Director of Expo Center

Job Details

Position Information

Posting Number 20270008EX Job Title Director of Expo Center Number of Vacancies 1 About Murray State

Located in the West Kentucky region, Murray State University is a public, comprehensive University which offers a low cost of living, low property taxes, and a four-season climate. Murray has a friendly, small-town atmosphere with locally-owned specialty shops and restaurants, an acclaimed community theater, art guild and award-winning public schools. The area is home to Kentucky Lake and Land Between the Lakes, a 170,000-acre National Recreation Area, which offers a wide-range of activities and amenities for residents and visitors alike. Located in close proximity to major cities and nearby access to Interstate 24, Murray is just a few hours from Nashville, St. Louis, Louisville and Memphis. Learn more about Careers at Murray State University.

About Murray State Benefits

Faculty and staff of Murray State University have access to a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement, tuition waivers, generous paid holidays, vacation, sick, and paid parental leave, as well as many other benefit offerings. Please refer to the Murray State Benefits page for more information.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Equal Opportunity Employer/AA. Murray State University does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, gender, identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, veteran status, disability or political or social viewpoint. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Type of Employment Regular Full-Time If Part Time, Enter Hours Per Week Work Location Murray, KY Employment Term 12 Months Position Type Staff - Exempt (Monthly) Department West KY Expo Ctr Summary of Job Duties and Responsibilities

The Expo Director is responsible for the successful operation of the Cherry West Kentucky Livestock and Exposition (Expo) Center, a 2,748 seat multi-event building.

• Serve as the primary liaison between building users and University staff.
• Prepare and direct the preparation of marketing/promotional campaigns designed to enhance the facilities' reputation and maximize usage, as well as making presentations to organizations and groups concerning the capabilities and capacities of the Expo.
• Establish contractual agreements, overall budgets, operating policies and procedures, as well as identifying operating needs; improve logistics processes and requirements of the facilities.
• Perform operating and financial analyses to ensure proficiency and optimum realization from assets expended.
• Meet material/equipment/animal handling requirements, standards for safety for MSU regulations, Fire Marshall Codes, and OSHA.
• Proactively seek customer satisfaction perceptions and modify goals accordingly.
• Administer appropriate forms for all inventories, equipment, food accountability, and monitor building and ancillary components.
• Supervision of the Expo work force of full-time and student employees and training of the Expo work force.
• Must support and promote the missions of the Huston School of Agriculture and related events and must maintain current promoters/proactively seek new events and have vision to promote Expo to the next level.
• Oversee the Farm Equipment Training Program in the Hutson School of Agriculture.
• Directs the supervision of specialists assigned to the various disciplines offered at Expo Center and evaluates the results of specialized programs.
• Coordinates with the supervisor on appropriate strategies to foster events engaging community aligned with the educational goals supporting the mission of Murray State University.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in agriculture or a field related to the scope of work is required.

Minimum Experience and Skill Requirements

• Must have at least five years of combined experience in the following:

• Equipment, building, facility and/or farm operation and maintenance.

• Farm or business management.

• Show/event leadership in event planning, on-site event management and customer service.

• Agribusiness Marking/Management Field or Hotel/Restaurant Management.

• Additional college and related experience may be exchanged year-for-year to meet qualifications.

• Must be able to show initiative and ability to interface with external customers, agents and event promoters, as well as with MSU Huston School of Agriculture and other departments and personnel on campus.

Preferred Education and/or Experience Qualifications

• Master's in agriculture or related field is preferred.
• Specific experience in exposition-center management.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to physically lift up to 50 pounds for event set-up and operate expo equipment, including tractors, fork lifts, skid steers, telescopic handlers, etc.

Work Hours

• Must be able to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Hourly Rate/Annual Salary $48,455 (Additional pay dependent upon qualifications) Staff Grade 113

Posting Details

Posting Date 08/19/2026 Closing Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, the following items must be included:

• Letter of application
• Resume

For best consideration, please submit a completed application along with all required materials by September 9, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents

• Other Document