Graduate Fellow (Literary Arts)/ Summer Fellowship

Chautauqua Literary Arts convenes readers and writers of all ages in community, conversation, intensive craft development, and exploratory learning opportunities.  Summer season programs for the Chautauqua Literary Arts department includes the Chautauqua Writers’ Center, Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle (CLSC), CLSC Alumni Association, Friends of the Chautauqua Writers’ Center, the Poetry Makerspace, youth programs, The Chautauqua Prize, the Chautauqua Janus Prize, and the annual Kwame Alexander Writers’ Lab & Conference. 

Attend Writers' Center workshops and assist with select Literary Arts programs, primarily those associated with the Chautauqua Writers’ Center. Candidates should have exceptional research and writing skills; professionalism, and the ability to represent and advocate for Chautauqua Institution in a conversation with program guests; sound judgment; and a strong interest in the intellectual work of Chautauqua, particularly its renowned Chautauqua Literary Arts programming. 

About Your Stipend

The stipend for this position is $6,000 for the summer season, June to August.  Also included is a traditional Chautauqua gate pass, parking pass, on-grounds, private accommodations in Alumni Hall and meals at Greene Family Commons Dining Hall.

About Your Workday 

• Serve as a representative/ambassador for Chautauqua Literary Arts and Education department as needed by greeting and shepherding authors throughout the Chautauqua grounds to and from programs and accommodations on the grounds, primarily in greeting and assisting the Chautauqua Writers’ Center Faculty. 
• Provide administrative support for Writers’ Center workshops in collaboration with Managing Director of Literary Arts, Literary Arts and Poetry Makerspace Interns, and Alumni Hall Classroom Specialist to assist Chautauqua Writers’ Center Faculty in needs related to workshops, including printing and copying needs, audio/visual support, etc. 
• Attend Writers’ Center workshops offered by nationally recognized authors; may act as a workshop assistant.  
• Co-curate the Literary Arts weekly newsletter in collaboration with Literary Arts Assistant. 
• Meet regularly with Literary Arts and Poetry Makerspace Interns to develop mentorship skills and critique their creative writing.  
• Support operations of Literary Arts events, such as facilitating and staffing Q&As at various literary events, staffing book signings, supporting Masters’ Series workshops, and other duties as assigned. 
• Support Chautauqua Literary Arts initiatives in partnership with the Friends of the Chautauqua Writers’ Center, including acting as a guest judge for the Annual Writing Contests.  

About Your Learning Experience  

• Attend Writers' Center workshops offered by the nationally recognized authors; may act as a workshop assistant.  
• Gain valuable experience in mentorship by meeting weekly with three undergraduate students to critique their creative writing activities.  
• Work closely with the Managing Director of Literary Arts and the Artistic Director of Literary Arts to hone your administrative, professional, and writing skills.  
• Participate in the larger Chautauqua artistic community by attending readings, concerts, etc. 

About Your Schedule  

Will be scheduled to attend literary events, critiques, and write for an average of 25- to 30-hours/week.  Scheduled hours may include evenings, weekends, and holidays based on the time of the events.  In addition to scheduled hours, the Graduate Fellow will attend the Writers' Center workshops.  

The Graduate Fellow will work with the Managing Director of Literary Arts to form a working schedule for the summer, and they will work with the Michael I. Rudell Artistic Director of Literary Arts to form a writing schedule for the summer. 

About Living on the Grounds 

The Literary Arts Graduate Fellow will live on the grounds of Chautauqua Institution in the Literary Arts Center at Alumni Hall.  

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 and Interns 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.   

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.