artist development manager

Artist Development Manager 

Reports To: Director, Artist Development & Original Content
Department: Programming Group
Location: Downtown Toronto (Hybrid)
Vacancy Status: This posting is for a current full-time vacancy on our team
Salary Range: $55k - $75k, commensurate with experience

About Us 

The Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall is a registered charity that operates two of Toronto's most iconic venues: Roy Thomson Hall and Allied Music Centre—home to legendary Massey Hall, TD Music Hall, Allied Music Centre Theatre, Deane Cameron Recording Studio, and more. Guided by a professional management team and volunteer Board of Governors, the Corporation is dedicated to enriching communities through the cultural, social, and economic power of music. The Corporation is actively engaged in Artist Development and Education & Community Engagement initiatives as an investment in the next generation of artists and audiences. 

We offer a compelling Total Rewards package that includes competitive base pay, eligibility for an annual incentive program, a Defined Contribution Pension Plan, comprehensive group benefits, generous time-off policies, and opportunities for ongoing professional development opportunities. 

Position Overview

The Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall has spent nearly two decades championing emerging artists, investing in their development and supporting their unique paths toward headlining Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall, building lasting careers on its iconic stages. Through Artist Development, we help artists grow careers, build audiences, strengthen their teams, and make the leap through our progressively larger venues. We invest strategically in mid-level emerging acts, providing resources to refine their craft, connect with new fans, and explore ambitious creative projects. The newly created Artist Development Manager role is central to supporting artists through structured programs, professional development, and coordinated opportunities across venues. This position focuses on support for artists and their teams on behalf of the Corporation and the delivery of programs that help artists build sustainable careers.

Reporting to and working alongside the Director, Artist Development and Original Content, the Manager serves as a key connector between artists and their teams, internal departments, and the wider music industry. The role is responsible for leading new programs and initiatives, coordinating workshops and learning opportunities for participating artists; they will help align artist development efforts with Education & Community Engagement and Programming departments. 

The ideal candidate is passionate about live music and artist development, has significant experience and proven success in artist growth efforts, music management and/or artist services, is committed to engaging with diverse artists and communities, and brings strong administrative, organizational, and communication skills. They show professionalism and initiative, can manage details in a busy environment, and will bring and build genuine, collaborative relationships with artists and industry partners. They are eager to grow and learn in a fast-paced setting.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Artist Services and Project Management

• Serve as primary point of contact for participating artists and their teams, providing clear communication, coordination and ongoing support.
• Manage multiple artist projects(which may include performances, residencies, and development activities with external partners), ensuring timelines, expectations, and deliverables are aligned and met.
• Act as liaison between artists and internal teams including Programming, Marketing, Production, Education& Community Engagement, and Advancement.
• Maintain accurate records, schedules, and documentation.

2. Program Leadership

• In consultation and collaboration with the Director, lead the planning and delivery of select multi-artist development program initiatives, which may include artist selection, scheduling, reporting, and coordination to meet department objectives, focused on skills, knowledge sharing, and career growth.
• Coordinate workshops, panels, and learning sessions with industry professionals for artists and music professionals at different career stages.
• Ensure programs reflect a range of genres, communities, and lived experiences.

3. Industry Relations and Community Alignment

• Act as a connector between developing artists and the wider music industry, including managers, labels, agents, funders, and educators.
• Support pathways that link artist development withthe Corporation'smembership,educationand communityengagementinitiatives.
• Help artists access networks, resources, and opportunities that extend beyond a single performance or project.
• Attend andparticipatein events on behalf of the department and/or organization.

4. Departmental Support and Administration

• Support the Artist Development and Original Content team with coordination and administrative needs related to Original Content or other projects as directed.
• Provide a wide range of administrative support for the department including financial, reporting, and logistics support.
• Oversee budgets for assigned programs and artist initiatives and participate in annual budgeting and ongoing forecasting processes.
• Coordinate contracts, agreements, and invoicing with attention to detail and confidentiality.
• Maintain internal systems, templates, and documentation to support consistency and future growth; provide support and coordination for select grant and other fundraising application and reports.
• Respond to artist and partner inquiries with professionalism and care.

Qualifications:

• Post-secondary education in Arts Administration, Music Business, Performing Arts, Cultural Management, Communications, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
• Minimum5 years of experience in artist management, artist services, program management, creative project coordinationor equivalent.
• Strong project management,organizational,and planningskills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Clear communicator who builds trustinternally and externally includingwith artists, managers, and partners.
• Experience coordinating programs, workshops, or residencies is an asset.Self-motivatedandexceptionalworking in both independent and collaborative environments.
• Proficiencyworking with spreadsheets, shared calendars, and cloud-based systemsas well as inMicrosoft Office generally;familiarity with or interest in systems and technologies such asMomentusor other databasesis an asset.
• A deep interest in live music, artist development, partnerships, and community-building, with a commitment to advancingequitableaccess to opportunity and a genuine curiosity to continue expanding this knowledge.

Core Competencies:

• Artist & Partner Relations
• Project & Production Coordination
• Program Development
• Organization & Attention to Detail
• Collaboration & Communication
• Ethics & Confidentiality

Work Conditions:

• Interacts regularly with artists, production crews, and staff by phone, email, and in person.
• This is a hybrid role with working environment across home, office, studio, and multiple venue environments, including live event settings.
• Willingness and ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and occasional travel as required by programming needs.
• Travel between venues may be required.

Additional Information (if applicable): This is a hybrid role based in Toronto with a combination of remote work and on-site presence at Massey Hall, Roy Thomson Hall, and Allied Music Centre. Some evening and weekend availability will be required depending on event schedules. 

As an equitable employer, The Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment where a diverse workforce thrives. Applicants requiring accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process should contact Human Resources. The Corporation is committed to providing employment accommodations in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. 

We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Please note that only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please.