Literary Arts Assistant - Chautauqua, NY

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, Chautauqu ...

Job description

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), 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 Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle (CLSC), the Chautauqua Writers' Center (CWC), and Masters Series events throughout the summer season.

About You

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.

Ideal candidates will have:

• 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 ArtsVision 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.

About Your Compensation

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

About Your Workday

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 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.

• Provide support for CLSC Young Reader initiatives and programing.

• 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.

Technology and Communication

• Assist in administrative support systems such as ArtsVision (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 the Literary Arts Interns & Graduate Fellow.

• Represent Chautauqua Literary Arts with a welcoming attitude towards students, visitors, and other community members you encounter throughout employment.

About Your Learning Experience

• May participate in Writers' Center workshops (chosen by you), led by some of the most exciting contemporary authors.

• Regularly meet with the Director of Literary Arts, Literary Arts Graduate Fellow, and other literary arts staff to build skills and knowledge of the literary professional world and develop personal writing projects.

• Participate in the larger Chautauqua artistic community by attending readings, concerts, etc.

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 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. This position is at Chautauqua Institution's main campus in Southwestern New York (Chautauqua County).

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.

If needed, this seasonal summer position may include housing in the Literary Arts Center at Alumni Hall.

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, conference, and events organization.

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.

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 You are encouraged to learn more about Chautauqua Institution at and view the 150 Forward Strategic Plan