Leadership role
General Manager
Runs the business side of an operating unit or enterprise, such as a public radio station, performing arts venue, club or social enterprise.
Reporting and scope
Reports to the Executive Director / CEO or a board. Authority covers the unit's operations, staff and budget.
Core responsibilities
- Manages the unit's operating budget and earned revenue
- Oversees staff, schedules and vendor contracts
- Runs facilities, box office, ticketing or station operations as applicable
- Ensures licensing and regulatory compliance, such as FCC rules for stations
- Works with development staff on memberships and sponsorships
- Reports results to the chief executive or board
How it differs
In public media the General Manager is often the top executive and may be better matched to Executive Director / CEO. The Operations Manager handles day-to-day logistics at a lower level. The Business Manager handles finance and administration only.
By organization size
At a small venue or station the General Manager does nearly everything. At large institutions the role leads department heads in programming, operations and finance.
Filings from the last five years mapped to this role commonly report titles such as: General Manager; Assistant General Manager; General Mgr; General Manager/Secretary; Asst General Manager; Asst. General Manager