Executive Director Of Izzy Asper Jazz Performances

Executive Director of Izzy Asper Jazz PerformancesShape the next chapter of exceptional jazz in WinnipegThe Asper Foundation is seeking an accomplished and imaginative
Executive Producer
to lead the
Izzy Asper Jazz Performances. This is an opportunity to shape a distinctive jazz series from artistic concept through live performance, bringing outstanding Manitoba, Canadian and international artists to audiences in Winnipeg.
The successful candidate will combine informed artistic judgment with hands‑on production expertise, sound financial management and the ability to build trusted relationships. If you know jazz, understand what makes a live performance exceptional and enjoy turning ambitious ideas into well‑executed audience experiences, this role offers meaningful creative and organizational leadership. For more information about the series and past performances, please visit
Why this opportunity stands out
Creative influence:
Help define the artistic direction, programming strategy and long‑term development of the series.
End‑to‑end leadership:
Guide performances from artist discovery and engagement through production, promotion, presentation and post‑event review.
Local and wider reach:
Work with Manitoba musicians and students while building relationships across the Canadian and international jazz landscape.
Community impact:
Create performances and related learning opportunities that deepen audience engagement and strengthen Winnipeg’s jazz community.
What you will do
Lead artistic programming:
Develop the artistic vision and programming strategy;
research, recommend andengage established and emerging jazz artists;
create season concepts,lineups and schedules;
and curate a balanced series reflecting varied jazz traditions, cultures and contemporary practices.
Produce outstanding live events:
Oversee concerts and related activities from contracting through completion, including venues, production schedules, technical and accessibility requirements, artist travel and hospitality, front‑of‑house coordination, program and hosting notes, merchandise information and special ticketing needs.
Manage finances and business matters:
Prepare and monitor operating and event budgets;
negotiate artist fees, contracts and vendor arrangements;
approve expenditures within established parameters;
maintain accurate records;
pursue earned‑revenue opportunities;
and provide clear financial and operational reporting.
Build audiences and visibility:
Work with marketing and communications partners on season and event campaigns, promotional content, artist announcements and media opportunities;
monitor ticket information, audience feedback and engagement;
and use those insights to strengthen future programming.
Develop funding and partnerships:
Cultivate relationships with sponsors, donors, foundations, government agencies, corporate partners and community organizations;
identify sponsorship, grant and partnership opportunities;
contribute to proposalsand reports;
and ensure commitments are appropriately fulfilled.
Strengthen community impact and accountable delivery:
Create workshops, masterclasses, artist talks, mentorship and student opportunities;
connect visiting artists with Manitoba musicians and educators;
coordinate staff, contractors and volunteers;
establish priorities and performance measures;
protect confidential information;
and ensure activities meet organizational, contractual and legal requirements.
What you bring
Significant professional experience in music presenting, live entertainment, arts administration, festival production or a related field, together with demonstrated knowledge of jazz and the Canadian and/or international jazz landscape.
Experience programming and producing professional live music, negotiating artist contracts and working with artists, agents, managers, venues and production professionals.
Strong budgeting, financial‑management, project‑management and organizational skills, with the ability to oversee multiple performances, priorities and deadlines responsibly.
Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal and negotiation skills, along with a record of building productive relationships with artists, partners, sponsors, donors, colleagues and community stakeholders.
Experience in audience development, marketing, sponsorship, fundraising, grants or partnership development is an asset, as is experience creating educational or community‑based arts programming.
A commitment to accessibility, inclusion, confidentiality and respectful collaboration. Post‑secondary education in arts administration, music, business, communications or a related field is an asset;
equivalent professionalexperience will be considered.
You will thrive in this role if you areArtistically discerning
– you make thoughtful, informed programming recommendations;
Entrepreneurial
– you recognize promising artists, audiences, partnerships, funding possibilities and programming models;
Production‑minded
– you translate creative ideas into detailed and successful live events;
Relationship‑focused
– you earn trust and bring people together around a shared vision;
Business‑minded
– you balance artistic ambition with responsible financial and operational decisions;
Adaptable and hands‑on
– you respond effectively as artist, audience and production needs evolve.
What success looks likeSuccess will be reflected in an artistically strong and professionally produced series;
high‑quality local, Canadian and international artist presentations;
growing audience engagement and visibility;
responsible financial performance;
strong sponsor, donor, partner and artist relationships;
meaningful opportunities for Manitoba musicians, students and emerging artists;
and the long‑term growth and sustainability of the Izzy Asper Jazz Performances.
Working conditionsThe position requires flexibility to work evenings, weekends and occasional holidays in connection with performances, artist engagements, industry events and community activities. Some travel may be required. The Executive Producer is expected to be highly visible and engaged during performances and related events and to represent the Izzy Asper Jazz Performances professionally.
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