San Diego State University is hiring: KPBS Lobby Receptionist in San Diego

KPBS Lobby Receptionist at San Diego State University

Overview

The salary range for this position is $20.00 - $28.00 per hour depending upon qualifications and is non‑negotiable.

This position is scheduled to close on 1/7/2026 at 4:00pm (PST).

KPBS serves the greater San Diego community with informative, cultural, entertaining and educational television, radio, and digital programming. KPBS TV/FM is the public television and radio station for San Diego. Licensed to San Diego State University, KPBS supports and furthers the university’s educational and community service mission by informing, enlightening and empowering its audience.

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Audience & Member Services Supervisor, the Lobby Receptionist is a highly visible role that serves as the first point of contact for all guests visiting KPBS offices or phoning in through the general phone lines or via the general email accounts.

• Provide a physical presence in the KPBS lobby; greet visitors/guests professionally, check them in, and connect them with appropriate KPBS staff.
• Answer the main lobby phone lines; route callers to the appropriate staff, department or area.
• Answer the public‑facing lobby email account; forward emails as needed.
• Provide permits to guests of the station either in person or electronically; maintain associated logs and Google calendars; submit necessary forms to Finance & Accounting on an annual basis.
• Nurture and maintain an excellent working relationship with SDSU Parking Service staff.
• Provide station‑wide communications via slack or other communication systems.
• Guide parking and support staff for events and meetings.
• Work with the KPBS news department to ensure interview guests meet scheduled deadlines.
• Sign for deliveries; notify mail department of arrivals.
• Escalate any potential security or emergency concerns to the appropriate staff or campus resources.
• Register visitors in the tracking software, ensuring an accurate daily visitor record.
• Update Zoom voicemail during holiday closures as needed.
• Complete daily walkthroughs at opening and closing; report any issues to engineering or appropriate department.
• Facilitate and coordinate the member tour program; provide tours as needed.
• Maintain front lobby resource manual and electronic staff directories.
• Train the Lobby Assistant and other backup staff; serve as first point of contact for the Lobby Assistant.

• Respond to calls, mail, voicemail, and member communications; provide information and address comments, complaints, and suggestions.
• Ensure corrective measures for member concerns regarding memberships, gifts, or related issues.
• Provide members with a copy of their official tax receipt for the previous calendar year upon request.
• Provide routine technical assistance for Passport activation and on‑demand streaming library.
• Sort and log incoming checks; distribute to shipping & receiving and membership as needed.
• Complete assignments such as merging duplicate member and email accounts or other data cleanup projects.

• Work to enhance internal and external relationships, suggesting ways to increase viewing/listening, event attendance, and membership support.
• Complete ad‑hoc duties assigned by Management Council members, Director of Membership, Senior Director of Development, Conference Manager, and the Executive Assistant.

• Escalate difficult questions to the Audience and Member Services Supervisor as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Special Skills

• Demonstrated knowledge of public broadcasting, public radio and public television programming as well as the operations of non‑profit organizations.
• Ability to take initiative, make suggestions for improvements, and help aggregate data for informed decisions.
• Understanding of standard office procedures; operation of office equipment; learning office technology systems; performing basic mathematical calculations.
• Ability to communicate with the public in a warm, friendly & knowledgeable manner; display professionalism.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with a sound foundation in formal writing including grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Ability to use a variety of internet browsers, databases and research tools.
• Proficiency in data entry in both accuracy and efficiency.
• Ability to plan, organize, coordinate, and perform work in various situations that require flexibility.
• Ability to keep materials organized, updated and filed for quick and easy access; detail oriented.
• Ability to maintain attention to small and large details.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member participating in member cultivation efforts, station events and fundraising campaigns.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills; ability to establish and maintain cooperative and cordial relationships.
• Competence in understanding, interpreting, and communicating procedures, policies and instructions.
• Ability to navigate nuanced situations with sound judgment and effective problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to be guided by the KPBS mission statement.

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 4‑years of progressively responsible experience in an office or administrative environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Some college, professional certification or a range of administrative support experiences.
• Proven receptionist or customer service experience, with emphasis on phone work in a fast‑paced environment.
• Advanced level computer knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word and Excel); PC and iPad literacy.
• Experience in the public broadcasting industry.
• Experience providing training to team members and resolving escalated customer service issues.
• Ability to communicate in Spanish is a plus.

Additional Applicant Information

• Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws.
• Employment decisions are based on qualifications; commitment to equal opportunity is maintained.
• SDSU Research Foundation complies with federal, state and local anti‑discrimination laws and maintains a nondiscrimination policy.
• Employment decisions including hiring, promotion and compensation are based on merit.

Perks

• Working on a college campus & in public media.
• Access to campus facilities and staff perks, weekly farmer’s market, eateries, community events and entertainment.
• 10 vacation days, 1 personal day & 13 holidays off (4+ days over winter break).
• Local employee discounts and opportunity drawings to attend events.
• Discounts on local attractions (theme parks, entertainment, restaurants, memberships).
• Free wellness classes & programs.
• Staff pop‑up events.
• Full benefits packages that are unmatched (medical, dental, vision, life).
• Sick leave accruals and paid leave options.
• On‑site childcare at a discounted rate (based on availability).
• Opportunities for continued learning and professional development.
• Flexible spending account(s) (FSA).
• Employee assistance program (EAP).
• Matching and voluntary retirement savings plan.