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 Sponsor Activation Lead is part of the Development Department and reports directly to the Director of Development.

This role works closely with the Operations Department, Production Team, Ticketing, Marketing, Volunteer Teams, Security, and external sponsor representatives to ensure seamless activation execution.

 

Position Description

The Sponsor Activation Lead serves as the primary on-site point of contact for Stern Grove Festival sponsors during the concert season.

This role manages the execution of sponsor activations at the venue, ensuring all agreed-upon benefits are delivered smoothly, professionally, and in alignment with the Festival’s brand and operational standards.

The Sponsor Activation Lead is proactive, solutions-oriented, and thrives in fast-paced live event environments. They anticipate needs, troubleshoot in real time, and build strong, positive relationships

 

Sponsor Relationship Management (On-Site)

• Serve as the primary on-site liaison for assigned sponsors on concert days.
• Welcome sponsor representatives and provide orientation to the venue and activation space.
• Ensure sponsors understand timelines, logistics, and day-of expectations.
• Maintain a warm, professional presence that reflects Stern Grove’s values and standards.
• Communicate proactively with sponsors throughout the day regarding load-in, activation timing, and load-out.

 

Activation Execution

• Oversee setup and breakdown of sponsor activations in coordination with Operations and Production teams.
• Ensure all activation elements (tents, power, tables, signage, credentials, etc.) are delivered as agreed.
• Confirm sponsor assets are properly placed and meet brand guidelines.
• Monitor activations throughout the event to ensure compliance with Festival policies.
• Troubleshoot logistical issues quickly and diplomatically.

 

Cross-Department Coordination

• Coordinate pre-season with Development and Operations to confirm activation needs and equipment requirements.
• Work closely with Operations to procure necessary equipment (tents, power, furniture, barricades, etc.).
• Communicate sponsor needs clearly and efficiently to internal teams.
• Attend pre-season walkthroughs and dry runs.

 

Reporting & Documentation

• Capture notes and feedback after each concert to improve sponsor experience.
• Assist with documentation of activations (photos, fulfillment confirmation, etc.) as needed.

 

 Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in live events, brand activations, sponsorship fulfillment, or hospitality operations (or equivalent transferable experience).
• Proven ability to manage logistics in a fast-paced, live environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to make quick, confident decisions.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to represent the organization professionally with corporate partners.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
• Comfortable working outdoors and on your feet for extended periods.
• Experience coordinating across multiple teams or departments.
• Familiarity with production environments or outdoor events preferred.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace; experience with project management tools 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 Sponsor Activation Lead 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 - 15 hours per week from May 25 - August 17

 

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