About Us
General Manager Yardbird Suite (yardbirdsuite.com)
Over the past seven decades, the Yardbird Suite has built community through music. It’s not just any jazz club—it is an internationally recognized cultural institution. Every week, music lovers gather in an intimate space with a cool vibe to experience world-class music. This is an authentic grassroots arts space and since 1957, the Yardbird Suite has been, and continues to be, largely operated by passionate volunteers.
We Are Changing
Our organization is currently transitioning from a "Working Board" model to a "Governance Board" model. This evolution requires operational stability, business-focused operations, and long-term sustainability, while continuing to serve our musicians, audiences, and community. To support this next phase in our evolution, we are strengthening our team into specialized roles - operational leadership, artistic leadership, and fund development.
About the Position (see attachment for detailed list of responsibilities)
The General Manager is a newly created senior leadership role reporting directly to the Executive Committee. As the successful candidate, you will be responsible for the Operations, Finance, Systems, People, and Infrastructure, necessary for the Yardbird Suite to operate sustainably and professionally. Your core mandate will be develop sustainable operational stability and institutional resilience. As the inaugural GM, you will have the unique opportunity to help shape the position.
What We Are Looking For -
Experience: Minimum of five years of progressive management and leadership experience, ideally within a non-profit arts/cultural organization, with live entertainment.
Education: A post-secondary diploma or degree (or equivalent) in business, arts administration, or an allied profession.
Governance & Volunteer Savvy: Comfortable and experienced working alongside a Governance Board, sub-committees, and a large volunteer base.
Financial Acumen: Strong accounting, budgeting, and financial management proficiencies.
Technical Proficiency: High comfort level using Google Workspace, CRMs and ticketingsoftware.
Interpersonal Skills: High emotional intelligence, interpersonal awareness, and an excellent communication style that brings clarity without drama.
Industry Awareness: Embraces the unique operational demands and rhythms of a live performance organization.
Important Details -
Location: On-site position at the Yardbird Suite.
Hours: 30 hours per week, with occasional evening/weekend overtime required based on the show schedules (time off in lieu provided).
Compensation: Based on a 30 hour work week, this position pays $67,500 per year, plus benefits and three weeks of paid vacation.
Target Start Date: August 24, 2026.
How To Apply -
Please submit a PDF of your resume and a cover letter (tell us why you want to be the General Manager of the Yardbird Suite) to [email protected] before noon on July 22, 2026.
Three professional references will be required from applicants who are selected for an interview.
We Are Proud to Be An Equal Opportunity Employer
The Edmonton Jazz Society(1973) is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences.
* The Yardbird Suite is owned and operated by the Edmonton Jazz Society(1973), a volunteer run not-for- profit society.
ATTACHMENT
Key Responsibilities of the General Manager Position
Senior Leadership & Strategic Direction -
Executive Leadership: Provide overarching operational management, fiscal accountability, and strategic direction for the venue in alignment with the mission, vision, and values of the Edmonton Jazz Society.
Strategic Planning: Partner with the Board and senior staff to develop, implement, and track progress on annual Business and long-term Strategic Plans that prioritize financial sustainability and community impact.
Operational Autonomy: Maintain direct oversight and responsibility of operations, accounting, and finance, while fostering a highly collaborative environment with the Artistic Director, Fund Development Officer, Grant Consultant, and other key stakeholders.
Fund Development & Revenue -
● Development Partnership: Work closely with the Fund Development Officer to align Business Plans, Strategic Plans, and operations with fundraising initiatives, donor stewardship events, membership campaigns, and patron outreach.
● Grant Management & Compliance: Support the tracking, reporting, and financial compliance of government grants, foundation funding, and corporate sponsorships.
● Revenue Generation: Identify and implement opportunities to optimize earned revenue streams including - ticket revenue, bar operations, merchandise, and venue rentals.
● Relationships: Act as a professional ambassador for the Edmonton Jazz Society, building positive, lasting relationships with patrons, donors, sponsors, and community stakeholders.
Finance, Accounting & Analytics -
● Fiscal Management: Oversee all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and P&L tracking.
● Transparent Reporting: Maintain precise, timely accounting records and prepare clear, comprehensive financial reports for the Board, Executive Committee, and funding bodies.
● Data-Driven Decisions: Develop and track key performance metrics to optimize revenue, control costs, and inform strategic decisions.
Data, Technology & CRM Maximization -
● CRM & Data Strategy: Partner with the Fund Development Officer and Artistic Director to maximize the CRM platform, leveraging audience data to drive ticket sales, donor cultivation, and targeted marketing campaigns.
● Tech Stack Management: Oversee and optimize organizational software, including Google Workspace, ticketing platforms, CRM, and the venue website, ensuring data integrity, security, and accessibility.
● Insightful Reporting: Generate data-driven insights and demographic reports to inform Executive Committee and directly support grant applications and donor proposals.
Venue Operations & Systems Management -
● Process Optimization: Design and manage streamlined operational workflows, policies, and procedures that ensure a welcoming, world-class experience for patrons, artists, volunteers, and donors alike.
● Standardization & Continuity: Document institutional knowledge to ensure operational resilience and build clear training processes for staff, volunteers, and contractors.
● Problem Solving: Actively identify operational bottlenecks and implement practical, scalable solutions to improve venue efficiency.
People Leadership -
● Team Management: Oversee the full HR lifecycle—including hiring, onboarding, contract management, and performance evaluations—for a small, dedicated staff team.
● Culture & Compliance: Foster a respectful, professional, and inclusive workplace culture, while ensuring strict compliance with Alberta employment standards.
● Volunteer Engagement: Provide leadership to the Volunteer Coordinator to further grow and maintain a robust, engaged volunteer network.
Governance & Board Collaboration -
● Board Engagement: Attend monthly Board and Executive Committee meetings, providing transparent updates on venue health, operational KPIs, and financial performance.
● Governance Support: Collaborate with the Governance Committee to refine organizational policies, strengthen sustainability, and support proactive succession planning.
Pay: $65,000.00-$67,500.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Dental care
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
