Jobs
Join Us at Cal Performances
Cal Performances, based at the University of California, Berkeley, is a leading presenter and commissioner of world-class music, dance, and theater for the San Francisco Bay Area. We bring together extraordinary artists, bold ideas, and engaged audiences to inspire, enlighten, and enrich lives through the power of live performance. Known for the unmatched quality and variety of programming, our diverse artistic and educational programs reach the UC Berkeley campus, the wider Bay Area, and audiences worldwide via digital platforms. With a $20M annual budget, a dedicated team of 65 full-time staff, 90 student employees, and 200 volunteers, we welcome nearly half a million audience members each year across five venues. If you’re looking to join a creative, collaborative, and mission-driven organization that thrives on excellence and innovation, we invite you to be part of our story.
How to Apply
All applications must be submitted online through the University of California, Berkeley’s application portal: jobs.berkeley.edu. Direct links to the open positions are in the job posting.
- External applicants: You’ll need to create an account if don’t have one already
- Current UC employees (“internal applicants”): Make sure your CalNet ID is enabled, then log into UCPath, open the Recruiting WorkCenter, and click the UC Berkeley Campus Careers link.
For step-by-step guidance, visit UC Berkeley Talent Acquisition – Explore Careers.
We do not accept hardcopy resumes — all applications must be submitted through the UC Berkeley jobs portal.
Full-Time
Classification: FUNDRAISER 3
Title Code: 007547 Exempt
Percent Time: 100 %
Supervisor’s Title: Associate Director of Development, Events & New Philanthropy
Personnel Program: Personnel Policy for Staff Members (PPSM)
Introduction
Cal Performances is the performing arts presenting, commissioning, and producing organization based at the University of California, Berkeley. The mission of Cal Performances is to produce and present performances of the highest artistic quality, enhanced by programs that explore compelling intersections of education and the performing arts. Cal Performances fulfills this mission by presenting, producing, and commissioning outstanding artists, both renowned and emerging, to serve the University and the broader public through performances and education and community programs.
Under the strategic direction of the Chief Development Officer, the Leadership Giving Officer develops and executes long-range development strategies for prospects and donors with the capacity to give 6+ figure gifts to Cal Performances. The Leadership Giving Officer works in partnership with other members of a 9-person development team to create comprehensive fundraising strategies designed to inspire giving from existing major gifts donors and new major gifts prospects.
Responsibilities
- Develops and manages a dynamic portfolio of approximately 150 donors, with the capacity to give $100,000 or more to Cal Performances.
- Identifies, qualifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards prospects for gifts in the portfolio; this may also include delivering personalized experiences such as backstage visits and working with corporate and foundation prospects with ties to individual major donors and prospects.
- Evaluates fund development approaches using prospect research and financial capacity data, including planning and evaluating annual solicitation programs for the portfolio, and making recommendations for improvements.
- Works collaboratively with discovery and new philanthropy staff to bring new donors into the pipeline through discovery, cultivation, and solicitation.
- Writes proposals for solicitation of individual prospects. Solicits gifts directly; works with senior staff, content experts, and key volunteers to implement successful solicitation strategies.
- Manages relationships with some of the University’s most important donors, especially where designated as primary manager.
- Develops and executes long- and short-term strategies to secure major gifts from individuals in support of the Cal Performances mission.
- Attends performances and related education events to cultivate, solicit, and steward donors and prospects.
- Conducts 10-12 prospect/donor visits per month, through various means.
- Develops stewardship reports including donor profiles to donors as needed, in collaboration with artistic, education, marketing, and other staff.
- Analyzes needs and assists in the creation of strategic plans for Development programs.
- Attends functions, meetings, and serves on internal/external committees as a representative of Cal Performances.
- Works as a part of the team to execute various duties related to events, including the annual fundraising gala, including but not limited to executing fundraising strategies, vendor communications, including ticket and table sales, donor stewardship, auction and fund-a-need, and donor communications.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Skills, Knowledge & Abilities
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in related area and/or equivalent experience
- A minimum of 5+ years in the field of major or individual giving, overseeing any aspect of development.
- Advanced knowledge of fundraising and events, donor relations concepts, procedures, and techniques.
- Enthusiasm for the range of performing arts.
- Advanced written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, including political acumen to establish and maintain good working relationships throughout the organization and with outside constituencies.
- Advanced skills in making persuasive and compelling presentations of the organization’s goals/objectives to successfully secure gifts.
- Advanced skills to meet predetermined goals and objectives through effective project planning, organization, execution, and evaluation.
- Advanced analytical, critical thinking, problem recognition and resolution skills.
- Demonstrated ability to meet or exceed fundraising goals and objectives.
- This position requires the successful completion of a criminal background check.
- Advanced knowledge of applicable laws, rules, regulations, and general policies about philanthropy.
- Ability to learn and work with University policies, especially related to philanthropy.
- Very strong skills in maintaining confidentiality.
- Strong skills in digital technology, for documents, spreadsheets, donor databases, email, and digital communications.
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years in any area of development for higher education or cultural organizations preferred.
- Experience in major fundraising campaigns.
- Advanced knowledge of Tessitura and/or Salesforce CRM preferred.
The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is: $94,300 to $104,000
Part-Time
Cal Performances, the Performing Arts Presenter at UC Berkeley, is currently hiring EXPERIENCED TECHNICAL THEATER stagehands for variable, part-time, seasonal work.
We are looking for individuals with working EXPERIENCE in TECHNICAL THEATER who can function independently and with demonstrated confidence in one or more of the following areas: entertainment lighting, live sound, stage carpentry, and multimedia (A/V) systems. Must have working knowledge of technical areas outside of their specialization and the ability to perform general duties in those areas. Must be at least 18 years old.
You would assist the full crew in one or more of the following tasks:
- Unload/load trucks
- Set-up/strike staging and/or scenic elements
- Hang and focus lights
- Arrange stage equipment
- Perform maintenance functions
- Practice safe working habits
- Run production related errands
- Maintenance projects or other non-theatrical tasks as assigned
Required Qualifications
- Hands on experience in technical theater
- Ability to work independently and with demonstrated confidence in one or more of the following areas: entertainment lighting, live sound, stage carpentry, rigging, and multi-media (A/V) systems
- Working knowledge of technical areas outside of specialization and ability to perform general duties in those areas
- Ability to identify and communicate safety issues; observes safe work practices
- Understands the chain of authority on the stage
- Displays a professional attitude in dress, demeanor and communication at all times
- Represents Cal Performances well to clients, visitors and guests
- Ability to work occasional overtime, evenings/nights, and weekends as needed
- Ability to commit to work as scheduled
Other information:
This is a seasonal/as-needed position. Overtime is earned after 8 hours in a day or 40 hours in a week. The work week starts on Sunday and ends on Saturday. The hourly rate is $35.25 per hour.
To Apply:
E-mail your resume, indicating “Stagehand” in the subject line, to Alan Herro at aherro@calperformances.org
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
Complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy
Temporary
We have no temporary positions open at this time.
Fellowships and Internships
We have no fellowship or internship positions open at this time.
UCB Student Opportunities
Pay rate: $20.10 per hour
Schedule and hours: 2 hours per week
Start date: ASAP
The primary responsibility of the Engagement Writer is producing written blog articles for the Cal Performances blog (Beyond the Stage), approximately one article per month. Blog content is designed to express the wide range of activities and performances associated with Cal Performances, to peak interest in scheduled events, and to demystify the arts experience to remove barriers to entry for new audiences. This position requires excellent writing and editing skills, attention to detail, the ability to work on deadline, and a high level of professionalism to represent Cal Performances to interviewees. The Engagement Writer will have their articles published on the blog with their own byline, and may be trained in programming the blog on the Cal Performances website. The Engagement Writer may be asked to assist with other communications activities as needed. While a background in performing arts is not required, this is an excellent position for someone with a history and passion for music, dance, and/or theater who wants to utilize their writing skills to increase awareness and interest in live performance, and to simultaneously build up a resume of published articles.
Responsibilities
- Write and edit engaging content for the Cal Performances blog, Beyond the Stage
- Work with Cal Performances’ Director of Communications and Social Media, Digital Content & Engagement Specialist to develop original story ideas
- Research article topics using trusted sources, and interview artists and other experts as needed
- Report on status of articles, and upload articles to WordPress once complete
- Assist in other projects as designated by the Communications Director and Communications team
Required Qualifications
- Excellent long-form writing skills
- Excellent editing abilities, and ability to incorporate feedback
- Desire to be creative and find interesting angles to approach content
- Great attention to detail
- High degree of professionalism, ability to represent Cal Performances
- Ability to develop content that speaks to multiple audiences at once, especially balancing the need to reach those with less background in the arts with the need to continually engage those who are well-versed in Cal Performances’ presentations
- High degree of organizational and time management skills; must be dependable and flexible
- Ability to work independently, in a group, and with a diverse group of people
- Enrolled UC Berkeley student
- Passion for the performing arts and content creation
Application information
Please send a cover letter, resume, and writing sample (whatever you feel is most relevant; can be an academic piece) to kthomas@calperformances.org and specify “Engagement Writer” in the subject line of your email. Please state your year, major, anticipated graduation date, availability for a start date, and work-study status in your email. (Note that work study is not required for hiring.)
Payroll Title: Assistant II
Salary Range: $20.10 per hour
Title Code: 4921U (Non-Exempt)
Percentage of Time: 0 – 49%Variable
Working Hours: Variable (Including Nights & Weekends)
Supervisor: Audience Services Manager
Introduction
The Head Usher serves as a work leader under the direction of the Event Operations Manager and Audience Services Manager in the efficient operation of all Front-of-House activities associated with Cal Performances fine arts and rental events in various venues (Zellerbach Hall, Zellerbach Playhouse, Wheeler Auditorium, certain performances at Hertz Hall, the Hearst Greek Theater, as well as other venues as assigned).
Responsibilities
(100%) Ushering leader
Under the direction of the Event Operations Manager and Audience Services Coordinator, utilizes exemplary customer service techniques to effectively interact with patrons at events, mutually resolving front-of-house operational issues such as ticketing problems, late seating, crowd control, and reporting of facility maintenance needs to maintain appearance/cleanliness of auditorium and positive public relations. Acts as a work leader with volunteer ushers in seating sections to coordinate patron seating and service. Provides assistance in the preparation of the facility for events, such as setting up tables, chairs, etc. Takes tickets at entrances, provides assistance to patrons for seating, answers questions and directs patrons. Works to solve unexpected issues should they arise. The usher position may be elevated to the next level usher position such as Assistant House Manager and House Manager as the person is gaining more experience.
Skills, Knowledge, & Abilities
- Excellent verbal communication skills to effectively work with a diverse group of constituencies.
- Working knowledge of customer service and event management techniques.
- Initiative and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Experience in Fine Arts and/or Event Management (not required, but a plus).
- Must be able to stand for several hours at a time.
- Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds on an occasional basis.
- Must be a current UCB student.
- Work Study preferred but not necessary.
To Apply
To apply, please email your cover letter and resume and list ‘Head Usher’ in the subject line of your email to Kayla Hopper at fohassist@calperformances.org. Please state whether you have work-study funding and what your schedule of availability is.
Pay rate: $20.10 per hour
Schedule and hours: 4 hours per week
Start date: ASAP
About the Role
Cal Performances is looking for a creative, camera-ready student who lives and breathes social media — someone who thinks in content, moves fast on trends, and knows how to tell a story in 15 seconds or 15 minutes. This isn’t just a desk job. You’ll be on the ground at performances, behind the camera (and in front of it), and collaborating closely with our Social Media & Digital Content Specialist to expand an authentic and engaging social media presence.
Responsibilities
- Shoot, edit, and produce short-form video content — primarily for TikTok and Instagram Reels — including vlog-style, behind-the-scenes, and post-performance coverage
- Conduct on-camera interviews with artists, audience members, and Cal Performances staff
- Ideate and pitch original content concepts that push creative boundaries and reflect current platform trends
- Capture photo and video at performances, including evening and weekend events
- Research and report on emerging social media trends and formats
- Assist with social media analytics tracking and interpretation
- Support the Marketing & Communications Team on additional projects as needed (ex. creating lobby slides, artists kits etc).
Required Qualifications
- Deep, active fluency in TikTok and Instagram — you use these platforms daily and understand what makes content perform
- Experience producing short-form video content, particularly vlog-style or documentary-style storytelling
- Comfortable on camera and/or as a voiceover narrator — whether interviewing artists and audience members, narrating contextual or historical videos about upcoming performances, or vlogging your own experience at live events
- Strong interpersonal skills; able to approach and interview artists, audiences, and staff with ease
- Experience with video editing tools (CapCut, Adobe Premiere, or similar) and graphic design tools (Canva and Adobe Illustrator preferred)
- Strong written communication skills and a good instinct for social media voice and tone
- Ability to work independently and adapt quickly in live event environments
- Available to cover evening performances and weekend events (this is a core part of the role — not occasional)
- Currently enrolled as a UC Berkeley student
Preferred Qualifications
- Major or coursework in Theater, Film, Media Studies, Dance, Art Practice, or a strong personal history of engagement with live performance/performing arts.
- Understanding of campus arts community and best ways of reaching UC Berkeley students
- Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite or similar software
- Experience with YouTube, LinkedIn, and Facebook content
- Ability to commit to multiple semesters in this role
- Genuine enthusiasm for the performing arts
To Apply
Send a cover letter, resume, and a digital portfolio or at least three examples of content you’ve created and are proud of (metrics don’t matter — we want to see your creative instincts) to elzager@berkeley.edu with SOCIAL MEDIA ASSISTANT APPLICATION in the subject line.
In your email, please include your year, major, anticipated graduation date, and work-study status (note that work study is not a requirement for hiring).
All open student positions are also listed on the UC Berkeley Work-Study Program website. Please refer to work-study website.
Work Study students will be given hiring preference, but applications from other UC Berkeley students will be accepted.

