Development Operations Associate

IMPORTANT - If interested in the role, please be sure to apply at the full application link below.

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 Development Operations Associate supports activities to meet all fundraising goals for Stern Grove Festival’s $4+ million annual operating budget. Reporting to the Development Relations and Events Manager, this role ensures the smooth execution of development operations, donor stewardship, and event logistics. The position plays a key role in donor database management, volunteer coordination, and providing on-the-ground support during concert days.

Gift Processing, Tracking, Acknowledgements

• Process all contributions in the donor database (Bloomerang), ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Prepare and send gift acknowledgments for individual donors, grant funders, and sponsors.
• Address payment issues, acknowledgment requests, or other donation-related inquiries.

Reporting and Analysis

• Produce segmented mailing and lead lists; track campaign response rates and donation revenue.
• Assist with monitoring progress toward revenue goals, providing regular reports to support strategy.
• Perform monthly reconciliation of contributed revenue with the Finance team to ensure accuracy in reporting.

Donor and Volunteer Relations

• Assist in identifying and researching prospective major donors to support fundraising efforts.
• Correspond with donors to confirm payment information, table sales, and other inquiries.
• Support donor benefit fulfillment, ensuring the best VIP guest experience on concert days and at special events.
• Coordinate the volunteer program, including recruitment, scheduling, and communication.

Event Logistics

• Assist with the planning and execution of concert-day logistics, including setup and support for the Stageside Lounge and other VIP areas.
• Provide operational support for development-related events such as fundraisers and the Big Picnic.

Department Operations

• Maintain donor database accuracy, integrity, and security.
• Generate reports and donor insights to support fundraising campaigns and strategy development.
• Provide general administrative support for the Development team and Director of Development, as needed.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in fundraising, nonprofit administration, or a related field. Candidates with equivalent skills gained through other professional or volunteer experiences are encouraged to apply.
• Experience working with donor databases or transferable skills in data management, querying, and reporting.
• Meticulous attention to detail in managing donor records, tracking revenue, and preparing accurate reports.
• Strong research skills and an understanding of fundraising principles and processes, or a willingness to learn.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Comfort managing multiple priorities, meeting deadlines, and adapting to evolving needs.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including board leadership, staff, donors, and community members.
• A commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion, collaboration, and respect.

Physical Requirements

• Able to lift/carry 40lbs
• Able to experience periods of extended standing, employees must be able to remain on their feet in a stationary position.
• Able to walk and climb considerable distances including on the hillside during the course of a work day.
• Grasp, lift, carry, push and pull heavy objects such as barricades, fencing, and carts.
• Stooping, crouching and kneeling is needed to place signage throughout the Grove.
• Listening and speaking ability is required. In a typical work day the employee will be interacting with large groups of people and they must have the ability to hear and clearly express their ideas with spoken words.

If you meet some of the qualifications but not all, we encourage you to apply. We believe diverse experiences and perspectives strengthen our organization.

Locations - Hybrid Role

• SGFA Office (approximately 50% of the time), 832 Folsom Street Suite 1000, San Francisco, CA 94107, with an upcoming office move to 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

• This is a full time position
• During the concert season (June 15 through August 17), the position works at the venue on Sundays, with an additional Saturday show on August 16, and takes other time off during the week (often Mondays).

Compensation

The compensation package includes a salary of $65,000 - $80,000, based on experience. The position also comes with an annual employer contribution to a 403(b) retirement plan, and a robust benefits package (health/vision/dental/life insurance premium fully covered).

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.