House Staff (Special Events)/Seasonal Employment

Chautauqua Institution owns and operates the Chautauqua Hotel Company, a historic full-service comprehensive hotel that has 150 rooms for guests. The Athenaeum Hotel is also a venue for special events, all of which are provided by the Special Events department. From weddings, banquets, conferences, and special occasion celebrations, the department provides five-star event service from late April through October.

About Your Compensation  

Compensation for this position starts at $16.00/Hour and, with demonstrated experience and qualifications, candidates may earn up to $17.50/Hour.   

About Your Work Day 

• Maintain complete knowledge of the daily scheduled group functions, times, locations, amount of people; location of all Hotel function space and names of rooms; all styles of meeting and banquet room settings. BEOs reviewed on a daily basis.


• Set up rooms and function areas with designated tables, chairs, staging, dance floor, flipcharts, easels, blackboards, and other equipment as specified by group requirements and in accordance with departmental standards.


• Coordinate sales team on the set up of table linens, skirting and tabletop items (water pitchers, pens, papers, glasses, and so forth) as specified by group and in accordance with departmental standards. Assist with the setup of routine audio/visual equipment, such as LCD projectors and screens


• Set up and refresh food and beverage items in accordance with BEOs and group requests.


• Breakdown function areas as scheduled in accordance with departmental procedures.


• Coordinate deep cleaning of conference rooms with housekeeping.


• Inspect set rooms for cleanliness and agreement to group requirements; rectify any deficiencies.


• Inspect cleanliness and working condition of all equipment and supplies to be set up in function area; rectify any deficiencies.


• Maintain complete knowledge of all Departmental/Hotel policies and procedures including safety guidelines.


• Use correct cleaning chemicals for designated items/surfaces, according to Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations and hotel requirements.


• Perform other duties as assigned, including assisting other departments on an as-needed basis

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 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:   

Schedules are typically a four or eight-hour shift with a start time that varies between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. for a total of 16-40 hours per week.  The schedule will be based on special event schedules and employee status (full-time/seasonal or part-time/seasonal). Scheduled hours may include evenings, weekends, and holidays based on business needs.  Part-time work is available pre/post the summer season (mid-April to late-October). 

About Living on the Grounds 

No employer-provided housing is available for this position. Applicants should plan to secure independent housing or reside within a commutable distance.    

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.