Assistant House Manager (Program Office)/Seasonal Employment

The mission of the Program Office is to expand the lives of our audience (and employees) within and beyond the Institution’s gates through the power of the performing and visual arts. Events are scheduled every day during the summer season; employees are scheduled to support the operation of the performances.  Shift start times vary from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Seasonal employment (summer).

About Your Compensation

Compensation for this position starts at $16.00/Hour and, with demonstrated experience and qualifications, candidates may earn up to $17.50/Hour. 

About Your Work Day

The Assistant House Manager plays a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless execution of events and performances in Bratton Theater.  May assist other performance venues, including the Amphitheater and Norton Hall.  Key responsibilities include:

• Responsible for ensuring excellent customer service from front-of-house staff.
• Assign volunteers to performances dates and ensure proper staff is in place for all performances.
• Customer focused and professional when greeting patrons, creating a safe and pleasant patron experience.
• Ability to work in a calm and professional manner during peak periods and during high-attendance events. 
• Maintains the appearance of the lobby and all public areas; communicates with Housekeeping as necessary to ensure a clean environment.
• Address and diffuse patron issues.
• Coordinates performance timelines with stage management, including curtain speeches, intermission, and post-show talkbacks.
• Maintains ticket-scanning equipment, hearing impaired devices, usher time clock, and walkie-talkies for communicating with stage manager.
• Assist patrons with disability needs, including wheelchair access/seating, service dogs, and Assistive Listening Devices.
• Keep track of usher time clock.
• Completes and distributes house report for each performance.
• Provides leadership in emergency situations, including fire alarm and inclement weather warnings.
• Communicate with the Ticketing & Sales Office to resolve all ticketing issues.
• Communicate with the Stage Manager if there are any delays.

Pre-season

• Manage communications plan with volunteers and maintain schedules.
• Maintain an up-to-date list of all volunteers and submit it to Turner Gate at the beginning of every week.

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 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: 

This position is event based and will average 32- 40 hours a week.  Pre-season work begins at the end of May.  Scheduled hours will 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 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.

Our Commitment to 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 where everyone can engage as complete and valued participants in the Chautauqua experience.  The Institution is an equal opportunity employer committed to equitable and inclusive hiring practices.  Applicants and employees 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 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 - $18