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Job Opportunities

Interested in working at SJW for the summer of 2026? Check out our job openings below…

Our seasonal positions provide an opportunity for you to work alongside some of the most talented and experienced artists and educators in the field of jazz, as well as with the most delightful, energetic, and eager young musicians you’ll ever meet. You’ll be a part of one of the world’s top jazz education teams.

Click on each position below to learn more…

Camp Counselor Positions

About the position

Day Camp Counselors will report to the Director of Educational Programming and Head Counselor to ensure that all Day Camp participants (ages 10-14) are appropriately supervised when not in class. Counselors assist the Head Counselor in programs throughout the week. This is a seasonal position that begins July 6th and continues through July 10th. All work is performed on the Stanford University campus.

There is a zero tolerance policy for alcohol/smoking anywhere near the camp participants. You are expected to set a good example for the students you are supervising while on duty.

Responsibilities:

  • Attend the Day Camp planning meeting at Stanford University before Day Camp begins, time/date TBD.
  • Manage the morning drop-off and late pick-ups.
  • Assist with lunch distribution and supervision.
  • Organize activities for lunchtime and after-care.
  • Engage with students and family members at the Jazz Day Camp Student Showcase on Friday.

Daily Duties:

Early drop-off (8:30 – 9:00 am daily)

  • Plan and present an activity to keep students occupied in Campbell Recital Hall.
  • One person stays at drop-off point, one in Campbell Courtyard – communicate via radio.
  • Keep attendance list – notify the main office if any students haven’t arrived by 9:00.

Morning meetings (9:00 am)

  • Be present at morning meetings to address any student issues that come up and help distribute student schedules.

Lunch and outdoor activity led by counselors (11:45am-12:50pm)

  • Collect and secure student cell phones during lunch and activities.
  • Set up lunch area in courtyard.
  • Supervise and help with lunch. Distribute lunches and help students socialize.
  • Make sure students clean up after themselves.
  • Create and direct all camp lunchtime activities each day.
  • Supervise students during the activity and get them back to class on time.
  • Clean up lunch area and field as needed.

Late pick-up (3:00 – 5:00 pm daily)

  • Keep attendance of students who have signed up for late pick-up.
  • Late pick-up group gets two locations: courtyard and one outdoor location (Levin field, Tresidder area, etc.).
  • One counselor stays in each location with the students.
  • Other staff/faculty member stays at the parking lot loop with SJW sign. When parents arrive, they give him/her the name of the student they’re picking up. Whichever counselor has the student named sends him/her over to parking lot loop.
  • Counselors offer one activity for each location – movie, sports, arts/crafts, or just hanging out.

Student relations

  • Develop rapport with students.
  • Keep an eye out for students who seem overwhelmed or are having a hard time adjusting and report immediately.
  • Know the proper channels for students who have questions/problems/disciplinary issues.
  • Refer students who have problems with class scheduling, class placement, or any camp-related logistics to the main office.

About the position

SJW Camp Counselors will report to the Registrar, Director of Programming, and Head Counselor to ensure that all camp youth participants (ages 12-17) are supervised throughout the week-long program, including meetings and activities during the day and evening, and overnight supervision in student dormitories.

This is a fulltime seasonal position that begins with a pre-camp Saturday training session and ends the following Saturday at around 11am.

All SJW Camp Counselors must be on site 24 hours a day and be available to help in any situation. If you need to leave the campus, advance arrangements must be made with the Registrar and the SJW Head Counselor.

There is a zero tolerance policy for alcohol/smoking anywhere near the camp participants or the dorms. You are expected to set a good example for the students you are supervising while on duty.

Counselors must comply with all Stanford University requirements and training regarding protection of minors and harassment prevention.

Responsibilities:

  • Attend the Camp Counselor pre-camp Saturday training session that will be held the Saturday before camp begins. This meeting is usually held at noon in Braun Music Center at Stanford University.
  • Assist with Sunday registration. This is when all students arrive. Each counselor will be assigned a special duty for the day and will need to have read all the pre-camp materials. Be prepared to answer questions from parents and students who are arriving.
  • Make sure that your assigned students are accounted for at all times. Your most important task is taking attendance and knowing where students are at all times, day and night.
  • Monitor and maintain students’ emotional and physical well-being. Be prepared to help students who are dealing with homesickness or need help making new friends. You are also responsible for making sure that there is no bullying and that students treat each other and SJW staff/faculty with respect.
  • With oversight from the Director of Programming, organize and participate in after-class/evening activities for students each day. Create a fun and engaging atmosphere for the students when they are not at classes, clinics, or jam sessions. A week at camp usually includes following activities: an ice cream social, evening sports, s’mores night, a talent show, a dorm dance, a Friends and Family dinner and a student showcase. It is the responsibility of the counselor staff to organize and facilitate these events. Normally the duties will involve grocery shopping, decorating, DJ-ing, coaching, leading a morning activity or counselor talent show skit, etc.
  • Report any threats, safety issues or concerns to the Registrar and Head Counselor. If you observe anything that concerns you, report it to the main office immediately.
  • Under the direction of the Faculty Director, facilitate the educational and musical endeavors of the camp and SJW. You may be asked to assist in a class or to lead in a jam

To apply: complete and sign the Counselor Application Form and email it along with a cover letter and résumé to Steven Lugerner, Director of Educational and Festival Programming [email protected]

Administrative Positions

Director of Student Life (Seasonal – Summer Programs)

Organization: Stanford Jazz Workshop
Location: Stanford University Campus
Term: May/June (flexible start) through July (full time during camp sessions)
Status: Seasonal, Full-Time (Summer)

Position Overview

Stanford Jazz Workshop seeks an experienced education professional to serve as Director of Student Life for our summer residential programs. This is a senior seasonal leadership role focused on student well-being, community culture, and social-emotional support across our summer sessions.

The Director of Student Life is a key front-line culture holder and problem solver, responsible for overseeing the counselor team, supporting students through a wide range of social, emotional, and behavioral needs, and partnering closely with parents and administrative staff. This role is ideal for a seasoned school administrator, dean, or educator who thrives in student-facing environments and is looking for meaningful, immersive summer work.

This is not an entry-level camp position. We are seeking someone with substantial experience working with adolescents in structured educational settings. 

Core Responsibilities

Student Support & Community Care

  • Serve as the primary point person for student life issues, including social adjustment, conflict resolution, behavioral concerns, and emotional well-being.

  • Proactively observe student dynamics and identify students who may be struggling socially, emotionally, or behaviorally.

  • Intervene early and thoughtfully to support individual students and strengthen group culture.

  • Uphold and model the program’s values around respect, inclusion, accountability, and care.

Counselor Leadership & Oversight

  • With the Director of Educational Programming and Head Counselor, supervise and support the counselor team, including guidance around student management, communication, and professional conduct.

  • Partner with the Head Counselor to ensure consistency in expectations, tone, and response across sessions.

  • Serve as a mentor and resource to counselors navigating challenging student situations.

Parent & Family Communication

  • Communicate directly with parents and guardians regarding student concerns, disciplinary matters, or significant social-emotional issues.

  • Handle sensitive conversations with clarity, empathy, and professionalism.

  • Work closely with the Registrar to ensure accurate documentation and follow-through.

Administrative Collaboration

  • Interface regularly with program administration, including the Executive Director, Director of Educational Programming, and Registrar, to coordinate responses to student issues.

  • Contribute to daily operational decision-making related to student life and residential culture.

  • Assist in refining policies, procedures, and practices related to student well-being.

Desired Background & Qualifications

  • Significant experience in K–12 education, such as:

    • Dean of Students

    • Assistant Principal

    • School Counselor

    • Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Lead

    • Veteran classroom teacher with leadership responsibilities

  • Demonstrated expertise in:

    • Social-emotional learning

    • Adolescent development

    • Classroom and community management

    • Conflict resolution and restorative practices

  • Strong judgment and calm presence in high-pressure or emotionally charged situations.

  • Excellent communication skills, particularly with families and staff.

  • Deep commitment to student well-being and inclusive community culture.

  • Ability to be highly visible, engaged, and responsive.

  • Willingness to work long hours during camp period.

Personal Qualities We’re Looking For

  • Someone who genuinely loves school life and student-centered environments.

  • A natural observer who notices when a student is isolated or when group culture is shifting.

  • Warm, grounded, and authoritative without being punitive.

  • Comfortable holding responsibility and making decisions in real time.

  • Energized by relational work and daily human interaction.

Schedule & Commitment

  • The Director of Student Life will stay in on-campus graduate housing during the duration of the high school summer camps, 7/11-7/31. Middle school week one optional on-campus housing.

  • Start date flexible in May or June (depending on candidate availability). Full-time, on-site presence required during all July camp sessions.

  • While this is a position that requires general availability during the four weeks of camp, the planned daily schedule would be 12:00-8:30PM along with on-call availability in emergency situations. For our first week of middle school Day Camp, the hours are 8:30AM–5:00PM.

  • Some evening and weekend responsibilities inherent to residential programming.

Compensation

  • Competitive exempt seasonal salary position based on experience

Summary

The Director of Student Life plays a central role in shaping the lived experience of our students. This position significantly reduces the load on administrative and registrar staff while strengthening the quality, consistency, and care of our summer programs. The right person will have a profound impact on student experience, staff culture, and overall program success.

About the position

SJW is seeking a Hospitality and Event Coordinator who is passionate about providing excellent service to our patrons. As part of the operations team, you will be learning practical skills in food services, hospitality and patron relationship management.

This is a part-time seasonal position on the campus of Stanford University that begins in mid-June and continues through Friday, July 31st. Minimum hours for this position are 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on all Stanford Jazz Festival concert days (TBD). Late-night events (schedule TBD) between July 12 and July 31st may be required. Hours are subject to adjustment.

Housing and transportation are not provided for this position.

This role reports to the Director of Program Operations.

Responsibilities

  • Execute hospitality, catering, and guest services for all festival events. Activities include maintaining hospitality room inventory, expense tracking, procuring food and supplies, executing food and beverage service, tracking dietary restrictions, supporting artist services and green room setups, providing event breakdown and clean up, and creating event summary reports.
  • Complete training for and obtain California Food Handler’s permit. Maintain a clean and sanitary work environment when dealing with food preparation and storage, ensuring compliance with local food handling regulations.
  • Other duties may be assigned to ensure the overall success of the festival.

Qualifications

  • Experience in hospitality is a plus.
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, comfortable interacting with diverse groups of artists and patrons.
  • Have a valid driver’s license and have access to a car to procure food and supplies as needed.
  • This position requires frequent lifting and/or moving up to 10 pounds and occasionally lifting and/or moving up to 25 pounds.

Compensation

  • $18 – $21 per hour, depending on experience.

About the position

SJW is seeking a Box Office Coordinator who is passionate about providing excellent service to our patrons. As part of the operations team, you will be learning practical skills in running a festival box office and patron relationship management.

This is a part-time seasonal position on the campus of Stanford University that begins in mid-June and continues through Friday, July 31st. Minimum hours for this position are 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on all Stanford Jazz Festival concert days (TBD). Hours are subject to adjustment.

Housing and transportation are not provided for this position.

This role reports to the Director of Program Operations.

Responsibilities

  • Gain fluency with the Stanford Jazz Festival ticketing system in a timely manner and maintain knowledge of: processing orders and ticket requests, applying SJW member ticketing benefits, and preparing SJW camper tickets.
  • Coordinate with the Marketing Director to facilitate comp ticket requests.
  • Set up and run the box office on the day of events, including preparing will call ticket distribution and providing technical and/or customer service assistance that may arise.
  • Process group sales and all other ticketing orders.
  • Maintain knowledge of Stanford Jazz Festival season lineups; answer questions from patrons, and field audience concerns and feedback.
  • Other duties may be assigned to ensure the overall success of the festival.

Qualifications

  • Previous box office or ushering experience is a plus.
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, comfortable interacting with diverse groups of patrons.

Compensation

  • $18 – $21 per hour, depending on experience.

About the position

SJW is seeking a Merchandise and Ticketing Coordinator who is passionate about providing excellent service to our patrons. As part of the operations team, you will be learning practical skills in ticketing and merchandise distribution and patron relationship management.

This is a part-time seasonal position on the campus of Stanford University that begins in mid-June and continues through Friday, July 31st. Minimum hours for this position are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on all Stanford Jazz Festival concert days (TBD). Hours are subject to adjustment.

Housing and transportation are not provided for this position.

This role reports to the Director of Program Operations.

Responsibilities

  • Organize and maintain accurate merch inventory.
  • Prepare sales reports and obtain signatures from artists or artist management as needed.
  • Set up and run the merch shop on the day of events, including identifying and preparing necessary inventory, and setting up payment processing tools and other supplies as needed.
  • Assist box office operations, including door sales and assisting with customer walk-ups.
  • Other duties may be assigned to ensure the overall success of the festival.

Qualifications

  • Previous sales and/or inventory experience is a plus.
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, comfortable interacting with diverse groups of patrons.

Compensation

  • $18 – $21 per hour, depending on experience.

To apply: email a cover letter and résumé to Yu-Chun Kuo, Director of Program Operations [email protected]

About Stanford Jazz Workshop

Stanford Jazz Workshop (SJW) is a 52-year-old independent nonprofit dedicated to the perpetuation of jazz music through educational programs and concerts of the highest artistic quality. Our mission is to educate, entertain, and inspire a community of artists, students, and audience members through the study, performance, and appreciation of jazz — an original American musical form.

Our summer jazz immersion programs are held on the beautiful campus of Stanford University during July and August each year. We produce the annual Stanford Jazz Festival, featuring many of the world’s greatest jazz artists. Our year-round jazz education programs include the Giant Steps Big Bands for middle school musicians, the Miles Ahead Big Bands for high school musicians, JazzGirls Day, the SJW Fall Jazz Festival, and the Jazz Inside Out series of jazz engagement programs.