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Job Opportunities

We’re seeking talented and energetic young people to work with us this summer at SJW!

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 the job titles below to learn more about the roles available. Complete the form at the bottom of this page to apply.

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.

Unforgettable summer, unforgettable connections

Imagine spending three weeks of your summer surrounded by the infectious energy of young jazz musicians from all corners of the globe, while you work alongside some of the top jazz artists and educators in the business. Picture yourself sharing your musical wisdom to curious campers over lunch, and witnessing their talents blossom during the course of their week of jazz immersion.

As a Stanford Jazz Workshop counselor, you’ll do much more than merely supervise kids at a summer camp: You’ll have a positive impact on their lives.

More than just a counselor, be a mentor, a friend, a role model

The heart of the Stanford Jazz Workshop Jazz Camp experience lies in the connections forged between faculty artists and campers as they spend time together in classes, in rehearsals, and at the Stanford Jazz Festival. As a counselor, your work will support the students to maximize their experience, and you’ll build connections with them as you model excellent behaviors such as openness, cooperation, collaboration, and deep listening. You’ll have a unique opportunity to build meaningful relationships with young musicians, serving as a source of guidance, support, and inspiration. You’ll witness their triumphs, celebrate their achievements, and help them navigate challenges, both musical and personal.

About the position

This full-time position begins on Saturday, July 13, 2024 and ends on Saturday, August 3. All activities occur on the campus of Stanford University. Students and counselors are housed in Stanford University housing.

Counselors are required to be present on-site 24 hours per day during the 22 consecutive days of employment, which coincides with the three weeks of SJW’s summer jazz immersion programs:

Jazz Camp Week 1: July 14 – 19

Jazz Camp Week 2: July 21 – 26

Jazz Institute: July 28 – August 2

Counselors will have a day of training on Saturday, July 13. On the final day of employment, Saturday, August 3, counselors will assist with students checking out of the dorms, and they may be asked to help SJW staff with restoring Stanford University facilities to their original condition.

Counselors report to the Head Counselor, with supervision by the Director of Educational and Festival Programming as well as the Registrar.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as a positive role model and mentor for a group of assigned campers, ages 12-17, and supervise them when they’re not involved with classes or the Stanford Jazz festival classes.
  • Provide guidance, supervision, and support to campers throughout the day and night when campers are not involved with classes or the Stanford Jazz Festival. This includes dorm duty for residential campers. Counselors are required to know where each of their assigned campers are at all times.
  • In collaboration SJW staff, organize and facilitate a variety of engaging after-class and evening activities that foster a positive and inclusive camp environment.
  • Attend the All-Camp Morning Meeting each weekday at 9:00 a.m., distribute daily class schedules to students, and assist with camp logistics to ensure the smooth operation of daily programs.
  • Address any cases of homesickness, loneliness, bullying, or disrespect that occur among your assigned campers or others. The emotional and physical well-being of our students is paramount, and SJW is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all campers, regardless of sex, gender identification, religious affiliation, ethnic background, or national origin.
  • Report any injuries, threats, or incidents that are concerning to SJW leadership immediately.
  • Attend the mandatory orientation meeting on Saturday, July 13.
  • Familiarize yourself with SJW policies, camp and class schedules, student dining and housing procedures, and faculty artist schedules so that you can assist with Registration Day onboarding activities on the first day of Jazz Camp and Jazz Institute.
  • Collaborate with other counselors and staff to create a memorable, enriching, nurturing, and safe camp experience for all.

Qualifications

  • A passion for jazz music and a desire to share your love of music with others is helpful — but not required.
  • Experience working with children or teenagers in a camp or educational setting is preferred.
  • Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to problem-solve effectively and think on your feet.
  • Positive attitude, enthusiasm, and a commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive environment.

Benefits and compensation

  • On-campus housing is provided.
  • Daily allowance for meals is provided.
  • A stipend of $712 per week is provided.
  • Opportunity to work in a dynamic and creative environment.
  • Gain valuable experience in mentorship, leadership, and child development.
  • Make lifelong connections with fellow counselors, staff, and campers from around the world.

To apply

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and a brief statement of interest to the Director of Educational and Festival Programming, Steven Lugerner, at [email protected].

Fill out the application form at the bottom of this page.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our programs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

SJW has a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol consumption or smoking of any kind while working with or when near students.

Do you have a passion for jazz, a love for working with kids, and a desire to help young musicians take their first big steps? Stanford Jazz Workshop’s Giant Steps Day Camp is seeking enthusiastic and motivated counselors to join our team for an exciting week of musical exploration!

About Giant Steps Day Camp

Giant Steps Day Camp is a five-day immersive program designed for middle schoolers (ages 10-14) who want to discover the world of jazz. Campers will explore improvisation, hone their instrumental or vocal skills, and have a blast playing alongside new friends.

Students get master classes on their instruments from some of the best jazz artists in the San Francisco Bay Area, and they get experience every day playing in combos and big bands. Imagine sunny days on the beautiful Stanford University campus, filled with music, laughter, and learning!

About the position

This is a six-day long, full-time position beginning on Monday, July 8, and ending on Friday, July 12. All activities occur on the campus of Stanford University. There will be a meeting the weekend prior to the start of Giant Steps Day Camp, the date and time to be determined.

This position does not include Stanford University housing; nearby housing is up to the candidate to provide.

Counselors are required to be present on-site for the entire duration of Giant Steps Day Camp each day from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. during the five consecutive days of the program.

On the final day of employment, Friday, July 12, counselors will assist with student performances at the Showcase, and they may be asked to help SJW staff with restoring Stanford University facilities to their original condition.

Giant Steps Day Camp counselors report to the Director of Educational and Festival Programming, with additional supervision by the Registrar.

Responsibilities

  • At the daily All Camp Morning Meeting, welcome campers and get them oriented, ensuring they feel comfortable and excited for the week ahead, and that they’re confident they know where they’re going and what they’re doing.
  • Supervise students when they’re not in class.
  • Take roll and communicate clearly with parents during the morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up periods.
  • Take attendance during class periods.
  • Supervise, distribute, and clean up lunch. Supervise late afternoon activities, keeping the energy high and spirits positive.
  • Serve as a positive role model, both in terms of behavior and musical expertise, inspiring campers to grow and learn.
  • Assist campers who are overwhelmed, having trouble adjusting to camp, or having interpersonal problems with other campers. Refer students with issues to SJW leadership.
  • Work alongside passionate staff and fellow counselors, creating a positive and enriching camp experience for everyone.

Qualifications

  • A deep love for jazz music and a desire to share that passion with others.
  • Experience working with middle school students or similar age groups of youth.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to connect with young people of diverse backgrounds.
  • Excellent communication and organizational skills, with a knack for keeping things fun and engaging.
  • A positive and responsible attitude, serving as a role model for campers both on and off the stage.
  • Basic musicianship knowledge is a plus!

Compensation

  • Counselors receive a $712 stipend for the week.

To apply

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and a brief statement of interest to the Director of Educational and Festival Programming, Steven Lugerner, at [email protected].

Fill out the application form at the bottom of this page.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our programs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

SJW has a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol consumption or smoking of any kind while working with or when near students.

Do you thrive in the vibrant and energetic environment of a jazz community? Are you passionate about fostering the next generation of musicians?

SJW seeks enthusiastic and organized candidates for an Educational Program Coordinator to join our team. This critical position plays a pivotal role in supporting all of SJW’s immersive summer jazz programs, impacting hundreds of students and shaping the future of jazz education.

About the position

As an Educational Program Coordinator, you’ll be the backbone of our summer programs, ensuring their smooth operation and providing exceptional support to students, faculty, and staff. You’ll wear many hats, from managing logistics and supporting registration to fostering a welcoming and inclusive program environment, and from managing the student scheduling database to supervising interns.

This is a full-time seasonal position on the campus of Stanford University that begins on Sunday, July 7 and continues through Saturday, August 3. If you’re available to begin work earlier than July 7 — even as early as May — please indicate that in your cover letter. Work prior to July 7 may require being onsite at SJW’s offices off campus.

Hours for this position are 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on weekdays, and from 12 p.m. (noon) until 12 a.m. (midnight) on Sundays. Hours are subject to adjustment.

Housing and transportation are not provided for this position.

This role reports to the Director of Educational and Festival Programming.

Responsibilities

  • Oversee aspects of Giant Steps Day Camp, Jazz Camp, and Jazz Institute, including attendance taking, operating the Camp scheduling database, producing and distributing registration day materials, managing interns, responding to issues with equipment, facilities issues, faculty logistical support, and other tasks.
  • Be a point of contact for students and their families, addressing questions, concerns, and ensuring their needs are met.
  • Respond to needs of faculty artists and program staff for equipment and materials, ensuring a smooth and enriching experience for all.
  • Manage archiving staff and activities, work with Production Assistants to coordinate materials and instrument storage, and assist with Showcase performance production and organization.
  • Create sheet music of student compositions.

Qualifications

  • Minimum 6 months of administrative experience in education or the arts
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, comfortable interacting with diverse groups of people (ages 10 – 80) and building rapport.
  • Detail-oriented and proactive, with a problem-solving mindset and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Strong computer proficiency, including database apps such as Filemaker Pro, music notation apps such as Sibelius or Finale, and Microsoft Office apps.
  • Flexibility, a can-do attitude, and a sense of humor.
  • Passion for jazz music and a commitment to SJW’s mission.
  • Person experience with music camps is a plus.

Compensation

  • $18 – $24 per hour, depending on experience.
  • Be part of a dedicated team passionate about jazz education.
  • Witness firsthand the positive impact of your work on students and the jazz community.

To apply

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and a brief statement of interest to the Director of Educational and Festival Programming, Steven Lugerner, at [email protected].

Fill out the application form at the bottom of this page, below.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our programs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

SJW has a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol consumption or smoking of any kind while working with or when near students.

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 Saturday, August 3. Minimum hours for this position are 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on all Stanford Jazz Festival concert days (June 21-23, 28-30, July 7, 12-18, 20-25, July 27-August 3). Late-night events (schedule TBD) between July 14 and August 2 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 – $24 per hour, depending on experience.

To apply

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and a brief statement of interest to the Director of Program Operations, Yu-Chun Kuo, at [email protected].

Fill out the application form at the bottom of this page, below.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our programs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

SJW has a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol consumption or smoking of any kind while working with or when near students.

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 Saturday, August 3. Minimum hours for this position are 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on all Stanford Jazz Festival concert days (June 21-23, 28-30, July 7, 12-18, 20-25, July 27-August 3). 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 2024 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 – $24 per hour, depending on experience.

To apply

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and a brief statement of interest to the Director of Program Operations, Yu-Chun Kuo, at [email protected].

Fill out the application form at the bottom of this page, below.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our programs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

SJW has a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol consumption or smoking of any kind while working with or when near students.

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 Saturday, August 3. Minimum hours for this position are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on all Stanford Jazz Festival concert days (June 21-23, 28-30, July 7, 12-18, 20-25, July 27-August 3). 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 – $24 per hour, depending on experience.

To apply

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and a brief statement of interest to the Director of Program Operations, Yu-Chun Kuo, at [email protected].

Fill out the application form at the bottom of this page, below.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our programs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

SJW has a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol consumption or smoking of any kind while working with or when near students.

To apply for any of the above positions, please fill out the form below.

Please note any additional application requirements on the individual job descriptions above.

Please email inquiries about performing at the Stanford Jazz Festival to [email protected].