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. Summer season programs for the Chautauqua Literary Arts department includes the Chautauqua Writers’ Center, Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle (CLSC), youth programs, The Chautauqua Prize, and the Chautauqua Janus Prize. 

The Alumni Hall Assistant serves as a welcoming first point of contact for visitors, students, and community members at Alumni Hall. Alumni Hall Assistant supports the Director of Literary Arts & Alumni Hall Host(ess) in the care, maintenance, and daily operations of classrooms, meeting spaces, and public areas within the building. Alumni Hall Assistant will also support the Director of Literary Arts & Alumni Hall Host(ess) in hospitality operations for Literary Arts program guests.  

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 encountered throughout employment. 

About You 

Candidates with 1-3 years of office or administrative experience and familiarity with audio-visual technology preferred. 

Ideal candidates will have: 

• Some knowledge of hospitality and customer service skills.  

• Excellent interpersonal skills and a welcoming, service-oriented approach. 

• Strong communication and organizational abilities. 

• Strong computer literacy and digital competency.  

• Strong attention to detail.  

• Ability to work with strict deadlines and handle work volume with frequent interruptions.  

• Ability to lift and move up-to 50 lbs.  

• Proficiency with standard office software and familiarity with audio-visual equipment. 

• 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 $16.00/Hour and, with demonstrated experience and qualifications, candidates may earn up to $17.00/Hour.  

About Your Work Day 

Visitor Services, Building Operations, and Maintenance 

• Greet and assist visitors in person, by phone, and via email; answer questions, provide directions, and route inquiries as needed. 

• Represent Chautauqua Literary Arts with a professional and welcoming attitude toward students, guests, and community members. 

• Open and close Alumni Hall floors (first and second floor as scheduled); turn on lights, unlock doors, and start computers. 

• Ensure classrooms, meeting spaces, and public areas are clean, organized, and safe; arrange furniture as needed in spaces such as the Poetry Room, Prose Room, Ballroom, Porch, and hallways. 

• Set up and tear down equipment for events (must be able to lift and move items up to 50 lbs as needed). 

• Track office and program supplies, alert supervisors when inventory is low and assist with equipment allocation. 

• Prioritize safety and cleanliness throughout the building, including restrooms and shared public spaces. 

• Assist with scheduling, coordinating, and prioritizing building use according to the needs of each group housed within Alumni Hall. 

Event and Program Support 

• Provide administrative, logistical, and operational support for Chautauqua Writers’ Center workshops, CLSC events, Literary Arts programs, and affiliated community organizations. 

• Assist with seasonal events, including Great American Picnic, Recognition Day reception and gala, Friends of the Chautauqua Writers’ Center receptions, Chautauqua Prize reception, and other Literary Arts programming. 

• Support Alumni Hall Host(ess) event coordination and operation for private parties and receptions, working with caterers, volunteers, and other staff as requested. 

• Complete additional duties as assigned by the Host(ess) of Alumni Hall, Director of Literary Arts, or affiliated organizations such as the CLSC or Friends of the Chautauqua Writers’ Center. 

Technology and Communication 

• Provide basic troubleshooting and support for audio-visual technology (projectors, screens, HDMI connections, adaptors, presentations, and printing). 

• Data entry to record reservations for Literary Arts receptions and RSVP events. 

• Maintain the CLSC database and direct visitors to the CLSC Octagon, classrooms, meeting spaces, restrooms, and other areas. 

About Your Work Schedule & Location 

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- to 25-hours/week. Occasional substitutions with co-workers as needed. Scheduled hours may include evenings, weekends, and holidays based on business needs. This position is at Chautauqua Institution’s main campus in Southwestern New York (Chautauqua County).   

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.  Applicants should plan to secure independent housing or reside within a commutable distance. 

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, conference, and events organization.  

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. 

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.