contact for sponsorships.
• Identify, assemble, inspire and delegate select responsibilities to a league of volunteers, guiding them to ensure the Fair is efficient, systemised and continually optimised. 
• Work with our strategic marketing partner to align delivery with the commitments and announcements made throughout the year to align delivery with the marketing goals identified throughout the year preceding and following the Fair.
• Identify and plan initiatives that ensure we maximise accessibility for the broader local, intrastate and interstate community, no matter their level of ability, who wish to attend in order to ensure their experience is enjoyable. 
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and regulatory programs including guest experience responsibilities such as facilities for parenting and accessibility for differently-abled exhibitors, volunteers and patrons.
• Continuous quality improvement: Efficiently identify and address any issues that may arise throughout the planning or delivery stages of the event, while ensuring the broader management groups responsible for the Fair can minimise the chance of a repeat concern.
• Bring new ideas to the table for integration into the existing Strategic Plan. 

About You

• A community mind and a passion for facilitating opportunities for people to do their best work.
• Proven experience in event management, preferably within the arts, crafts, tourism or community event sectors.
• Excellent communication skills across a broad range of people across varied accomplishments, cultures, values and socio-economic status.
• Familiarity with the Tasmanian brand. Experience in merchandising and relevant tourism strategies is desirable but may be part of the learning process for the right candidate.
• Looking for flexibility in working location but has the ability to be close to Deloraine during the lead up to, and delivery of, the event.
• You can build an evidence-based rationale for new investments or initiatives that help you deliver an event you’re proud of and willing to put your name to. 
• You should love to see things grow year on year, with an eye to a long-term role that provides the Fair with the imagination, consistency and momentum it requires to remain a long-term, viable event. 

What is the time commitment?

• We expect that 2024 will be a year of learning, buddying and gaining knowledge of the lay of the land prior to being able undertake a more substantive, leadership role in 2025. However, this may be open to discussion based on your preferences and expertise. 
• By the end of May 2024, you are expected to have a strong understanding of the concept and opportunities identified in the strategic plan and the role of stakeholders and volunteers in expanding and working towards your preferred event delivery pathway. 
• Overall, other than the initial 2024 Craft Fair Year, we expect this role to require as little as a day per week from December through April, gradually increasing to almost full time from October to mid-November. We acknowledge that the event is held over the first weekend of November in most years. We will accept your input regarding the workload during the interview process. 
• Across the year this is expected to average a 0.5 FTE role. 

Application Process

• Send a cover letter that tells us what inspires you about this role and our event, while providing an insight into your expertise and your passions. 
• Include a resume of past relevant professional experience including past event roles, while also highlighting your community connections 
• Write a brief synopsis of how your training, qualifications, past or present work experiences and skills mix would allow you to address/fulfil the requirements of this specific role.
• Applications close 5pm April 8, 2024
• Interviews to be conducted prior to April 21, 2024
• Successful candidate advised prior to April 30, 2024.