Donor Relations and Events Manager

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. We strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences.

Position Description

The Donor Relations and Events Manager supports activities to meet all fundraising goals for Stern Grove Festival’s $4+ million annual operating budget. Reporting to the Director of Development and managing the Development Operations Associate, this role is pivotal in overseeing donor relations, event management, and the execution of fundraising campaigns. The Manager works collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to deliver exceptional donor experiences, especially during the concert season.

Donor Relations

• Oversee VIP table experiences and donor hospitality on concert days, ensuring high-quality engagement.
• Manage mid-level donor cultivation efforts, including benefit fulfillment, personalized outreach, and acknowledgment processes.
• Develop and execute segmented donor campaigns and appeals.

Event and Campaign Management

• Plan and execute development-related events, including logistics and guest experience oversight.
• Lead day-of execution for the Big Picnic, ensuring seamless operations and an exceptional experience for all attendees.
• Collaborate with the Director of Development on donor campaigns, annual appeals, and stewardship efforts.
• Partner with the Marketing team to create donor-focused materials and communications.

Team Leadership and Support

• Manage and mentor the Development Operations Associate, ensuring smooth execution of development operations, including gift processing and donor acknowledgments.

Data Management and Reporting

• Monitor fundraising campaign effectiveness and recommend improvements based on data analysis.
• Conduct donor research to identify new prospects and opportunities for growth.

Department Collaboration

• Work closely with the Director of Development to develop and implement long-term fundraising strategies.
• Collaborate with staff across departments to ensure alignment on fundraising goals and benefit fulfillment.
• Provide general support for the department and the Director of Development, as needed

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in fundraising, nonprofit development, or a related sales field, with proven success in securing corporate sponsorships and individual gifts. 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.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Meticulous attention to detail in managing donor records, tracking revenue, and preparing accurate reports.
• Proven ability to plan and execute events, fundraisers, or other projects requiring strong organizational and coordination skills.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including donors, corporate partners, board members, and staff.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace and familiarity with CRM platforms.
• 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 $85,000 - $105,000, 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.