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Apply Now: Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Coordinator

Title/Position: Youth Arts Coordinator

Reports To: Arts Director

Deadline to Apply: Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025 (by 11:59 p.m.)

Contracted Project Fee & Seasonal Employment Position

This position will serve in two different employment capacities, both as a freelance contracted employee for a project fee during the non-fair season (March through mid-July), and as a paid seasonal employee during the summer (mid-July through mid-August).

Expectations

Hours are at the discretion of the contractor to achieve the necessary project goals and may vary based upon an individual's schedule and abilities. During the contracted non-fair season, the fee is based on the project/work, not hours, and is a flat fee paid incrementally upon mutual agreement (such as a monthly or one-time payment). Estimated: 500-600 hours / total including off-season contract fee and Fair season payroll amount. You are required to work every day of the Ohio State Fair, typically 12 hours per day, July 29 - August 9, 2026. Prior to the Ohio State Fair, significant set- up time, potentially including evenings and weekends, may be required.

Summary

The Youth Arts Coordinator will be responsible for managing and growing the Youth Arts program at the Ohio State Fair. This position will report directly to the Arts Director. This position is a contracted part-time position. Planning (virtual) meetings take place throughout the contract period. Work will be completed both remotely (off-season) and on-site at the Ohio State Fair. Hours will vary during the contract period and will exceed full-time immediately prior to and during Fair time (late July - early August). Fair hours are typically 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Specific responsibilities and job tasks include

March - May
  • Work with various schools, educators, and other entities to promote and recruit entries for the Youth Arts exhibit. o Help plan and execute special competitions, such as the Youth Chalk Art Competition.
  • Manage exhibitor relations, field questions, issues, complaints, etc., regarding Youth Arts competitions.
  • Attend and participate in planning meetings (mostly virtual) as needed with Arts leadership team.
  • Assist Arts Director with selecting jurors.
May - June
  • Work closely with the entry department to ensure proper management of input of categories, divisions.
  • Manage exhibitor relations, field questions, issues, complaints, etc., regarding Youth Arts competitions.
  • Attend and participate in planning meetings (mostly virtual) as needed with Arts leadership team.
Mid-July - mid-August
  • Coordinate and assist with Youth Arts drop off and pick up.
  • Manage daily operations of the exhibit.
  • Coordinate and set-up Youth Arts exhibit Kasich Hall C prior to Fair, ensuring appropriate artistic arrangement and flow of display areas.
  • Ensure that appropriate items are attached to the award-winning entries for display purposes.
  • Ensure that photographs are taken of all entries, displays, rejected works, and winning entries for reference purposes; these files will become a part of the overall Arts Department files.
  • Retain all appropriate files and templates in shared file management system.
  • Create and provide final winner list for all Youth Arts competitions.
  • Conduct youth Arts Award Ceremony.
  • Assist in Creative Arts exhibit, as needed/available (adjacent exhibit hall).

Important Dates to Note

  • June 21 - Youth Arts entries due
  • June 22 - 29 - Youth Arts jurying (online)
  • June 30 (tentative) - Notify exhibitors of selections
  • July 15 - 28 - Exhibit set-up and preparation (on-site days); exact entry drop off dates to be determined.
  • July 29 - August 9 - Ohio State Fair
  • August 10 -11 - Youth Arts entry pick-up

Qualifications

  • Exceptional organizational skills
    • Detail oriented and strong problem-solving skills.
    • Computer skills with knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite.
  • Management and collaboration skills
    • Excellent interpersonal skills, with ability to direct and manage staff.
    • Ability to work well with groups and co-manage staff.
    • Previous customer service-related experience.
  • Planning and project management skills
    • Ability to plan and execute the exhibit layout.
  • Self-motivated
    • Must be able to follow up and meet deadlines. While this position will work under the guidance of and meet periodically with the Special Events Director, this person will work remotely during the off-season and on-site during Fair season.
  • Familiarity with arts
    • Interest or knowledge of art, specifically youth (preferred)

Compensation

Contracted project fee = $1,000 + seasonal pay hourly rate

Questions

Please contact Alissa Belna-Muhlenkamp, Special Events Director (a.belna-muhlenkamp@expo.ohio.gov) and Heather Belew, Arts Director (h.belew@expo.ohio.gov).
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