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), youth programs, The Chautauqua Prize, and the Chautauqua Janus Prize.  

This seasonal summer role offers students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in arts administration while becoming an active part of a nationally recognized literary institution. Students will serve as a welcoming first point of contact for visitors— greeting guests in person, by phone, and via email—while helping care for and maintain public spaces, classrooms, and meeting rooms in the Literary Arts Center at Alumni Hall. 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).  

In addition to administrative and facility support, students will assist with Literary Arts programs and events such as book signings, Masters’ Series workshops, and special programs. Students will also contribute to the Chautauqua Literary Arts newsletter and social media platforms, gaining real-world experience in arts communications and audience engagement.  

A key feature of this position is mentorship and professional development. Students will participate in writing and mentorship opportunities with the Director of Literary Arts, Stephine Hunt, and the Literary Arts Graduate Fellow (TBD). The role also includes participation in approximately four (4) Chautauqua Writers’ Center workshops, offering meaningful exposure to writers, faculty, and peers.  

About You 

Must be an enrolled undergraduate student or recent graduate with 1–3 years of combined education and experience in poetry, fiction, nonfiction, or mixed-genre creative writing, or a strong interest in literature and the arts.  

Successful candidates will have:  

• A friendly, professional attitude. 

• Strong communication and organizational skills. 

• Some customer service skills. 

• Comfort using computers and digital tools such as iPads, projectors, etc. 

• Strong attention to detail. 

• Comfort working in live event settings and engaging with public audiences. 

• The ability to juggle multiple tasks in a fast-paced, public-facing environment. 

• Familiarity with audio-visual technology is a plus.  

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.  

This seasonal summer position includes housing in student dorms on or near the grounds and a meal plan. 

About Your Work Day 

Event and Program Support 

• Facilitate and support events along the Poetry Makerspace Brick Walk stops (Alumni Hall, the CLSC Octagon, and The Smith Memorial Library), including (but not limited to) explaining how the interactive exhibits work in Alumni Hall, supporting and developing Poetry Pop-Up Events, hosting Literary Arts game nights for the CHQ literary community, and supporting related programming at the Library and in partnership with Youth & Family Programs. 

• May act as workshop assistant in Chautauqua Writers’ Center workshops, supporting Writers’ Center faculty. 

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

• Assist with Literary Arts events, including book signings, Masters’ Series workshops, and other public programs. 

• Co-curate the community poem prompts and weekly poems gathered via in-person and online submissions. 

• Support CLSC Young Readers Programming including co-facilitating book discussions and supporting programming in partnership with The Smith Memorial Library and Youth & Family Programs. 

Visitor Services, Building Operations, and Maintenance 

• Open and close the second floor of Alumni Hall; ensure classrooms, meeting spaces, technology, and public areas are ready for daily use (Monday – Friday). 

• Serve as a welcoming first point of contact for visitors in person, by phone, and via email; answer questions, provide directions, and route inquiries as needed. 

• Maintain clean, organized, and safe classrooms, hallways, restrooms, and public spaces. This includes furniture arrangements as needed in the Poetry Room, Prose Room, Ballroom, and on the Porch of Alumni Hall. 

• Track desk and program supplies and alert supervisors when inventory is low; assist with equipment allocation and movement (must be able to lift up to 50 lbs). 

Technology and Communication 

• Provide basic troubleshooting technology support for classes, meetings, and events (projectors, screens, HDMI connections, adaptors, presentations, and printing). 

• Contribute to Chautauqua Literary Arts communications, including social media promotion and the weekly e-newsletter. 

• Complete additional duties as assigned in support of Literary Arts, Alumni Hall operations, CLSC, and affiliated community organizations. 

About Your Learning Experience 

• Participates in four Writers’ Center workshops (chosen by the intern), led by some of the most exciting contemporary authors. 

• Regularly meets with the Director of Literary Arts, Literary Arts Graduate Fellow, and other literary arts staff 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 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.  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.   

This seasonal summer position includes housing in student dorms on or near the grounds and a meal plan. 

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.