Coordinator - Community Programs
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Del Mar Fairgrounds/22nd District Agricultural Association
San Diego, CA, US
Summary
The Community Programs Coordinator plans, organizes, and implements fair-time programs and exhibits while managing participant logistics and schedules. They also conduct community outreach to engage new groups and oversee daily exhibit operations to ensure guest safety and engagement.
Job Description
Job Overview
A position within the Agriculture, Arts and Education Department that reports to the department Manager, the Community Programs Coordinator plans, organizes, and implements Fair-time programs and exhibits involving scout troops, non-profit organizations, governmental entities, and public service clubs, and creates dynamic and educational experiences for Fair guests to enjoy during the San Diego County Fair.
Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Serve as primary contact for participant questions, ensuring consistent program messaging.
- Review the program’s Rules and Requirements and agreement language.
- Develop and maintain program and exhibit schedules; manages participants’ logistical requirements.
- Collaborates with participating groups on programming and activities.
- Collaborates with department managers, supervisors and other staff to develop and track work orders and event orders.
- Plan the exhibit area(s) and develop maps including booth assignments, amenities, access routes, and parking.
- Actively engage in community outreach that includes local events, guild and club meetings, focus groups, social media, and presentations to interest groups to enlist new and engaging 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 participant applications and maintain rosters.
- Order exhibit supplies, signage and equipment. Review event and work orders.
- Direct work of supporting staff members.
- Coordinate set-up, maintenance, and tear-down of exhibit spaces, including scheduling manpower and assigning tasks to staff or contract laborers; perform manual labor involved in the installation of the exhibit, which may include using tools and equipment.
- Plan and present participant orientation.
- Oversee daily booth and exhibit activities to ensure guest engagement and safety.
- Lead safe handling and installation of exhibits; maintain exhibit cleanliness and display standards.
- 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, including public speaking.
- Ability to direct staff/volunteers in fast-paced environments.
- Desire to participate in community outreach.
- Experience coordinating exhibits or events 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 with peak hours in May and during Fair time, when weekends and some evenings are required.
- Stand/walk for extended periods. Lift up to 30 lbs. Push/pull heavy objects.
- Indoors and outdoors in both climate-controlled and non-climate-controlled spaces.
- Lively environment with loud noises and large groups of people.
- Exposure to weather conditions including fluctuating temperatures.
- Exposure to dust, food smells, and animal smells.
Agriculture – the growth and farming of food, flowers & fiber – is what originally brought San Diegans together for the annual fair. By holding competitions to see who grew the sweetest citrus, who baked the tastiest pie, and who had the fastest horse, the San Diego County Fair was born in 1880.
Just after the turn of the century, in an effort to promote and encourage local farming and industry, the California legislature formally organized agricultural associations throughout the state, and the 22nd District Agricultural Association (22nd DAA) was established in San Diego.
In 1936, the 22nd DAA purchased the property at the mouth of the San Dieguito River, now known as the Del Mar Fairgrounds, to host the annual county fair. That first year, more than 50,000 guests attended the San Diego County Fair’s 10-day event. One year later the Del Mar Turf Club began leasing the racetrack for its annual live throughbred horse race meet, with the famous blue-eyed crooner Bing Crosby welcoming guests through the turnstiles.
Events hosted at the Fairgrounds fall into two categories:
1.) Events produced by the 22nd DAA, the largest being the annual San Diego County Fair.
2.) Events and activities produced by third-party promoters, which range from concerts and festivals, trade shows and consumer expos, equestrian competitions and animal shows, sporting events, fundraisers and personal celebrations. The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club is the largest tenant of the 22nd DAA, leasing on-site office space and operating two seasons of live thoroughbred horse racing.
OUR MISSION
To manage and promote a world-class, multi-use, public assembly facility with an emphasis on agriculture, education, entertainment and recreation in a fiscally sound and environmentally conscientious manner for the benefit of all.
Founded
1936
Company size
51-200 employees
Industry
Events Services
Org type
Government Agency
Headquarters
Del Mar, California
Agriculture – the growth and farming of food, flowers & fiber – is what originally brought San Diegans together for the annual fair. By holding competitions to see who grew the sweetest citrus, who baked the tastiest pie, and who had the fastest horse, the San Diego County Fair was born in 1880.
Just after the turn of the century, in an effort to promote and encourage local farming and industry, the California legislature formally organized agricultural associations throughout the state, and the 22nd District Agricultural Association (22nd DAA) was established in San Diego.
In 1936, the 22nd DAA purchased the property at the mouth of the San Dieguito River, now known as the Del Mar Fairgrounds, to host the annual county fair. That first year, more than 50,000 guests attended the San Diego County Fair’s 10-day event. One year later the Del Mar Turf Club began leasing the racetrack for its annual live throughbred horse race meet, with the famous blue-eyed crooner Bing Crosby welcoming guests through the turnstiles.
Events hosted at the Fairgrounds fall into two categories:
1.) Events produced by the 22nd DAA, the largest being the annual San Diego County Fair.
2.) Events and activities produced by third-party promoters, which range from concerts and festivals, trade shows and consumer expos, equestrian competitions and animal shows, sporting events, fundraisers and personal celebrations. The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club is the largest tenant of the 22nd DAA, leasing on-site office space and operating two seasons of live thoroughbred horse racing.
OUR MISSION
To manage and promote a world-class, multi-use, public assembly facility with an emphasis on agriculture, education, entertainment and recreation in a fiscally sound and environmentally conscientious manner for the benefit of all.
Founded
1936
Company size
51-200 employees
Industry
Events Services
Org type
Government Agency
Headquarters
Del Mar, California
