Stampede Talent Buyer - Calgary, AB TP K
5 hours ago
Job description
About the Calgary Stampede
The Calgary Stampede is a not-for-profit community organization that preserves and promotes our western heritage, cultures and community spirit with a vision to create a world-class, year-round gathering place for the community. Exemplifying the theme We're Greatest Together, the Stampede is one of the most respected volunteer-based organizations in the world governed by a Board of Directors with over 2,500 passionate volunteers and 1,200 year-round employees.
As an organization that exists for the benefit of the community, inclusion and equity are woven into our core values of western hospitality, pride of place, integrity and commitment to the community. The world-class, year-round gathering place we have built for the community also welcomes visitors from around the world and those who are new to the local community. We know that blending diverse cultures with our long-standing traditions makes community spirit thrive.
Position Summary
Cowboys & Cowgirls ride to victory Midway treats & fluffy pancakes stacked high World-famous headliners & new talent rock the stages of the Greatest Music Festival in the West – and we're looking to make it even Greater
Music is at the heart of the Calgary Stampede's entertainment lineup. The Talent Buyer is a key member of the Stampede Programming team, responsible for sourcing, negotiating and securing high-quality music talent that delivers exceptional guest experiences across Stampede-time and select year-round programming. This role plays a critical part in shaping the sound, energy, diversity and commercial success of the Calgary Stampede's live music offerings.
Reporting to the Director of Programming, the Talent Buyer works collaboratively with internal stakeholders and external partners to develop competitive, brand-aligned and financially responsible music lineups across free and ticketed stages. This is a dynamic, relationship-driven role operating at the intersection of creative vision, business acumen and live-entertainment execution. The ideal candidate has strong music industry relationships, exceptional negotiation and communication skills and a proven ability to deliver high-quality entertainment that exceeds guest expectations.
Oversee the team responsible for executing the on-site music production (production management, stage management and artist support), the Stampede Talent buyer will drive overall guest experience and elevate the Calgary Stampede in the live music sector.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities of the role include, but are not limited to:
Operations & Financial Management
- Negotiate artist offers, fees, deal terms, exclusivity, and contractual requirements in collaboration with internal legal and finance teams
- Confirm artist commitment and bookings to meet venue strategy, budget and optimal scheduling needs
- Responsible for music investments and budgets for music venues and programs
- Responsible for confidential show documents, ticket audits, newsletters, flyers
- Responsible to negotiate and confirm contract deal points, show confirmation sheets, and offer sheets
- Ensure that all shows are settled accurately, when applicable
- Persuade, negotiate and collaborate both internally and externally to bridge diverse requirements and reach win-win solutions that bring parties towards critical organizational goals
Organizational Collaboration & Leadership
- In collaboration with the marketing division, develop & implement creative marketing/promotional plans with outside agents and managers
- Guide and direct core show teams including ticketing, marketing, entertainment and public safety, ensuring teams are operationally prepared to execute the needs of music programs.
- Overseeing the marketing and ticketing of events, including venue scaling and ticket system consultation in alignment with contractual obligations
- Develop and innovate CS music portfolio, working with managers across the organization on potential music or festival projects and supporting year-round programming or internal events as required
Music Program Development
- Curate music line ups thru researching, sourcing, evaluating and securing music talent across multiple genres and audience segments, aligning with the Stampede's brand, guest experience objectives and financial targets
- Lead business development activities to develop creative properties both within the 10 days of Stampede and year-round driving the CS brand in music
- Talent procurement for client and fee-based bookings
- Serve as an expert in the music industry, including awareness of competition in all relevant markets
Strategic and Trend-Forward Concept Development
- Recommend program development and investment strategies by studying market trends now and in the future to identify emerging trends and opportunities on short-term/long-term basis
- Reptation Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with artists, agents, managers, promoters and industry partners at local, national and international levels
- Develop a comprehensive business unit strategy to include the development of competitive and well-balanced music lineups
- Operate with significant autonomy
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will be proactive, optimistic and have worked in a dynamic environment where they have experience delivering on multiple priorities and will hold the following qualifications:
Required:
- Degree in Music Management, Business Management, or Arts/Entertainment
- 8+ years' experience in music entertainment industry, talent curation, promotions or business development, with wide breadth of musical genre and procurement
- Computer literacy in MS Office programs (or other programs: Adobe Photoshop, Acrobat)
- Budget management and financial acumen to manage venue production and concert settlement
- Proven negotiation skills and experience managing artist relations
- Ability to handle multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
- Familiarity with contracts, riders, show advancing, and production requirements
- Passion for live music and a deep understanding of current musical trends
Additional Skills:
- Creative Vision: The ability to conceptualize unique event themes and bring them to life through thoughtful artist selection and presentation.
- Adaptability: Flexibility to respond to last-minute changes in artist availability, technical issues, or audience preferences.
- Communication & Negotiation: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for dealing with diverse stakeholders, including artists, venue management, and marketing teams.
Project Management: Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to travel / cover shows throughout the business unit
Benefits
The Calgary Stampede offers a unique and exciting work environment and the opportunity for advancement and employee training.
To Apply
To apply, please submit your resume. All applicants are thanked in advance and only those selected for interviews will be contacted.