Position Summary
The Chief Operations Officer (COO) of the Virginia Horse Center (VHC) is a senior member of the executive leadership team, and under the direction of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and in collaboration with other senior executive officers, will direct and supervise the daily operations of the VHC and provide leadership and direction to key departmental areas and staff to cause organizational success, which is defined as regional and national stature within the equestrian industry and profitability, for the VHC and the events it hosts and supports.
This position is located at the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington, Virginia. Applicant should be prepared to live in Rockbridge County. Bachelor’s degree preferred, but not required if candidate demonstrates 6-8 years’ experience in similar role. Salary will commensurate with level of experience.
Duties and Responsibilities
-Manage all operational activities, including those activities the VHC has committed to for both owned and leased horse shows and other non-equine events with the goals of efficiency, quality and profitability.
-Directly supervise departments having responsibility for maintenance, grounds, custodial activities and food and beverage.
-Oversee and be responsible for the effective and profitable operation of all areas of food and beverage at the VHC, including concessions, catering and restaurant management, regardless of whether these functions are owned by the VHC or contracted to an outside entity.
-Assure that all required licensing and documentation is executed with the appropriate governing body for equestrian events owned by the VHC.
-Along with the CEO, create and execute business development strategies to attract competitions, seminars, demonstrations and other activities to the VHC that increase stature and improve profitability.
-Liaise with horse show or event managers, whether contracted employees of the VHC, or those managing leased events, in a manner that maximizes the potential for success for the VHC and the event.
-Execute the appropriate contractual agreements between the VHC and the events that utilize the facility.
-Serve as the primary point person within the organization for all issues related to Information Technology maintenance and functionality.
-Along with the senior leadership team, collaborate and cooperate with the Chief Development Officer on fundraising strategies and implementation.
-As a member of the senior leadership team, provide detailed information as to performance and strategy with regard to the CFO’s budgetary process.
-Support the CEO’s Ambassadorial role within Rockbridge County and the City of Lexington, Virginia, in a manner that promotes the VHC’s extraordinary contribution to the local, regional and state economy, and which serves to continue the public and political support necessary for the VHC’s viability.
Please email a cover letter with CV to:
Mr. John Nicholson, CEO
Virginia Horse Center
nicholson.johnd@gmail.com
