Alumni Hall Assistant; Literary Arts​/Seasonal

Overview
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 include the Chautauqua Writers’ Center, Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle (CLSC), youth programs, The Chautauqua Prize, and the Chautauqua Janus Prize.

Position
The Alumni Hall Assistant serves as a welcoming first point of contact for visitors, students, and community members at Alumni Hall. The 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, and in hospitality operations for Literary Arts program guests.

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 floors 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…