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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.

The position requires some customer service and/or hospitality skills, strong communication and organizational abilities, strong computer literacy and digital competency, and attention to detail. Candidates should have exceptional research and writing skills; 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.

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 Workday

• Perform background research and prepare introductory remarks for Chautauqua’s renowned Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle (CLSC) and Chautauqua Writers’ Center (CWC), along with other special literary arts programs throughout the summer season.
• Work closely with Chautauqua staff in providing itineraries for speakers and authors.
• Serve as a representative/ambassador for Chautauqua Literary Arts and Education department as needed by greeting and shepherding authors throughout the Chautauqua grounds to and from programs and accommodations on the grounds.
• Provide support during each CLSC Author’s Presentation and CWC Faculty Reading by assisting in the process of audience Q&A, fielding questions from audience members and Hall of Philosophy ushers, sorting and delivering to moderator.
• Assist in administrative support systems such as ArtsVision (a calendaring system used for Institution scheduling), vouchering payments, and maintaining various department spreadsheets.
• Provide support for CLSC Young Reader initiatives and programing.
• Contribute to social-media production and promotion for Chautauqua Literary Arts events in collaboration with the Literary Arts and Poetry Makerspace Interns.
• Co-curate the Literary Arts weekly e-newsletter in collaboration with the Literary Arts Graduate Fellow.
• Provide administrative and logical support for Masters Series events related to Literary Arts in collaboration with Managing Director of Literary Arts, Education Department Coordinator, Director of Community Education & Youth Programs, and Emily and Richard Smucker Chair of Education.
• Represent Chautauqua Literary Arts with a welcoming attitude towards students, visitors, and other community members you encounter throughout employment.
• Regularly meet 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.

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. 

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 30-hours/week. Occasional substitutions with co-workers as needed. Scheduled hours may include evenings, weekends, and holidays based on business needs.

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.

Commitment to Values of 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 in which everyone feels that they can engage as full and valued participants in the Chautauqua experience. The Institution is an equal opportunity employer committed to equitable and inclusive hiring practices and applicants 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 past 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.