ABOUT CMA EVENTS:

The Country Music Association (CMA) produces some of the most iconic live events in the music industry, including CMA Fest, the largest and longest-running country music festival in the world, and the annual CMA Awards, recognized globally as “Country Music’s Biggest Night.” With multiple events each year ranging from large-scale festivals to intimate showcases, CMA is committed to delivering best-in-class live experiences for fans, artists, and partners. The Production Manager plays a key role in bringing these moments to life by ensuring world-class production across all CMA events.

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Event Manager is responsible for leading the day-to-day planning, advancement, coordination, and execution of assigned CMA and CMA Foundation events. This role serves as the primary execution lead for event logistics and timelines, translating creative vision and strategic direction from the Senior Event Producer into actionable plans and on-site delivery. The Event Manager owns event-level coordination, internal alignment, and follow-through, ensuring departments, partners, vendors, and temporary staff are working from a clear and consistent plan. This role partners closely with the Senior Event Producer on priorities and decision-making and works in tandem with the Production Coordinator to ensure logistics, documentation, and administrative processes are executed accurately and efficiently. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, proactive, and comfortable leading execution in fast-paced live-event environments.

This position is based in Nashville, TN and requires in-person work.

CMA believes in and expects all staff to act in alignment with its core values of collaboration: exhibiting a team-oriented focus, practicing active listening, demonstrating empathy; being solution-minded: proactively identifying problems and potential solutions; and commitment: exhibiting tenacity, engagement, and passion.

KEY RESONSIBILITIES:

Event Planning and Coordination

• Lead day-to-day event planning and advancement for assigned CMA and CMA Foundation events
• Own event-level timelines, milestones, and deliverables from advance through execution
• Translate creative vision and strategic direction into detailed execution plans
• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal departments on assigned events
• Coordinate advance communication, schedules, and planning materials across teams
• Track deliverables and proactively manage follow-ups to ensure deadlines are met
• Support CMA Fest programming and production alignment through schedule coordination and planning

Vendor & Temporary Staff Coordination

• Lead coordination and day-to-day management of assigned event vendors and temporary staff
• Serve as the primary execution-level point of contact for vendors during planning and on-site delivery
• Partner with the Senior Event Producer on vendor strategy, escalation, and key decision points
• Coordinate vendor schedules, confirmations, and on-site logistics
• Partner with Events Administration and the Production Coordinator on vendor selection, quotes, invoicing, and required documentation\
• Ensure vendors and temporary staff are aligned with event timelines, expectations, and production standards

Documentation & Communication

• Own event-level planning documents including timelines, run of show drafts, call sheets, and event packets
• Ensure all event documentation is accurate, current, and clearly communicated to stakeholders
• Partner with the Production Coordinator to ensure documentation is properly distributed, filed, and maintained
• Maintain internal trackers, planning tools, and communication logs to support transparency and accountability
  

On-Site Event Execution

• Lead execution for assigned events or designated event elements on-site
• Serve as the Senior Event Producer’s on-site extension for operational execution and real-time problem solving
• Coordinate load-in, rehearsals, show operations, and load-out in partnership with production, technical teams, and venue staff
• Support backstage operations, credentials coordination, and internal communication during live events
• Remain solution-oriented and adaptable in dynamic, live-event environments

Administrative and Financial Support

• Support event budget tracking and reconciliation in partnership with Events Administration and Event Accounting
• Track event-level expenses and flag variances or concerns as needed
• Support RFP coordination and vendor documentation as required
• Ensure timely and accurate handoff of financial and administrative materials

Team Collaboration

• Work closely with the Senior Event Producer to maintain alignment on priorities, timelines, and execution
• Provide guidance and direction to the Production Coordinator on event-specific needs
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Marketing, Creative, Communications, Industry Relations, and external partners
• Contribute to post-event reviews and identify opportunities for process improvement

Qualifications and Experience

• 3 to 5 years of experience in event management, event production, or live events
• Demonstrated experience coordinating and managing event vendors, temporary staff, and on-site teams
• Venue management experience
• Strong organizational, time management, and communication skills
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Experience working with venues, production partners, and cross-functional internal teams
• Comfort operating in fast-paced, high-pressure live-event environments
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and project management tools
• Ability to maintain professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality
• Flexibility to travel and work extended hours during events

Why Join the CMA Crew

At CMA, we know great shows only happen with great crews… Joining our production team means:

• Getting hands-on with some of the biggest and most respected live events in music
• Working alongside a tight-knit team that treats every event like a tour stop: advance it, build it, run it, strike it, do it again
• Access to the tools and resources you need, from CAD/Vectorworks to a well-organized warehouse and reliable vendor partners
• The chance to grow your skills on both sides of the line, from festival field builds to arena award shows
• Being part of a crew that is proud of the work, has each other’s backs, and delivers shows that artists, industry, and fans remember

COMMITMENT TO INCLUSIVITY: CMA is committed to creating lasting change by nurturing an inclusive and equitable culture. By fostering these practices in all areas of our business, we will ensure the future of our industry. We celebrate the dedication of our staff, our membership and the industry in moving Country Music forward and are committed to offering education and resources to help ensure an equitable pipeline of opportunity that continues for years to come.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, age, genetic trait, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.