Organizational Profile

Stern Grove Festival is the longest-running nonprofit music festival in the country. Since 1938, this cherished summer tradition has brought Bay Area communities together for world-class performances in the stunning outdoor amphitheater of Sigmund Stern Grove, nestled on the city’s west side. Last year, the Festival welcomed over 110,000 attendees to its iconic concert series, which has featured legendary artists like Chaka Khan, The Flaming Lips, Patti Smith, Bob Moses, Phil Lesh & Friends, Ziggy Marley, Herbie Hancock, and many more.

As a cultural cornerstone of the Bay Area, Stern Grove Festival remains committed to making music accessible to all while celebrating artistic excellence and community connection.

Position Description

The Special Events Coordinator reports to the Donor Relations and Events Manager and may also work directly with the Director of Development and other Festival staff to coordinate hospitality for current and prospective donors at performances and events during the 2025 season. This position is ideal for an individual interested in arts administration, fundraising, and event planning. This opportunity will provide excellent hands-on experience during the Festival’s busiest and most exciting time of the year.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Coordinate specific details and reservations for up to 500 individuals at each Sunday performance
• Enter event data, confirmed attendees including guests, and follow-up communications for each event
• Prepare weekly email confirmations and materials for VIP attendees
• Prepare materials leading up to each week’s concert
• Record, and track guest attendance in organization database
• Be point of contact for inquiries from donors via phone and email
• Manage and keep tally of development supplies for season
• Coordinate and place donor lunch orders
• Oversee in-office volunteers
• Other duties as assigned

On-Site Responsibilities (Concert Sundays)

• Oversee VIP check-in and seating for donors and table guests
• Manage cooler assembly and placement
• Organize delivery/set-up of food and beverages in designated areas
• Serve as point of contact for Volunteers assigned for Development assistance
• Coordinate set-up/break down of donor areas and reserved seating sections

Qualifications

• Commitment to and interest in arts administration, event planning, or fundraising
• Past experience working in a fast-paced performing arts or other festival environment preferred
• Ability to self-start and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Professional presentation and excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Customer service experience a plus
• Required computer skills: G-Suite, Excel, and Word
• Basic understanding of databases and experience preferred, but not required

We value a diversity of backgrounds and perspectives. If you meet many of the qualifications listed and are passionate about Stern Grove Festival’s mission, we encourage you to apply.

Work Environment / Physical Demands

The Special Events Coordinator role requires working outdoors in an open park environment during concerts, often in varied weather conditions. The noise level can range from moderate to loud, occasionally exceeding 100 dB. Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities.

While performing duties, the employee must:

• Stand for extended periods.
• Walk and climb across uneven terrain, including hillsides.
• Lift, carry, push, and pull objects up to 40 lbs.
• Stoop, crouch, and kneel for tasks such as placing signage.
• Communicate effectively with large groups of people, requiring clear verbal and listening skills.

This description is not exhaustive and may include other physical or environmental requirements necessary for the role.

Work Period

• Staff will need to be able to work all concerts:
  • Concerts: Sundays from June 15 - August 17 + Saturday, August 16, 2025
  • Orientations: June 1 and June 8 on-site, with a virtual orientation TBD

Concert and Orientation days subject to change or cancellation. We will inform you of any changes as soon as possible.

Seasonal: June through August 2025 (start and end dates are negotiable, ideally May 15 – September 1, 2025)

Hours: 20 - 25 hours per week, concert Sundays are required. Hours are variable except for Concert Season, June 15 to August 16, 2025. Schedule to be determined by mutual agreement.

Locations - Hybrid Role

1. SGFA Office: Fort Mason, 2 Marina Boulevard, San Francisco, CA 94123 
2. Sigmund Stern Grove: 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard, San Francisco 94132
3. Work from Home: Video conferences as needed

Compensation
Starting at $23 per hour and commensurate with experience. Paid semi-monthly.

Note on COVID-19 Pandemic
For the protection of its employees and patrons, Stern Grove Festival Association may require its employees to wear masks and to provide proof of vaccination or a recent, negative, COVID-19 test as a condition of employment. Your continued participation in this recruitment affirms that you are aware and agree with this notice.

EEO Statement
SGFA provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, SGFA complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, leaves of absence, compensation and training. SGFA expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.

How to Apply:

https://www.sterngrove.org/jobs

Email:
If you have any questions, please email jobs@sterngrove.org