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Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle (CLSC) is one of the oldest continuous book discussion groups in the United States and has been a leader in adult education through quality programming since 1878.  Once members read their choice of 12 books from the CLSC Booklist, they are eligible to become graduates of the program. Each year, the CLSC adds nine books of literary quality to the list and invites the authors to Chautauqua to present their work during the summer season. The CLSC Young Readers program encourages the enjoyment of good reading; each year books are selected based on their quality, the variety of styles and subjects, and their appeal to young adult readers.

The CLSC Bookstore is located in the Octagon Building. The hours of operation are 12 – 5 p.m. Monday to Friday and Sunday. Closed Saturday. The retail aspects operate under the inventory, point-of-sale, and deposit systems of the Chautauqua Bookstore in nearby Bestor Plaza and are arranged in cooperation with Chautauqua Bookstore staff.

The successful candidate will have at least an Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in English, Creative Writing, Education, or a related field and 1-3 years of experience in retail management. The position demands organizational ability and attention to detail; supervisory skills; interpersonal skills for a variety of contacts.  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 Workday

• Arrange/Maintain pick up and deposit of CLSC Octagon cash bags, sales tablets and Square readers, etc., via the Chautauqua Bookstore during the summer.
• Lead initiatives for patron experiences in the space, particularly those ties to CLSC membership sales, speaking to the history of the CLSC programing and experiences at Chautauqua, collection and record keeping for all CLSC and Guild of Seven Seals graduates, and sales and conversations about books in the Octagon.
• Manage physical inventory and stock of the books sold in the Octagon in Partnership with the Chautauqua Bookstore (all current CLSC selections, all CLSC Young Reader selections, the Chautauqua Prize winner and finalists, all Writers’ Center faculty books, and select books of the week for programming taking place in the Hall of Philosophy such as books for the Interfaith Lecture Series, the Heritage Lecture Series, and the African American Heritage House Lecture series).
• Manage and document consignment receiving and returns appropriately in the point of sale system in partnership with the Chautauqua Bookstore.
• Train clerks on and troubleshooting Point of Sale, database, and other technological issues.
• Assist Managing Director of Literary Arts, Emily & Richard Smucker Chair for Education, and Chautauqua Bookstore in mobile book sales and signings associated with Literary Arts programming at various locations around the grounds such as those on the Alumni Hall porch and Hultquist Porch.
• Maintain the CLSC email account, CLSC Work Orders, and CLSC Membership Database during the summer assembly season.
• Assist the Managing Director of Literary Arts in the organization and presentation of CLSC Class Formation and Preparation Meetings via Zoom or in-person.
• Assist the Managing Director of Literary Arts in leading initiatives for CLSC Recognition Week ceremonies.
• Co-organize partnership with Archives, Alumni Association, and Host(ess) of Alumni Hall for Recognition Day ceremonies.
• Co-organize CLSC Book Discussion and CLSC Young Reader Book Discussions with Managing Director of Literary Arts (and perhaps the Alumni Association of CLSC).
• Support CLSC Young Reader initiatives and programing.
• Maintain the building, including set up of space prior to summer season and take down of space at the end of the season, all cleaning of the space throughout the summer, and managing all Building Maintenance and IT Helpdesk tickets for the space and patrons during the summer.
• Assists in Hires, with approval of the Managing Director of Literary Arts, seasonal support personnel: CLSC Octagon Clerks

Special Note: Before the first day of employment, the selected candidate is required to read the current year's CLSC book selections and Chautauqua Prize winning book.

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 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 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 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.

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. 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.