What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Artist Relations Manager - Opry Entertainment Group position at Ryman Hospitality Properties?
As a Senior Artist Relations Manager with Opry Entertainment Group (OEG), you will lead high-impact artist and industry engagement for the Grand Ole Opry, supporting OEG's mission to foster meaningful, long-term relationships with artists, managers, and label partners. You will steward Opry-centric strategy, optimize existing artist programs (including Opry NextStage), and serve as a trusted liaison between artist teams and internal stakeholders--particularly Marketing, Content Production/Social, and Partnerships. As the ideal candidate, you will bring strong industry relationships, advanced presentation skills, a vast knowledge of country music history, and the ability to translate artist insights into compelling storytelling. You will help shape team culture, collaborate daily with Programming, and ensure a consistent, elevated artist experience throughout the Opry ecosystem. Reports to the Director of Artist Relations.
- Serve as an ambassador for the Grand Ole Opry, strengthening relationships with artists, managers, publicists, and label partners while sharing the history, mission, and cultural importance of the Grand Ole Opry to deepen the understanding of the Opry's legacy and impact.
- Maintain current knowledge of artist initiatives, release cycles, and tour activity to proactively identify engagement opportunities.
- Develop incentive plans to drive artist engagement, participation, and long-term relationships.
- Regularly attend Opry shows and industry events representing the Opry with professionalism and an artist-first mindset. Provide on-site support for artist content initiatives, ensuring accuracy, professionalism, and a high-quality artist experience.
- Lead all aspects of Opry NextStage, including annual planning, program development, advancing and executing tentpole events, partner communication, and internal alignment.
- Optimize and evolve existing artist and industry engagement programs in partnership with Programming, Marketing, and Partnerships teams, continuously improving processes, efficiency, and the overall artist experience.
- Manage strategic communication plans, project timelines, budgets, and workflows for artist-centric initiatives.
- Represent Artist Relations team in cross-functional company meetings, ensuring artist needs and perspectives are clearly communicated and aligned. Provide clear and timely internal communication regarding artist timelines, releases, and engagement activity.
- Coordinate promotional, social, and content requests across all Opry performers while overseeing the review and approval process for artist content across social and marketing channels; serve as primary liaison between internal teams and artist representatives for non-performance requests.
- Collaborate daily with the Programming team to align on artist opportunities, identify operational gaps, and implement improved workflows that elevate efficiency and the artist experience.
- Develop presentations and strategic materials for internal leadership and partners, translating industry trends and program needs into clear recommendations.
- Foster a teamwork culture that works to maintain excellent relationships with artists and their teams.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Degree in Music Business, Marketing, Hospitality, or related field preferred
- 7 years' experience in artist relations, label relations, talent management, A&R, marketing, or related music industry role required
- Hospitality or customer service background strongly preferred; artist-first mindset required
- Experience working cross-functionally in a fast-paced entertainment or media environment, with familiarity of artist timelines, marketing cycles, and promotional workflows
- Proven track record building and maintaining relationships with artist, managers, labels, and industry partners
- Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills as well as strong presentation skills
- High artist and customer-service oriented with strong discretion on confidential matters
- Strong organization and workflow management with ability to coordinate multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
- Creative strategic thinker with strong problem-solving skills and ability to execute
- Ability to lead through influence and support team culture
- Deep knowledge of country music history and current industry trends
- Proficient in Microsoft Office including Word and PowerPoint, with strong presentation creation and design skills
- Valid driver's license with satisfactory driving record required