Do you enjoy wearing many hats, staying engaged throughout your shift, and being the person others rely on to keep things running smoothly? If you're someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, takes initiative, and enjoys building relationships within a community, you may be a great fit for Circus Center's Front Desk Associate role.
Become part of one of the Bay Area's most beloved arts organizations! Circus Center is seeking a highly motivated, detail-oriented, and tech-savvy Front Desk Associate to support our evening and weekend programs. This role serves as a key representative of Circus Center and is often the first and last point of contact for our community each day. The shifts require a high level of independence, sound judgment, and accountability, as this position regularly operates without direct supervision.
We are seeking someone who is welcoming, organized, and proactive—an individual who anticipates needs, communicates clearly, and confidently supports both students and parents. The ideal candidate takes ownership of their role, stays consistently engaged and productive, and contributes to a positive, well-run environment.
Just as importantly, we are looking for someone interested in building a long-term role within Circus Center—someone who values consistency, invests in relationships, develops deep knowledge of our programs, and becomes a reliable, trusted presence within our community over time.
Reports to: Front Desk Manager
Location: On‑site at Circus Center, 755 Frederick Street, San Francisco, CA 94117
Employment Type: Part-Time Hourly; 3-4 days, 18-26 hours per week
Typical Schedule: 2–3 weekday evening shifts (Monday–Friday, 5:00 PM–10:00 PM) and availability for at least one weekend day (Saturday or Sunday, 9:45 AM–5:45 PM)
Benefits: Accrued PTO, sick time, and discounts on classes
Hourly rate: $22- 24/hour
THE QUALITIES WE VALUE THE MOST:
- A proactive self-starter who takes initiative, follows through on responsibilities, and requires minimal supervision.
- Comfortable working independently and exercising sound judgment during evening and weekend shifts.
- Able to remain productive during slower periods by identifying priorities, taking ownership of tasks, and contributing where needed.
- Interested in building a long-term role within Circus Center, with a desire to grow professionally, deepen institutional knowledge, and make a lasting impact on the community.
- Reliable, accountable, and committed to providing consistent support to students, families, and colleagues.
- Tech-savvy and able to quickly learn and adapt to new software, systems, and tools.
- Highly organized with strong attention to detail, accuracy, and follow-through.
- An effective communicator who is approachable, responsive, and professional when interacting with students, parents, and staff.
- A collaborative team member who contributes ideas, shares information openly, and supports a positive workplace culture.
- Comfortable asking questions, offering feedback, and seeking opportunities to improve processes and operations.
- Friendly, welcoming, and customer-service oriented, with a genuine passion for creating a positive experience for everyone who walks through our doors.
HOW YOU’LL MAKE AN IMPACT:
- Warmly welcome and assist students, parents, staff, and visitors, creating a positive and professional first impression.
- Serve as a primary point of contact for student and parent inquiries, providing accurate, timely, and helpful information.
- Respond promptly and professionally to phone calls, emails, and in-person inquiries.
- Check in students and ensure accurate attendance tracking and recordkeeping.
- Schedule and coordinate classes, facilitating clear communication between students, families, and instructors.
- Process registrations, payments, and merchandise sales accurately and efficiently.
- Reconcile, log, and securely manage daily cash transactions.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming front desk, lobby, and common areas.
- Monitor and restock restroom and facility supplies as needed.
- Receive, organize, and distribute mail, packages, and deliveries.
- Identify facility issues, document maintenance needs, and help coordinate repair requests.
- Assist with performances, special events, and other programs by providing administrative, logistical, and event-planning support.
- Independently manage front desk operations during evening shifts while maintaining high standards of customer service and professionalism.
- Remain proactive during slower periods by completing administrative tasks, organizing workspaces, cleaning, preparing materials, and identifying other operational needs.
- Close and secure the facility at the end of evening shifts, following established procedures.
- Support the broader operations team by taking on additional duties and special projects as assigned.
- Collaborate as a team player by contributing ideas, communicating effectively with staff, and supporting a positive and efficient workplace.
WHO THRIVES IN THIS ROLE:
- Has a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
- Brings at least two years of experience in a customer-facing, administrative, or office support role; front desk experience is preferred.
- Has demonstrated reliability, professionalism, and strong organizational skills throughout previous work experience.
- Communicates effectively through strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Thrives in a fast-paced environment and can manage multiple priorities while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
- Is comfortable handling payments, cash transactions, and financial records with accuracy and care.
- Exercises sound judgment, maintains confidentiality, and handles sensitive information with discretion.
- Is proficient with Google Workspace (Gmail, Calendar, Docs, Sheets, and Drive) and comfortable using technology in a professional setting.
- Eager to learn new software, systems, and technology platforms quickly and confidently.
PHYSICAL & WORK ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to sit, stand, walk, climb stairs, and lift up to 30 lbs unassisted
- Frequent use of hands for computer and office equipment operation
- Comfortable working in an active environment with varying temperatures, noiselevels, and typical office conditions
About Circus Center
Originally founded in 1974 as The Pickle Family Circus, today Circus Center remains a vibrant hub of the circus community on the West Coast. For over 40 years Circus Center has been one of San Francisco’s most treasured arts institutions, offering classes for every age and level of ability in such disciplines as flying trapeze, acrobatics, aerial arts, contortion, and juggling. It is home to the celebrated San Francisco Youth Circus, a pre-professional youth troupe that has sent students on to careers in circuses around the world. Community engagement is a vital part of the mission of Circus Center. The Circus in the City Program brings the social-emotional benefits of circus to the Tenderloin and other underserved communities through a partnership with the City of San Francisco.For more information visit: circuscenter.org
Sound like a good fit? Please send resume and cover letter to: jobs@circuscenter.org
Circus Center is an at‑will employer and an equal opportunity employer. Employment is contingent upon adherence to Circus Center policies and Code of Conduct.