Literary Arts 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.

This seasonal position plays a central role in supporting visiting authors, advancing public literary programs, and strengthening communications for the Chautauqua Literary Arts department. This position blends author relations, event operations, research and writing, and digital communications to ensure a seamless and welcoming experience for speakers and audiences alike.

The Literary Arts Assistant will work closely with leadership, interns, and cross-departmental colleagues to support signature programs including the CLSC, the Chautauqua Writers’ Center (CWC), and Masters Series events throughout the summer season.

Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree (in-progress or complete) preferred; background in English, Communications, Arts Administration, or related field preferred. 1-3 years of office or administrative experience is a plus.

• Strong research and writing skills, including the ability to craft polished introductory remarks and promotional content.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a welcoming, service-oriented approach.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Comfort working in live event settings and engaging with public audiences.
• Proficiency with standard office software and familiarity with scheduling or CRM systems (experience with Arts Vision a plus).
• Experience with social media content creation and email marketing platforms preferred.
• A strong interest in the intellectual work of Chautauqua, particularly its renowned Chautauqua Literary Arts programming.

Compensation for this position starts at $16.50/Hour and, with demonstrated experience and qualifications, candidates may earn up to $17.50/Hour.

Engagement & Communication with Literary Arts Speakers/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.

Event and Program Support
- Perform background research and prepare introductory remarks for CLSC and 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.

- Provide support for CLSC Young Reader initiatives and programming.

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

- Provide administrative and logical support for Masters Series events related to Literary Arts in collaboration with Director of Literary Arts, 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.

• Assist in administrative support systems such as Arts Vision (a calendaring system used for Institution scheduling), vouchering payments, and maintaining various department spreadsheets.
• Contribute to social media production and promotion for Chautauqua Literary Arts events in collaboration with the Literary Arts Interns.
• Co-curate the Literary Arts weekly e-newsletter in collaboration with…