This role supports the Marketing Department’s mission by serving as a welcoming, knowledgeable point of connection between Chautauqua Institution and its patrons. By providing professional, accessible, and responsive front-of-house service, Patron Services staff help ensure a safe, inclusive, and engaging experience that reflects Chautauqua’s commitment to community and enrichment through meaningful experiences. Events are scheduled every day during the summer season; employees are scheduled to support the operation of the performances. Shift start times vary from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
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
- Customer focused and professional when greeting patrons into the Amphitheater and other performing venues across the Institution grounds.
- Use handheld computerized device to check-in patron’s gate pass/ticket into the venue.
- Assist patrons with disability needs, including wheelchair access/seating, service dogs, and Assistive Listening Devices.
- Answer patron questions by providing information on venue rules/regulations, event seating, restroom locations, and general information about Chautauqua Institution.
- Address and diffuse patron issues.
- Ability to work in a calm and professional manner during peak periods and during high-attendance events.
- Assist in creating a safe and pleasant patron experience.
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.
Will be scheduled to work an average of 20-hours/week. Scheduled hours will be generally four hours/shift and five shifts/week. Hours may include evenings, weekends, and holidays based on business needs.
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/).
Preferred
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1 - 3 years: Customer service experience.
Preferred
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Cooperation
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Adaptability
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Active Listening
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Communication
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Creative Thinking
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Dependability
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Multitasking
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Problem Solving
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Teamwork
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Friendliness
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Helpfulness
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Empathy
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Patience
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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Enthusiastic: Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest
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Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
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Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity
Preferred
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Flexibility: Inspired to perform well when granted the ability to set your own schedule and goals
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.
