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 Assistant reports to the Community Engagement Manager and works under the direction of the Volunteer Manager, collaborating with the Director of Development and other Festival staff to support volunteer operations and donor hospitality during the 2026 season.

 

Position Description

The Volunteer Assistant supports on-site volunteer operations on concert days, with primary focus on assisting at the Volunteer Check-In Tent and surrounding volunteer support areas. This role is highly people-facing and centered on creating a welcoming, organized, and positive experience for volunteers throughout the day.

Responsibilities include volunteer check-in and check-out, answering questions, supporting orientations, helping assign volunteers to roles, monitoring volunteering needs during shifts, and providing general on-site support to ensure smooth volunteer operations. May assist with additional on-site volunteer support tasks as assigned by the Volunteer Manager, Community Engagement Manager, or Director of Development.

 

General Duties

• Support the set-up, management, and breakdown of the Volunteer Check-In area on concert days
• Assist with volunteer check-in and check-out processes
• Welcome volunteers and serve as a friendly, knowledgeable point of contact throughout the day
• Answer general volunteer questions and provide clear direction as needed
• Support volunteer orientations and assist with communicating roles and expectations
• Help assign volunteers to roles and redirect volunteers as needs change
• Monitor volunteer shifts and provide coverage or support as directed by the Volunteer Manager
• Assist with volunteer placement to support safety and operations
• Support volunteer hospitality efforts, including breaks and general volunteer care
• Attend required on-site festival briefings and orientations
• Adhere strictly to all SGFA-approved policies, protocols, and procedures

 

 Qualifications

• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, outdoor event environment
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Friendly, professional demeanor with customer-service mindset
• Ability to remain calm, flexible, and solution-oriented during busy or high-pressure moments
• Comfortable engaging with large groups or volunteers and answering questions confidently
• Ability to follow direction while also working independently when needed
• Reliable, punctual, and able to commit to all scheduled concert dates
• Positive attitude and demonstrated commitment to SGFA’s mission
• Previous volunteer coordination, customer service, or event support 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 Volunteer Assistant 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 8 - 11 hours per week from May 25 - August 17

 

Compensation

Starting at $20 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