General Manager
Canmore Folk Festival
Hours: Year-round, full-time employment
Compensation: $60,000
Deadline: November 30, 2024 (Applications received after this date may be considered until positions are filled)
The Canmore Folk Music Festival is one of the longest running festivals in Alberta, celebrating our 48th anniversary in 2025. Our signature event is the three-day music festival presented annually over the long weekend in August with attendance of over 5,000 people per day. We are fortunate to be well supported by our staff, our board, our volunteer base, our audiences, our sponsors, the local community and patrons from across Western Canada and beyond.
Join us as the general manager of the Canmore Folk Festival. In this pivotal role, you will oversee daily operations, manage staff, and ensure the successful execution of our annual festival and year-round events. We are looking for a dynamic individual with strong event management skills, financial acumen, and a passion for fostering community and artistic development. If you are ready to help us elevate our festival experience and engage diverse audiences, we want to hear from you!
To apply please visit airtable.com.
Applications received before November 30, 2024 will be given full consideration. Applications received after this date may be considered until positions are filled.
We value the principles of diversity and inclusion and encourage candidates with diverse backgrounds to apply. We understand that candidates may not have every skill listed but encourage you to apply if you’re excited about this role and eager to learn.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Oversight:
- Oversee the daily operations of the organization, ensuring efficiency in administrative processes and internal workflows.
- Implement organizational policies, procedures, and strategies to improve operational effectiveness.
- Support the executive director in the execution of strategic plans and long-term goals for the organization.
- Manage vendor relationships, contracts, and negotiations, ensuring timely delivery of services and adherence to agreements.
- Serve as the key liaison between external (TOC, Miners Hall, Saint Michael’s Church, etc.) partners and the organization including contract negotiations.
- Act as a key representative of the organization with external stakeholders, ensuring consistent communication and relationship management.
- Supervise the site manager and all volunteer coordinators assigned to the GM.
Festival and Event Management:
- Lead the planning and coordination of the festival and other major events, ensuring all logistical and operational aspects are effectively managed.
- Oversee the site manager and all on-site operations during the festival weekend, including vendor setup, site safety, and event infrastructure.
- Act as the lead for resolving operational issues on-site during festivals and events.
Monitor site operations during the festival, making adjustments as necessary to reduce risk and optimize attendee experience. - Develop and implement safety policies and operational processes for the organization.
- Coordinate with Site Manager and vendors for timely and efficient equipment setup and takedown.
- Ensure compliance with safety regulations, AGLC, permits, and insurance requirements.
- Collaborate with the operations and volunteer coordinator to ensure seamless integration of volunteers during events.
- Serve as a key member of the festival safety committee including attendance at all safety meetings.
- Manage all on-site alcohol operations, including development and adherence to policies, VIP area, supervision of the Beverage Lead, pub operations, inventory and related processes.
Equipment/Contractor Management:
- Manage all organizational equipment, including sourcing, budgeting and tracking, utilizing technology to streamline inventory management and data accuracy.
- Develop processes and policies for all on-site equipment (ie. tent policy).
- Ensure all equipment is maintained, stored properly, and returned in good condition after each use.
- Complete an annual equipment audit/inventory.
- Oversee equipment rentals, purchases, repairs, and returns, ensuring cost-effectiveness and compliance with budgets.
- Source and supervise needed contractors (security, janitorial, electric etc.) for festival operations.
Financial Management:
- Develop and manage budgets in collaboration with the executive director, ensuring accurate financial reporting and control.
- Track and manage expenses for festival logistics, administrative operations, and event costs.
- Processing invoicing, payments, and contracts with vendors and suppliers.
- Assist with grant management, including the preparation of financial reports for funders and stakeholders.
Key Competencies and Skills:
- Leadership Skills: Ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team of staff and volunteers while fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Event Management: Proficient in planning, organizing, and executing events, with strong logistics and operational coordination skills and an understanding of safety regulations and risk management practices.
- Financial Acumen: Expertise in budgeting, financial management, and grant compliance, ensuring effective resource allocation.
- Communication/Interpersonal Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication for engaging with stakeholders, including staff, volunteers, and community partners.
- Project Management: Organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple projects and deadlines. Strong analytical skills for resolving operational issues and making sound decisions under pressure.
- Technological Proficiency: Comfortable with Google Drive Suite and other digital tools for project management, with a strong willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies.
Working Conditions:
- Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
- This role offers degrees of work and location flexibility.
Expected to be in the Canmore office for weekly meetings, coordination, and administrative tasks as needed.
This position requires a flexible schedule, with occasional extended hours, including evenings and weekends, particularly in the weeks leading up to and during the festival.
