Executive Director, Agricultural Events & Competitions

Description

Executive Director, Agricultural Events & Competitions

National Western | Denver, CO

About National Western

We are National Western—an organization rooted in more than 120 years of history and driven by a mission to strengthen American agriculture through education, youth development, and community connection. We are stewards of the Western way of life, grounded in the values of courage, pride, integrity, grit, and loyalty. Each January, we bring this mission to life through the legendary National Western Stock Show—one of the world’s premier Western lifestyle, rodeo, and livestock entertainment events—welcoming hundreds of thousands of guests from across the globe. Beyond the Stock Show, we operate The Legacy, a world-class, year-round destination for events, experiences, and cultural connections in the heart of Denver. We are more than an event—we are a brand that lives at the intersection of heritage and culture, shaping how Western lifestyle shows up in the modern world.

Position Summary

The Executive Director of Agricultural Events & Competitions leads the planning, execution, and continuous improvement of all agricultural programming at the National Western Stock Show. This includes livestock, equine, and junior livestock events, contests, sales, and educational agriculture programming. The role ensures operational excellence, participant engagement, and alignment with the National Western’s mission of showcasing the livestock & equine industry, promoting youth development, and advancing agricultural education. The Executive Director serves as a strategic leader, managing staff, volunteers, committees, and partners while maintaining the highest standards of safety, integrity, and animal welfare. This role also supports the broader agricultural mission of the organization by cultivating partnerships, developing educational initiatives, and creating opportunities that promote the future of agriculture and western heritage. As well as being responsible for managing agriculture competitions/programming and the development of new competitions, ensuring that they not only meet but exceed guest expectations by creating inspired spaces that feature animals, industry showcases, competitions, and programs that develop youth. This position plays a critical leadership role in maintaining the agricultural credibility, competitive excellence, and mission impact of the National Western Stock Show. The Executive Director ensures that NWSS remains one of the premier livestock and equine events in the world while expanding programs that support the future of agriculture.

Reports to: Vice Presidents of Livestock & Agricultural Operations and Rodeo & Horse Show

What You'll Do

Event Planning & Execution

• Oversee all agricultural events and competitions, including
• Livestock shows and sales
• Equine shows and competitions
• Junior Livestock Auction and youth programs
• Contests and educational competitions (e.g., livestock judging, skill contests). 
• Coordinate scheduling, venue logistics, and resource allocation for all events.
• Develop and maintain operational plans, risk management strategies, and safety protocols.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations, animal welfare standards, and organizational policies.
• Managing timelines and operational planning for all competitions.
• Coordinating with breed associations and national livestock organizations.
• Overseeing entry systems, exhibitor communications, and event logistics.
• Ensuring competitions maintain national prestige and competitive excellence.

Participant Engagement & Experience

• Serve as primary liaison for breed associations, exhibitors, youth organizations, and industry partners.
• Foster positive experiences for participants, volunteers, and staff.
• Implement strategies to increase participation, diversity, and inclusion across events.
• Manage awards, recognition, and judging standards.

Program Development

• Develop and expand agricultural programming that aligns with the National Western mission, including:
• Youth agriculture education programs
• Industry leadership forums
• Producer education initiatives
• Agricultural innovation showcases
• Agricultural workforce development programs
• Partnerships with universities, research institutions, and agricultural organizations
• Introduce new contests, educational opportunities, and event innovations to enhance engagement.
• Oversee livestock and equine educational initiatives for youth and adult audiences.
• Collaborate with marketing and sponsorship teams to promote events and secure financing.
• Programs should advance WSSA’s mission to support and promote agriculture while educating the public about its importance.

Financial & Operational Management

• Prepare budgets, monitor expenses, and optimize revenue for events, sales, and competitions. 
• Oversee entry fees, sponsorships, and sales revenue streams.
• Manage contracts with vendors, contractors, judges, and breed associations.
• Identify opportunities for revenue growth through events, partnerships, and sponsorships.
• Ensure efficient and responsible use of organizational resources.
• Collaborate with leadership on long-term program investments.
• Ensure business goals meet or exceed programming expectations and that these programs are executed to the highest standards.

Staff & Volunteer Leadership and Management

• Supervise and mentor a team of agricultural event coordinators, support staff, and seasonal employees.
• Recruit, train, and manage volunteers critical to event execution.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, accountability, and professional development.
• Establish performance standards and operational processes.
• Manage departmental budgets and resource allocation.
• Coordinate with operations, marketing, sponsorship, and facilities teams.
• Inspire others by demonstrating personal inspiration and excitement for the organization’s vision and direction and sharing that passion with teams.

Industry & Stakeholder Engagement

Develop and maintain strong relationships with:

• Breed associations
• Livestock and equine organizations
• Agricultural universities
• Youth agriculture organizations (4-H, FFA, etc.)
• Agricultural industry partners
• Sponsors and donors

Serve as key ambassadors for the National Western Stock Show within the agricultural industry.

Strategic Leadership

• Provide strategic vision and direction for all livestock, equine, and agricultural competition programming.
• Ensure all agricultural events align with the mission, values, and long-term strategy of the National Western Stock Show.
• Identify opportunities to expand agricultural programming, educational initiatives, and industry partnerships.
• Serve as a senior leader representing WSSA within the national livestock, equine, and agricultural communities.
• Represent the WSSA at industry conferences, association meetings, and community engagements.
• Analyze trends, participant feedback, and performance metrics to improve events.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to advance the organization’s agricultural mission.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Requirements

Skills & Abilities

• Deep understanding of livestock and equine industry standards, competitions, and regulations.
• Familiarity with junior livestock programs, 4-H, FFA, and youth development principles.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills.
• Strong financial acumen, including revenue generation and budget management.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects under tight deadlines.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Animal Science, Event Management, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 8+ years of progressively responsible experience in livestock, equine, or agricultural event management.
• Experience managing large-scale competitions, auctions, or shows.
• Proven budget, staff, and volunteer management experience.

Attributes

• Passion for agriculture, youth development, and animal welfare.
• Strong leadership and team-building skills.
• High attention to detail, problem-solving, and decision-making ability.
• Flexibility to work extended hours, including nights, weekends, and the event season.
• Ability to learn different software programs to provide support for entry systems, contracting, billings, and payment receipts.
• Ability to effectively learn and implement systems and procedures through guidance from senior staff.

Physical Demands

National Western Complex is a multi-purpose indoor and outdoor commercial and agricultural complex where dusty conditions and animals may exist. While performing the duties of this job, work is performed both indoors and outside in all weather conditions, including extreme cold, snow, wind, and rain, on varied surfaces. 

In this role, individuals will experience prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Incumbent must be able to occasionally lift 50 pounds and access/navigate the National Western Complex in its entirety, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Compensation & Benefits

• This is a full-time salaried/exempt position.
• Base compensation will range from $115,000 to $125,000 annually.
• Full-time employees qualify for partially paid Medical, Dental, and Vision; family coverage is available at group rates.
• Voluntary benefits, including Accident, Critical Illness, Short-Term Disability, Hospital Indemnity, and pet insurance available at discounted rates.
• 100% paid Long-Term Disability and Voluntary Life Insurance.
• Paid sick leave and vacation time.
• Upon meeting plan qualifications, a competitive 401(k) retirement plan is available with up to 7% matching.

WSSA/NWSS is a drug & alcohol-free employer with a zero-tolerance drug policy, including marijuana.

WSSA/NWSS is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity.

All offers are contingent on the successful completion of a criminal background check. 

Job Posting Close Date

06/01/2026; open until filled