Cannonball Art Center General Manager

Job Overview:

The General Manager (GM) of Cannonball Arts, a multi-use events space with varied capacity for art gallery and ticketed live concert events is responsible for the overall success, safety and profitability of the venue. The GM will lead all aspects of venue management, from budgeting to event execution, staff schedule and management, repairs and maintenance, ensuring exceptional customer experiences and operational efficiency.

The venue consists of two business lines: Bumbershoot Presents Cannonball Arts, an interactive, live, traditional and non-traditional art space in operation five days per week from 11 noon to 7 pm, and Level One, a “pop-up’ live concert space in the lower level of the building, capacity 2300 using See Tickets in partnership with international talent and promoters: Bumbershoot Presents “ARTIST XYZ” in Level One at Cannonball Arts.

A critical component of the role is managing the intersection and transitions between the two business lines before, after and on mutual show days. The Art space requires attention to art gallery membership benefits and sponsorship programs, and tracking the “always-on” marketing and PR associated with a daily tourism and regional art venue ticket. Level One requires minimal 5 years experience in live concert event operations, booking, and show settlement, with special emphasis on customer experience, high quality artist/stage production in a throw-back warehouse environment and the financial performance of Level One, including responsibility for producing event “flash” Profit and Loss (P&L) statements, cost control, venue security, and revenue maximization through ticket sales and all ancillary revenue streams, including sponsorship and parking.

This role requires an experienced leader with contextual understanding of contemporary art movements like Meow Wolf, Museum of Museums and Bumbershoot Visual Arts with experience in music venue operations, live event risk and liability, capable of handling large-scale events, maintaining high standards for staff performance, and ensuring that the venue remains profitable and compliant with all relevant regulations.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Operational Oversight
• Oversee all day-to-day operations, ensuring the seamless integration of customer entry onsite, ticket or membership access, sound and lighting systems, visual art installation oversight, security, concession operations, art sales and merchandise, customer safety and departure.
• Oversee Membership Program Manager - ensure high quality communications and experience for major donors, individual, and small business membership program.
• Manage efficient and timely onsite venue art sales and shipping programming.
• Collaborate with technical staff to maintain and optimize high-quality sound and lighting experiences, ensuring the best possible environment for corporate rental events and live dance music performances.
• Collaborate with booking team,who will hand off confirmed event bookings for operational execution, ensuring that the venue is fully prepared for each function, day or night. Customer and artist satisfied, venue cleaned and prepped and secured for next day operation.
• Ensure smooth crowd management, including safe and efficient entry and exit of patrons, particularly during sold-out or high-capacity events.

• Compliance & Safety:
• Maintain full compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, including alcohol licensing, noise ordinances, security protocols, SDOT and landlord parking needs management, and fire safety requirements.
• Ensure all health and safety procedures are adhered to, including ADA access, washroom facility cleanliness, crowd control measures and emergency evacuation protocols.
• Regularly review and update safety plans in collaboration with local authorities and security personnel.

• Financial Management & P&L Accountability
• Produce “flash” P&L reports after live events and provide basic budget forecasting.
• Analyze and help prepare financial projections, track revenue streams (bar, ticket sales, VIP and art space membership program services), and monitor costs to identify opportunities for improvement and cost control.
• Implement strategies to increase profitability, such as promotions, increase corporate/special event opportunities, and customer upgrade or “plus” access and opportunities.
• Work closely with the owner and finance team to set budgets, forecast revenue, and manage expenses to ensure the venue operates at peak financial performance.
• Manage State & Federal Artist withholdings with Accounting Dept.
• Review Bar Sales, deposits, and Inventory prepared by Bar Manager.

• Revenue Maximization:
• Collaborate with bar manager and Bumbershoot F/B Director to optimize onsite point of sale equipment, staffing, and inventory selection and control.
• Facilitate sponsorship approvals, activation and relationships.
• Collaborate with NRS leadership to enhance and optimize artist, venue merchandise and miscellaneous Gift Shop sales, inventory selection and control.

• Event & Artist Coordination
• Work with booking agents, promoters, and artists to execute high-profile live dance music acts and events, ensuring the venue maintains a boutique, top-tier reputation.
• Oversee the coordination of front of house event logistics, collaborating with venue production manager ensuring every show runs smoothly and meets artist and promoter expectations.
• Handle last-minute changes or emergencies with confidence, ensuring minimal disruption to both artists and patrons.

• Event Execution:
• Ensure all elements of each event are executed to the highest standards, from artist performances to customer services and bar operations.
• Maintain positive relationships with key regional artists, curators, and dance music promoter partners and artists to secure repeat bookings and create memorable experiences that enhance the venue’s brand.
• Monitor the flow of events to ensure optimal customer satisfaction, quick bar service, and crowd control.

• Marketing, Promotions & Customer Experience
• Collaborate with the marketing team to help facilitate promotional strategies for all events.

• Customer Engagement & Upgrade Experience:
• Ensure an exceptional customer experience from the moment guests enter the venue, with a focus on quick service and high energy.
• Oversee box office staff, upgrade access/entry services, ensuring a seamless experience for high-spending or influential guests.
• Gather and analyze customer feedback to continuously improve event offerings and service quality.

• Staff Leadership & Development
• Lead a large, diverse staff, including bartenders, security personnel, sound and lighting technicians, and event managers.
• Recruit, train, and retain top talent, ensuring that all team members contribute to a safe, efficient, and enjoyable event experience.
• Create staff schedules based on event needs and expected attendance, ensuring optimal coverage across all areas of the venue.
• Provide ongoing training to improve customer service, operational efficiency, and safety protocols.
• Help mentor and supervise Bumbershoot Workforce Development Program interns and facilitate their growth within the program as well as towards their greater career goals.

• Security & Safety Management:
• Oversee the in-house and contracted security teams to ensure the safety of guests, staff, and artists.
• Implement and enforce strict crowd control measures, particularly during sold-out events or high-profile performances.
• Ensure thorough training and readiness for emergency situations, including evacuation procedures and handling of unruly patrons.
• Venue Maintenance & Ambience
• Oversee the physical condition of the venue, working with maintenance teams to ensure the venue is always in excellent condition.
• Ambience & Atmosphere:
• Maintain a high-energy, visually engaging environment through lighting, sound, and décor that aligns with the EDM nightclub experience.
• Continuously monitor the atmosphere during events to ensure it aligns with the venue’s brand and delivers a top-tier nightlife experience for patrons.

Key Qualifications:

• Minimum 5 years of experience managing large-scale art gallery or festival events with nightclub or music venue experience required.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing a staff of 30 in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Deep knowledge of the live event music scene, including relationships with artists, booking agents, and promoters.
• Financial management experience, including budget planning, cost control, and analyzing financial performance to ensure profitability.
• Familiarity with nightclub and live music venue operations, including sound, lighting, security, and bar management.
• Knowledge of local and state regulations, including alcohol licensing, security protocols, and noise ordinances.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage relationships with staff, artists, patrons, and external partners.
• Must demonstrate passion about creating the live music experience for a diverse range of audiences across a wide variety of genres
• Must be proficient in Spreadsheets
• Must have the ability to maintain personal integrity and uphold high standards of confidentiality
• Must have cash-handling experience
• Must have the ability to see potential issues as they arise and pre-empt any negative situations whenever possible

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Hospitality, or a related field.
• Experience managing venues that regularly host high-profile electronic dance music artists and events.
• Expertise in event marketing and promotion strategies, with a focus on digital and social media campaigns.
• Knowledge of event management software, ticketing systems, and POS systems.

Salary & Benefits:

• Performance-based bonuses tied to venue profitability and event success.
• Health insurance, 401(k), and other benefits.
• Opportunity to work with top-tier electronic dance music talent and shape the future of the sector in the Seattle market.

Working Conditions:

• Must be able to work a flexible schedule inclusive of weekends, nights and holidays required.
• Frequent bending, lifting 15-20 pounds, sitting, exposure to multiple external elements, extensive walking through the building including inclines and stairs. Extensive walking through crowded and pungent venue spaces rife with odor du corp, including inclines and stairs and escalators beneath wild, swinging, heavy equipment and relentless exposure to the worst music and entertainment industry egos and personalities, replete with endless stories.

How to Apply:Submit your resume, cover letter, and relevant live concert experience and venue management to by 2/14/2025. Be sure to highlight specific examples of financial success and high-capacity event management.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Cannonball Arts strongly supports equal employment opportunity for all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $90,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Experience:

• Events management: 5 years (Required)

Language:

• English (Required)

License/Certification:

• MAST Permit (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Seattle, WA 98101 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Seattle, WA 98101: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $90,000 - $110,000