Marketing and Social Media Specialist

Overview of Association:
The Central Washington Fair Association is a private non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that has a long-term contract to operate State Fair Park.

State Fair Park is home of the Central Washington State Fair, Yakima Valley SunDome, a Sprint Boat racetrack, Yakima County Baseball Stadium and a newly expanding RV Park. The 125-acre campus is the largest multi-purpose venue in Central Washington, hosting more than 200 events annually. The Central Washington State Fair is a 10-day Fair that has been in existence for more than 130 years, celebrating the heritage and agriculture of the Yakima Valley.

The Association is always exploring opportunities to create new self-produced events and partnerships that will bring new programming and additional revenue opportunities to the property.

Position Overview:
State Fair Park & Event Center is seeking a highly motivated and creative individual to join our team as a Marketing and Social Media Specialist. As the Marketing and Social Media Specialist, you will be responsible for developing and implementing strategic marketing and communication initiatives, managing social media platforms, overseeing the street team, and promoting events and activities held at the State Fair Park & Event Center. You will play a key role in driving brand awareness, increasing attendance, and engaging with our target audience.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement comprehensive marketing and communication strategies to promote annual 10-day Fair, other State Fair Park & Event Center self-produced events, year-round client events and overall facility promotion.
• Create and manage social media campaigns across various platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, YouTube) to increase brand visibility, engagement, and drive traffic to the organization's website.
• Create engaging and shareable content for social media platforms, including posts, videos, graphics, and other multimedia formats.
• Monitor and analyze social media trends, audience insights, and competitor activities to optimize marketing efforts and stay ahead of industry best practices.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to develop marketing collateral, including brochures, flyers, signage, and digital assets.
• Partner with external marketing agency by providing input, coordination, and internal alignment for promotional events, press releases, and media partnerships.
• Utilize email marketing tools to create and distribute monthly e-newsletters, monthly fan club newsletters, event announcements, and promotional materials to the organization's subscribers.
• Manage our public-facing “Street Team,” including recruitment, training, scheduling, and supervision of team members. The Street Team is utilized both for on-site and off-site events to raise awareness, promote events and engage with the public.
• Coordinate Street Team activities and initiatives to maximize visibility, drive attendance, and engage with the target audience.
• Monitor and respond to online reviews, inquiries, and feedback across various platforms to maintain a positive brand image and customer satisfaction.
• Stay up to date with emerging marketing trends, technologies, and industry standards, and make recommendations for incorporating new strategies into the organization's marketing efforts. Research what others in the industry are doing in order to learn how we can improve our messaging.
• Create, in conjunction with VP of Business Partnerships & Communications, a monthly marketing plan and calendar.
• Help develop the annual marketing and communication plan for the organization.
• Assist in developing innovative, nontraditional marketing strategies in collaboration with VP and other staff, including cross-promotional partnerships and stakeholder engagement.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or a related field.
• Proven experience in marketing and social media management, preferably in the events, entertainment, or hospitality industry.
• Strong knowledge of social media platforms, trends, and best practices for organic and paid campaigns.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to create compelling content for different platforms and target audiences.
• Proficient in using social media management tools, analytics platforms, and email marketing software, including Google Analytics, Meta Business Suite, and Constant Contact. Use analytics data to create post-event sponsorship reports.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience with graphic design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva) is a plus.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, generate insights, and optimize marketing strategies accordingly.
• Creative, yet detail-oriented, and able to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-starter, initiative-taking approach; doesn’t wait to be asked, resourceful and thinks ahead.
• Completion of background check.

If you are passionate about marketing, social media, managing a street team, and the events industry, and you thrive in a dynamic and exciting environment, we encourage you to apply for the position of Marketing and Social Media Specialist at State Fair Park & Event Center.

Compensation and Benefits:
This is a full-time hourly position, with some nights and weekends as needed, based on events. The starting range is $26.44-$28.85 per hour ($55,000-$60,000 annualized), depending on qualifications, plus discretionary annual bonus. You will be eligible to participate in the following benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Aflac, Life/AD&D, Long Term Disability, 401(k) plan.

Physical Demands:
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and or stand and or walk for long periods of time. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms and to talk or hear.

Please submit your resume with a cover letter outlining your experience and accomplishments related to this opportunity.

Pay: $26.44 - $28.85 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person