COORDINATOR, COMMUNITY AFFAIRS ABOUT THE STATE FAIR OF TEXAS Since its inception in 1886, the State Fair of Texas has celebrated all things Texan by promoting agriculture, education, and community involvement through quality entertainment in a family-friendly environment. The State Fair of Texas is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with proceeds helping to preserve and improve our home, Fair Park; underwrite museums, community initiatives, and scholarship programs to support students throughout the Lone Star State pursuing higher education; and help improve State Fair operations. SUMMARY The Community Affairs Coordinator supports the Director of Community Affairs in implementing programs and initiatives that advance the State Fair of Texas’ mission, with a focus on education, community engagement, and charitable giving. This role coordinates community partnerships, educational outreach, special events, and related administrative functions while helping strengthen relationships with organizations and residents throughout South Dallas, Fair Park, and the broader community. Success in this position requires exceptional attention to detail, strong organizational skills, sound judgment, and a proactive, self-starting approach. The coordinator is expected to anticipate needs, take ownership of assignments, identify solutions, and move projects forward with minimal direction while maintaining a high standard of professionalism and service. DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Community Affairs and Engagement - Coordinate community programs, educational outreach, special events, and initiatives that advance the State Fair’s nonprofit mission.
- Support charitable giving, grants, sponsorships, and community initiatives, including coordination with nonprofit partners and grant recipients.
- Maintain relationships with community organizations, schools, agencies, and other partners while identifying opportunities to strengthen engagement.
- Visit with community partners and grant recipients, as appropriate, to understand needs, document outcomes, and support responsible use of funding.
- Maintain an organized, accessible database of community partners, contacts, programs, and related activities.
- Research community needs, emerging opportunities, and best practices to inform program development and continuous improvement.
- Represent the State Fair of Texas at community events and meetings and speak on behalf of the organization as approved by leadership.
Big Tex Scholarship Program - Assist with the day-to-day administration of the Big Tex Scholarship Program, including application cycles, deadlines, student communications, records, and program logistics.
- Maintain accurate scholarship records, track applications and recipient progress, and coordinate required documentation and reporting.
- Serve as a primary point of contact for applicants, scholarship recipients, families, and educational partners, providing timely information and assistance.
- Coordinate scholarship outreach and promotional activities with the Communications team and other partners to increase awareness and participation.
- Support scholarship events, student engagement, and initiatives that highlight the program’s impact and student success.
QUALIFICATIONS General Responsibilities - Work across departments to support community engagement, educational programming, and opportunities to connect audiences with the Fair’s mission.
- Manage multiple projects and deadlines, proactively communicate progress, anticipate needs, and resolve routine challenges independently.
- Prepare, proofread, and maintain correspondence, reports, agendas, program materials, and other documentation.
- Develop and coordinate content, program materials, and impact stories in collaboration with the Communications team.
- Support the mission and core values of the State Fair of Texas, including Texantude, enthusiastic customer focus, exemplary team spirit, affection for the Fair and its mission, and stewardship of tradition.
- Perform additional related duties and special projects as assigned.
- Work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed for community programs and events. This position, like all State Fair of Texas positions, requires working throughout the entire 24-day annual State Fair each fall, including extended hours as operational needs require.
QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: - The State Fair of Texas, its mission, programs, and history.
- Community engagement, nonprofit programs, and relationship management.
- Program coordination, event planning, recordkeeping, and administrative practices.
- Effective written and verbal communication, customer service, and professional correspondence.
- Microsoft Office or comparable software, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
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