Chautauqua Institution owns and operates the Chautauqua Hotel Company (https://www.chq.org/discover-chautauqua/accommodations/athenaeum-hotel/), a historic full-service comprehensive hotel that has 150 rooms for guests. The Athenaeum Hotel houses the Heirloom Restaurant, and the Lobby Lounge. The Athenaeum Hotel is open from late April through October for conferences and events. The Hotel is in full operation during the Chautauqua Institution summer season, from late June through late August.
About Your Compensation
Compensation for this position is $18/hour and, with demonstrated experience and qualifications, candidates may earn up to $20/Hour.
About Your Work Day
- Provide shift supervision for the Front Desk Team to ensure premiere hospitality and resolution of issues for guests.
- Function as a working leader and provide daily direction and training opportunities for the Front Desk Team.
- Be the ‘Point of Contact’ to address guest requests and concerns immediately and always with a professional attitude.
- Apply working knowledge of all front desk operations and complete the routine tasks of a Front Desk Attendant.
- Act as an “information center” by demonstrating knowledge of Chautauqua Institution and the Athenaeum Hotel, including the location of amenities, hours of operation, information on programming, special events, and activities, and pricing.
- Operate POS system to compute purchases, process cash or credit payment, verify a credit/establish payment method, post/remove credit/check balances of guest accounts and provide the guest with proper sales receipt and change.
- Ensure accurate records of sales transactions and refunds in accordance with resort and department policies. Monitors cash drawer and signs off on cash drawer closings by Front Desk Attendants.
- Demonstrates thorough understanding of hotel equipment used at the front desk. Ensures the hotel equipment, such as printers, copiers, and the POS system are maintained properly and secured.
- Maintain knowledge of Institution and Hotel policies regarding payment, exchanges, and security practices.
- Communicate with management, colleagues, and other departments about the status of guest rooms, guest requests, and maintenance issues.
- Provide a safe, secure environment for hotel guests and associates by following key control procedures.
- Use proper telephone etiquette to answer/hold/transfer calls, take complete messages, and to make reservations.
- Keep workstation clean and free of debris by performing light housekeeping duties as assigned.
- All other duties as assigned.
About the Referral Program
Chautauqua Institution’s Referral Bonus Program (https://www.chq.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/CHQ_ReferralBonus_121125.pdf) 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 eight-hour shift with a start time of 3:00 p.m. for a total of 30-40 hours per week. The schedule will be dependent on seasonal hours of business, sales volume, 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 (https://www.chq.org/) 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 (https://www.chq.org/discover-chautauqua/accommodations/athenaeum-hotel/), 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) (https://www.chq.org/about/idea/) as a priority in our strategic plan, 150 Forward (https://150fwd.chq.org/). 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 (http://chq.org/employment/). You are encouraged to learn more about Chautauqua Institution at CHQ.org (https://chq.org/) and view the 150 Forward Strategic Plan at 150fwd.CHQ.org (https://150fwd.chq.org/).
Required
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1 - 3 years: Combined hotel or supervisor experience.
Preferred
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Hospitality
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Hotel Front Desk Experience
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Hotel Operations
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Leadership
Preferred
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Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
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Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject
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Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
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Leader: Inspires teammates to follow them
Preferred
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Job Security: Inspired to perform well by the knowledge that your job is safe
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Peer Recognition: Inspired to perform well by the praise of coworkers
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Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization
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Growth Opportunities: Inspired to perform well by the chance to take on more responsibility
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
