Alumni Hall Assistant (Literary Arts)/Seasonal Employment

Chautauqua Literary Arts convenes readers and writers of all ages in community, conversation, intensive craft development, and exploratory learning opportunities. As a multi-use facility, Alumni Hall includes meeting space for the Chautauqua Writers’ Center, Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle (CLSC), CLSC Alumni Association, and Friends of the Chautauqua Writers’ Center, as well as meeting spaces and classrooms.  The first floor of the building is open Monday through Friday and Sunday from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. (closed Saturdays) and the second floor is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. (closed Saturdays and Sundays). 

Will represent Chautauqua Literary Arts with a welcoming attitude towards students, visitors, and other community members you encounter throughout employment. 

The position requires some knowledge of hospitality and customer service skills, strong communication and organizational abilities, strong computer literacy and digital competency, and attention to detail. Candidates must be able to work with strict deadlines and handle work volume with frequent interruptions. Candidates should have a strong interest in the intellectual work of Chautauqua, particularly its renowned Chautauqua Literary Arts programming. 

About Your Compensation   

Compensation for this position starts at $15.50/Hour and, with demonstrated experience and qualifications, candidates may earn up to $16.50/Hour. 

About Your Workday 

• Open the first floor of the building for the day (unlock the doors, turn on the lights and start the computer). 
• Greet people who come through the front door and/or who come to the desk. 
• Answer the phone and direct the call and/or answer any question the caller may have. 
• Answer any questions guests may have (if you cannot answer, make a note to find the answer). 
• Direct people to the second floor, meetings, gatherings, restrooms, etc., as appropriate. 
• Maintain the database for the CLSC. Direct people to CLSC Octagon as appropriate. 
• Keep track of office supplies at the desk.  Alert Host(ess) of Alumni Hall when inventory is low.  
• Set-up and tear-down of equipment for events on the Porch of Alumni Hall; must be able to regularly lift 50lbs. 
• Equipment moving as assigned and other manual labor tasks. 
• Prioritize safety and a clean, organized work environment by maintaining housekeeping of meeting spaces and public spaces such as the hallway and restrooms. 
• Assist Host(ess) of Alumni Hall and Managing Director of Literary Arts in scheduling, coordinating, and providing for use of the building, through understanding the priorities of each group housed within. 
• Assist Host(ess) of Alumni Hall and Managing Director of Literary Arts with plans for private parties and receptions for the organizations within the building, working helpfully with caterers and volunteers. 
• Assist with seasonal events, including but not limited to, Great American Picnic, Recognition Day luncheon and gala, Friends of the Chautauqua Writers’ Center receptions, Chautauqua Prize dinner 
• Assists Host(ess) of Alumni Hall in preparing beverages for guests on the Porch and functions within the building. 
• Support CLSC and CLSC Young Reader initiatives and programing in the building. 
• Lock up at the end of the day (turn out lights, secure receipts, etc.). 
• Other duties as assigned by the Host(ess) of Alumni Hall or the Managing Director of Literary Arts, some asked on behalf of the Alumni Association, Friends of the Chautauqua Writers' Center, or the CLSC Octagon. 

About Your Schedule   

Chautauqua Institution and Chautauqua Hotel Company offer flexible schedules, full and part-time, for seasonal employment during summer operations starting annually each June and concluding in August.  Seasonal employment may be available earlier (pre-season) and beyond season (post-season) based on business needs and candidate availability.  Schedules typically include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays as a requirement.   

While you will confirm your final schedule with management at the time of an interview and offer of employment, you should generally anticipate the following schedule options for this position:   

Will be scheduled to work an average of 20-hours/week. Occasional substitutions with co-workers as needed. Scheduled hours may include evenings, weekends, and holidays based on business needs. 

About Living on the Grounds  

Chautauqua Institution may provide limited housing options on our grounds or assist you with locating nearby housing arrangements for select opportunities based on business needs.  Housing is not an option for many positions and may be of a cost to you.  Candidates should assume there are no employer-provided or employer-assisted housing options available for this position unless it is otherwise stated.   

About the Referral Program

Chautauqua Institution’s Referral Bonus Program is a talent solution to recruit, develop, and retain a diverse workforce that encompasses all the skills and experience necessary to deliver on our goals and objectives. Chautauqua Institution will provide a $500 referral bonus (less taxes) for active employees referring a new candidate who is hired and remains employed for at least 90-days from the first physical date of work. In the case of seasonal positions working less than 6-months, the new candidate must remain actively employed for at least 30-days from the first physical date of work and until the closing date of the season. The closing date of the season is the last Sunday in August.

About Chautauqua Institution

Chautauqua Institution is a not-for-profit global convener of dialogue on the most significant issues of the day through engagement across four pillars of the arts, education, religion, and recreation. The Chautauqua community is located on the shores of Chautauqua Lake in southwestern New York State and comes alive each summer with a unique mix of visual and performing arts, lectures, interfaith worship/programs, and recreational activities.  Chautauqua Institution owns and operates Chautauqua Hotel Company, a comprehensive hotel, food & beverage, conferencing, and events organization.  The Institution’s office in Washington, DC is located strategically for an ongoing role in the cultural conversations of the nation.

Discovering Your Chautauqua Experience

There are countless ways that our talent will engage with our mission, vision, and diverse communities, and you are invited to immerse yourself in our programming as a gateway to this experience.  Employees will receive a traditional Chautauqua gate pass, free of cost, which provides access to many of our programs at the Amphitheater.  In addition to a traditional gate pass, employees and their families will receive full access to our current and historical programs online at CHQ Assembly.   

Commitment to Values of IDEA

Chautauqua Institution values Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) as a priority in our strategic plan, 150 Forward.  One of our five core values is “The dignity and contributions of all people.”  We are committed to creating conditions in which everyone feels that they can engage as full and valued participants in the Chautauqua experience.  The Institution is an equal opportunity employer committed to equitable and inclusive hiring practices and applicants will not be discriminated against based on any status protected under federal, state, or local law. We especially welcome applications from those who can demonstrate past experience, engagement, and professional expertise in IDEA.

Joining Our Talent Community

Join our talent community online at CHQ.org/employment.  You are encouraged to learn more about Chautauqua Institution at CHQ.org and view the 150 Forward Strategic Plan at 150fwd.CHQ.org.

Salary : $16 - $17