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

Donor Check-In Staff are part of the Development Department and report directly to the Donor Relations Manager.

Donor Check-In Staff work closely with the Ticket Team, Operations Team, Perimeter and Safety Teams, Shuttle and Parking Staff, Security, Medical, and other SGFA staff to ensure a seamless and welcoming experience for table donors and VIP guests.

 

Position Description

Donor Check-In Staff serve as the primary welcome point for Stern Grove Festival’s table donors and VIP guests. This role supports the ticketing team while providing a high-touch hospitality experience for guests receiving table credentials, VIP wristbands, and other donor benefits.

This is a guest-facing role requiring warmth, professionalism, attention to detail, and comfort working in a dynamic live event environment.

 

General Duties

• Attend pre-season orientation and concert dry run to learn organizational culture, venue layout, safety protocols, and donor hospitality procedures.
• Assist with setup and breakdown of donor check-in areas, including tents, tables, signage, barricades, and credential stations.
• Support scanning and entry flow in coordination with the Ticket Team.
• Distribute table credentials, VIP wristbands, and other donor materials.
• Verify guest names and table assignments using provided lists or CRM systems.
• Provide clear directions to table areas, shuttle access, restrooms, concessions, medical tent, and other amenities.
• Answer donor and VIP guest questions with confidence and professionalism.
• Escalate complex issues to the Donor Relations Manager as needed.
• Attend on-site staff meetings and execute tasks under the direction of the Donor Relations

 

Qualifications

• Ability to work efficiently in an organized and detailed fashion.
• Ability to handle stressful situations with diplomacy and tact.
• Excellent communication skills and collaborative work ethic.
• Ability to direct others in tasks with composure, and confidence, often executing on your own.
• Ability to judge conditions and make quick decisions while adhering to SGFA guidelines.
• Maintain self-assurance and control during concert day.
• Have a positive attitude and maintain dedication to the SGFA mission.
• Some event management experience is preferred.

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 Donor Check-In 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 - On-Site Role

• Sigmund Stern Grove, 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard, San Francisco

 

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 4 - 6 hours per week from May 25 - August 21

 

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