Executive Director Job Posting

The Michigan Association of Fairs and Exhibitions Board of Directors announces that Executive Director John Schut has submitted his resignation, effective April 25. He has served in this role since January 2023. We appreciate his time with the Association and wish him well in his future endeavors.

The personnel committee will begin the screening and interview process to identify the candidate who is the best fit to serve as Executive Director. In the meantime, Lisa Reiff, MAFE Executive Director for nine years, has agreed to step back into the role, effective April 26, until the position is filled.

Interested candidates should submit a resume along with a summary of relevant background experience and qualifications to vmicheau@up.net by May 5, 2025. The job description is included below.

General Summary of Position

The Executive Director position is responsible for all administrative oversight related to operation of the Michigan Association of Fairs and Exhibitions (MAFE). The incumbent uses independent judgment and direction from the Board of Directors to implement and promote the mission of the MAFE.

Supervision and Evaluation

This position reports directly to the Executive Committee of the MAFE Board of Directors, and shall be evaluated at least annually by the Executive Committee with input from all members of the Board of Directors.

Assigned Duties

1. Conduct all business operations of the MAFE office

• Maintain an MAFE office (MAFE does not own office space)
• Plan, promote and coordinate meetings, special events and annual convention, including negotiation of contracts of hotels and other sites within budgetary limits
• Distribute meeting notices, minutes and other information to Board members
• Coordinate preparation and publishing of membership directory
• Maintain website, mifairs.com, with pertinent information including fair dates, membership documents and convention materials
• Assist and review the monthly newsletter
• Establish and maintain positive public relations to provide statewide awareness of the MAFE
• Promote growth of the Association through membership recruitment and retention • Attend convention, zone meetings, board meetings and committee meetings, as necessary
• Prepare and distribute correspondence, reports and other information
• Maintain all records for the Association

2. Oversee all financial matters

• Coordinate preparation annual budget with Finance Committee for submission to the Board
• Review all income and expenditures, and process bills for payment
• Maintain appropriate accounting records to ensure compliance with applicable laws and guidelines
• Prepare monthly financial statements for distribution to all members of the Board of Directors
• Coordinate audits and review of financial records with the Treasurer

3. Serve as Representative of the MAFE

• Act as liaison with governmental agencies, legislators, lobbyists and related organizations
• Attend zone meetings across the state, and attend other meetings as directed by the Executive Committee of the MAFE Board of Directors such as Legislative Day and MAFE President’s day
• Represent MAFE at internal and outside events as the designated as MAFE spokesperson

4. Promote Financial Growth

• Develop and maintain corporate and private sponsorships
• Conduct and/or oversee other fundraising activities

5. Annual Convention Implementation

• Work with convention committees to implement annual convention. Committees include, but are not limited to showcase, sponsorship, spouse, workshop, teen, hospitality, and tradeshow.
• Distribute convention materials via newsletter and online
• Maintain convention app
• Oversee volunteers for Mega raffle, registration, communication awards, etc.
• Community convention needs with host facility staff before, during and after event including event orders billing and implementation
• The Executive Director position is fully remote and offers flexible working hours.