Host - Alumni Hall (Literary Arts)/Seasonal Employment

Chautauqua Literary Arts convenes readers and writers of all ages in community, conversation, intensive craft development, and exploratory learning opportunities.  Alumni Hall is the summer programs multi-use facility for the Chautauqua Literary Arts department.  It includes meeting space/offices for the Chautauqua Writers Center, Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle (CLSC), CLSC Alumni Association, Friends of the Chautauqua Writers Center as well as community gathering spaces and classrooms. 

Alumni Hall Host is responsible for the smooth daily operation of the building while delivering a high-quality hospitality experience for weekly literary arts residents and community patrons/visitors. The position oversees building maintenance, ensuring all systems and facilities (i.e., public restrooms, community kitchen, classrooms, community gathering spaces) are well maintained. The role serves as a primary point of contact on-site, providing a welcoming presence, responding to inquiries, supporting events, and addressing literary guests' and community members' needs with professionalism and care. 

The first floor of the building is open Monday through Friday and Sunday from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. (closed Saturdays except to residents and incoming guests) and the second floor is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. (closed Saturdays and Sundays). 

Candidates should have exceptional 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.

The successful candidate will have at least a high school diploma and 3-4 years of experience in a hospitality setting.  The position demands outstanding hospitality skills, organizational ability and attention to detail; supervisory skills and interpersonal skills for a variety of contacts.  Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a service-oriented mindset are essential to maintaining both operational excellence and an exceptional on-site experience. Must be able to work with strict deadlines and handle large work volume with frequent interruptions.  

About Your Compensation   

Compensation for this position starts at $16.50/Hour and, with demonstrated experience and qualifications, candidates may earn up to $18.50/Hour. 

About your Work Day

• Prepares the building for opening, oversees the operations and maintenance throughout the summer season (working with seasonal support personnel: housekeeper, maintenance, and others), and closes the building at season end. 
• Creates a physical and emotional environment within the building which is gracious to all organizations housed within (CLSC, CLSC Alumni Association, Chautauqua Writers Center, Friends of the Chautauqua Writers Center, Chautauqua Literary Arts Staff, other Chautauqua Community Groups), visitors and residents. 
• Maintains the building, including some housekeeping of the space throughout the summer (particularly in public restrooms and for private housing for guests) and manages all Building Maintenance and IT Helpdesk tickets for the space and guests during the summer. 
• Hires, with approval of the Director of Literary Arts, seasonal support personnel:  housekeeper and receptionist(s) 
• Schedules, coordinates, supervises, and provides for set up and use of the building, through understanding the priorities of each group housed within 
• Purchases kitchen supplies and food, maintaining records of expenditures for the specific organizations involved 
• Plans and prepares breakfasts, lunches for program guests, and beverages for guests and functions within the building 
• Assists with plans for private parties and receptions for the organizations within the building, working helpfully with caterers and volunteers 
• Assists with seasonal events, including but not limited to, weekly CLSC Book Signings, the Great American Picnic, the Recognition Day reception and gala, Friends of the Chautauqua Writers’ Center receptions, The Chautauqua Prize reception 
• Maintains communication with the Director of Literary Arts, Program Executive Assistant and Hospitality Manager, Education Department Coordinator, Alumni Association officers, and Friends of the Writers’ Center to facilitate the smooth operation of the building. 

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 30- to 40-hours/week.  Scheduled hours may include evenings, weekends, and holidays based on business needs.  The live-in portion of this position will begin at least one week prior to the start of the summer season and will end one week after the summer season ends. The ability to begin orientation and training for this position, either virtually or in-person, by June 1 is preferred. 

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 is a live-in position.  A  studio apartment in Alumni Hall will be provided.

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.  

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.