General Manager
Title: General Manager
Reports to: Artistic Director
Supervises: Marketing and Communications Coordinator, festival assistants, festival volunteers
Desired Start Date: April 1, 2026
Classification: Independent Contractor (1099); Part-time, Exempt; Approximately 15-20 hours per week, depending on festival schedule and annual operations cycle
Term: Initial term of 12 months. Contract renewal contingent on performance and organizational needs.
Annual Salary: $28,000
Location: This is a remote position based in the United States. The General Manager should be based within reasonable commuting distance of Harpers Ferry, WV. Travel to/from festival venues and for festival business across West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland is required. Personal vehicle required. Lodging accommodations for festival activity can be provided.
Position Summary
The General Manager for ACMF is a senior leadership role at the heart of the organization, working in close partnership with the Artistic Director to deliver an ambitious and high-quality music festival. The role carries significant strategic and operational responsibility, ensuring that artistic ambition is underpinned by robust administrative and financial oversight and effective organizational management. The General Manager acts as the central coordinating point of the festival, translating artistic vision into practical, deliverable plans.
Spanning administrative and financial management, operations, fundraising, communications, and full festival delivery, the role connects Board, artistic leadership, musicians, venues, donors, and audiences. It provides continuity across planning cycles, drives organizational accountability, and leads on the detailed logistics that enable the festival to operate at a professional standard.
As a key point of contact for stakeholders and a line manager to staff and volunteers, the role is critical to both the strategic development and successful realization of the festival each year.
Key Responsibilities
* Governance & Management
o Support the Board President in the development, review, and implementation of organizational policies and ensure legal compliance.
o Work in collaboration with the Artistic Director and Board President to develop, review, and implement organizational policies and procedures.
* Board Meetings
o Prepare reports for Board meetings, ensuring accurate, timely, and insightful information is provided to support informed decision-making.
* Organizational Planning
o Lead annual and strategic planning, establishing clear milestones, goals, and performance indicators. Monitor progress and ensure delivery against objectives.
* Line Management
o Provide effective line management to the Marketing and Communications Coordinator, including setting objectives, regular supervision, and supporting development.
* Financial Management
o Annual Budget
+ Develop the annual organizational budget in collaboration with the Artistic Director and Board Executive Committee.
+ Provide regular financial updates and reports, ensuring leadership and the Board have clear oversight of income, expenses, cash flow, and forecast performance.
o Financial Management & Reconciliation
+ Support the Treasurer with monthly reconciliation across financial platforms, including Stripe, QuickBooks, and Ticket Tailor.
+ Work with the Treasurer to ensure appropriate coding of income and expenses and maintain accurate financial data capture.
+ Update and maintain the organization’s budget tracking spreadsheet.
o Annual Returns & Tax
+ Liaise with the Treasurer, CPA, and Tax Volunteer to support the preparation of annual returns and tax filings.
o Administration
+ Manage the processing, recording, and secure storage of incoming invoices. Oversee payment processes, ensuring timely and accurate payments in line with organizational procedures and financial controls.
* Fundraising and Communications
o Strategy
+ Develop annual and long-term funding strategies to secure earned and contributed revenue necessary to achieve operational and programmatic goals.
o Fundraising
+ Build and maintain relationships with active and prospective donors, sponsors, and other supporters.
+ Create and foster relationships with local constituents in surrounding communities and to enhance the organization’s public image.
+ Create and execute marketing strategies to increase awareness of the festival, grow community engagement, and build and retain audiences.
+ Lead on Corporate Sponsorships, Grant Applications, and Fundraising Events. Oversee calendar of application and report deadlines.
o Donors
+ Lead on the preparation and distribution of all individual giving acknowledgements, ensuring timely, accurate, and personalized communications that reflect the organization’s values and support strong donor stewardship.
+ Maintain donor communication templates and records in line with data protection requirements and organizational processes.
o Comms
+ Represent the festival across the region and promote the festival across personal and professional networks.
+ Supervise the Marketing and Communications Coordinator in the management of the bi-monthly digital newsletter, social media, and website.
+ Lead on the commission and purchase of printed assets, advertising and distribution services.
* Artistic and Festival Planning
o Long-Term Planning
+ Lead strategic planning and execution to ensure organizational sustainability and financial stability.
+ Support the Artistic Director in the development and delivery of long-term artistic plans.
+ Create and maintain associated planning documents and workflows.
o Artists & Repertoire
+ Lead on artist contracting processes, including drafting, issuing, and managing agreements.
+ Source sheet music in collaboration with the Artistic Director. Obtain public performance licenses (ASCAP/BMI) and maintain compliance with respective contracts and fees.
+ Create and maintain associated planning documentation and workflows.
+ Create all pre- and post-festival communications with artists and participants including information sheets, welcome packets, and surveys.
o Venues and Logistics
+ Secure and manage concert venue bookings with responsibility for booking forms, contracts and payments.
+ Oversee logistical planning, including technical requirements and coordination with venue teams.
+ Book festival suppliers, including photographers, sound engineers, and piano tuners.
o Scheduling
+ Work with the Artistic Director to develop and maintain detailed rehearsal and performance schedules.
o Box Office
+ Work with the Artistic Director to set ticket prices, packages, and offers for festival concerts.
+ Support the Marketing and Communications Coordinator to set up the online box office platform.
+ Produce regular sales reports and provide insights to the Artistic Director.
o Festival Management
+ Lead on operations and logistical delivery of festival and education activities.
+ Oversee the transportation of equipment and the sourcing of consumable materials.
+ Lead on Front of House presentation and audience welcome.
+ Front of House / Box Office Management
+ Merchandise Management
+ Daily Reconciliation
* Leadership
o Act as the first point of contact for artists, donors, audiences and stakeholders.
o Lead on daily communications updates and scheduling for artists.
o Recruit, hire, train, and supervise Festival Assistants and Festival Volunteers, including overseeing:
+ Venue Set-up and Pack-down
+ Stage Management
+ Audience Catering
+ Artist Catering
* Other
o Other duties as required by the President and Artistic Director.
Qualifications
Preferred
* Experience in a senior management or leadership role within the arts, festivals, or cultural sector.
* Experience working closely with senior stakeholders (e.g. Board members, Trustees, Artistic Directors, or senior leadership).
* Experience of managing complex projects from planning through to delivery, including logistics and stakeholder coordination.
* Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, monitoring income and expenditure, and financial reporting.
* Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple workstreams, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines.
* Experience of contract management and working with artists, venues, or external suppliers.
* Strong written communication skills, including report writing and preparation of formal documentation.
* Experience of line management and the ability to lead, motivate, and support staff and volunteers.
* High level of accuracy and attention to detail, particularly in financial and administrative processes.
* Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and take initiative within a freelance structure.
* Commitment to the organization’s artistic vision and values.
Desirable
* Experience working on a music festival or within classical / chamber music program.
* Knowledge of charity governance and compliance requirements.
* Familiarity with financial platforms such as QuickBooks, Stripe, or ticketing systems.
* Experience managing box office systems and ticket pricing strategies.
* Experience of education or community engagement program delivery.
* Understanding of fundraising strategy development and donor stewardship.
* Experience supporting or contributing to fundraising activity, including grant applications and/or corporate sponsorship.
Other
* This position is classified as an independent contractor (1099), and as such, responsible for all related employment taxes. This position does not include a benefits package.
* A U.S. driver’s license and access to a vehicle are required.
Application Process
* An application letter of no more than 2-sides.
* An up-to-date resume.
* Applications should be submitted to Craig West - craig@appalachianchamber.org
* For an informal chat with a member of the team, please contact Craig West.
Timeline
* Informal chats: Ongoing while the role remains open.
* Deadline for Applications: March 30, 2026 - 9am Eastern.
* Interview: Week Beginning April 20, 2026.
* First Round Interviews will take place online.
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