Internship - Literary Arts/Seasonal Employment

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. 

In this role, Interns will guide and assist patrons to promote a positive and engaging experience at the Poetry Makerspace. They will be encouraged to ideate and support the creation of programing to promote the Poetry Makerspace across Chautauqua Institution grounds (including support of ‘mobile’ locations across the campus).  

The Poetry Makerspace is part of the Chautauqua Literary Arts department.  In partnership with Kent State University’s Wick Poetry Center, throughout the summer season, patrons flex their creative muscles and make poetry in the Traveling Stanzas interactive exhibit. The space is open 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Monday – Friday and 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Sundays (Closed Saturdays).   

Interns will also participate in writing and professional mentorship opportunities with the Managing Director of Literary Arts, Stephine Hunt, the Artistic Director of Literary Arts, Kwame Alexander, and the Literary Arts Graduate Fellow (TBD). They will also contribute to the production of Chautauqua Literary Arts weekly newsletter and social media platforms. Additionally, they will be asked to support the operation of various Literary Arts events, such as facilitating book signings, staffing Masters’ Series workshops, and other duties as assigned.  

Ideal candidates will have 1-3 years combined education and experience with poetry, fiction, non-fiction, or mixed genre creative writing. Includes participation in approximately four (4) Chautauqua Writers’ Center Workshops, housing in student dorms on or near the grounds, and meals in the Greene Family Commons cafeteria. Seasonal employment (summer). 

About Your Compensation

Compensation for this position starts at $15.50/Hour and, with demonstrated experience and qualifications, candidates may earn up to $17.50/Hour. 

About Your Work Day  

• Guides and assists patrons as a docent in the Poetry Makerspace to promote a positive and engaging experience. 
  • Greet patrons and explain how the interactive exhibit works. 
  • Provides a tour of the facility 
  • Co-curates the community poem gathered via in-person and online submissions. 
  • Ideate and support creation of programing to promote the Poetry Makerspace across Chautauqua Institution grounds (including support of ‘mobile’ locations across the campus).  
• Supports operations of Literary Arts events, such as facilitating book signings, staffing Masters’ Series workshops, and other duties as assigned. 
• Providing administrative support for workshops and Chautauqua Writers' Center events in collaboration with the Literary Arts Graduate Fellow and Managing Director of Literary Arts. 
• Support CLSC Young Reader initiatives and programing. 
• Contributes to social-media production and promotion for Chautauqua Literary Arts events in collaboration with the Literary Arts Assistant and Managing Director of Literary Arts. 
• Co-curates the Literary Arts weekly e-newsletter in collaboration with the Literary Arts Graduate Fellow and Literary Arts Assistant. 

About Your Learning Experience 

• Participates in four Writers’ Center workshops (chosen by the intern), to be led by some of the most exciting contemporary authors. 
• Regularly meets with the Managing Director of Literary Arts, Literary Arts Graduate Fellow, and the Artistic Director of Literary Arts to build skills and knowledge of the literary professional world and develop personal writing projects. 
• Will represent Chautauqua Literary Arts with a welcoming attitude towards students, visitors, and other community members you encounter throughout the internship. 
• Participate in the larger Chautauqua artistic community by attending readings, concerts, etc. 

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.  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.   

This position offers employer-provided housing.  It is on or near the grounds of Chautauqua Institution.  Meals at Green Family Commons Dining Hall are also included.

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.  

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