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 105,000 attendees to its iconic concert series, which has featured legendary artists like Chaka Khan, The Flaming Lips, Diana Ross, Bob Moses, Girl Talk, 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.

 

Reporting Relationships

The Volunteer Leader reports to the Community Engagement Manager and may also work directly with the Director of Development and other Festival staff to coordinate volunteer operations and hospitality for current and prospective donors at performances and events during the 2026 season.

 

Position Description

The Volunteer Leader is responsible for overseeing all volunteer operations on concert days, with primary responsibility for the Volunteer Check-In Tent and surrounding volunteer support areas. This role ensures a smooth, welcoming, and well-organized volunteer experience through on-site leadership, coordination, and weekday administrative support.

Responsibilities include volunteer check-in and check-out, crowd control, task assignments, orientations, volunteer hospitality, data accuracy, strike, and program support, as well as any additional duties that contribute to the smooth operational functionality of the volunteer program.

 

General Duties

• Oversee volunteer operations on concert days, including set-up, management, and breakdown of the Volunteer Check-In area
• Manage volunteer check-in and check-out processes, including attendance tracking and issue resolution
• Assign volunteers to roles and adjust assignments as needed throughout the day
• Provide on-site orientations and ongoing guidance to volunteers
• Serve as the primary point of contact for volunteer questions before, during, and after concerts
• Maintain a welcoming, organized, and professional environment
• Support volunteer hospitality efforts, including breaks and general volunteer care
• Coordinate with Development and Operations staff to ensure seamless integration of volunteer support across the venue
• Monitor crowd flow and volunteer placement to support safety, access, and operational needs
• Attend weekly on-site festival briefings.

 

Administrative & Program Support (Weekday Hours):

• Monitor and respond to volunteer email communications in a timely and professional manner
• Manage volunteer scheduling, confirmations, and changes
• Update and maintain volunteer records, schedules, and data accuracy in Bloomerang
• Support volunteer recruitment, orientations, and training logistics
• Track volunteer hours and assist with reporting as needed
• Flag issues, trends, or recurring challenges to the Community Engagement Manager
  

 

Qualifications

• Ability to work efficiently in a highly organized and detail-oriented manner
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to handle stressful situations with diplomacy, tact, and professionalism
• Demonstrated ability to lead and direct volunteers with confidence and composure 
• Ability to make quick, sound decisions while adhering to SGFA guidelines 
• Reliable, punctual, and able to commit to all scheduled concert dates
• Comfortable working independently while collaborating closely with staff and volunteers 
• Strong customer service mindset with a positive, welcoming attitude
• Commitment to SGFA’s mission and values 
• Experience with volunteer coordination, event operations, or nonprofit administration preferred 
• Familiarity with CRM or volunteer management platforms (such as Bloomerang) a plus

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 Volunteer Leader 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.

 

Locations - Hybrid Role

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

 

Work Period and Hours

• Staff will need to be able to work all concerts:
  • Concerts: Sundays from June 14 - August 16 + Saturday, August 15
  • Orientations:
    • May 17 (virtual)
    • May 31 (on-site at Stern Grove)
    • June 7 (on-site at Stern Grove)

Hours: Employee will average 5 - 15 hours per week from April 13 - August 21

 

Compensation

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

 

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