Foundation Events & Hospitality Intern (Foundation)/Seasonal Employment

Chautauqua Institution • Chautauqua, NY

3d • $16 - $17

About The Position

The Chautauqua Foundation staff and Board of Directors are vigilant stewards of more than 800 endowment funds held by the Foundation for the benefit of Chautauqua Institution. Foundation interns play a key role in supporting donor and patron experiences through hospitality and event coordination. These positions are designed to support two primary event areas: President’s Cottage events and Morning Lecture Lunches with 10:45 a.m. amphitheater speakers and sponsors. Two interns will be hired , each with a primary focus in one of these areas, while collaborating closely and providing mutual support as needed. You should expect a fast-paced, customer-focused environment where last-minute changes are common. Flexibility, attention to detail, and excellent customer service are essential to success in this role. 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 Hospitality and Event Management  Handle phone calls, direct inquiries, and provide information to patrons and donors in a professional and welcoming manner. Assist with invitations and RSVPs for approximately nine dinners and nine receptions held at the President’s Cottage. Assist with invitations and RSVPs for daily Morning Lecture Lunches throughout the nine-week season. Hand-deliver invitations, gifts, and other correspondence to various locations across the Institution’s grounds. Utilize Raiser’s Edge software to input, update, and carefully track event and guest information. This includes maintaining accurate records of invitations sent, declines, acceptances, guest notes, and communicating relevant details to the supervisor for proper documentation. Prepare event materials, including but not limited to participant lists, nametags, and table tents. Attend President’s Cottage events to greet guests, troubleshoot issues, and distribute nametags. Attend speaker meet-and-greet sessions on the back porch, escort speakers to lunch, and communicate attendee information. Track post-event guest attendance in Raiser’s Edge. Utilize a golf cart to assist with transportation of guests and staff as needed. Assist with office mailings and general correspondence while maintaining a high level of professionalism and attention to detail. Assist with the Foundation Annual Membership Meeting (8/22/26) , including document preparation, venue setup, greeting participants, distributing materials, and other duties as assigned. Complete additional data entry and administrative tasks as time allows. About Your Schedule 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: The typical work schedule is Monday- Friday, 9:00 am- 5:00 pm or 11:00 am- 7:00 pm on President’s Cottage event days; however, there are some evening events which would require a flexible schedule. About 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 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 Foundation Chautauqua Foundation exists to support the Chautauqua Institution through the preservation, the appropriate use, and the growth of endowment funds. 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.  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 .   

Responsibilities

• Handle phone calls, direct inquiries, and provide information to patrons and donors in a professional and welcoming manner.
• Assist with invitations and RSVPs for approximately nine dinners and nine receptions held at the President’s Cottage.
• Assist with invitations and RSVPs for daily Morning Lecture Lunches throughout the nine-week season.
• Hand-deliver invitations, gifts, and other correspondence to various locations across the Institution’s grounds.
• Utilize Raiser’s Edge software to input, update, and carefully track event and guest information. This includes maintaining accurate records of invitations sent, declines, acceptances, guest notes, and communicating relevant details to the supervisor for proper documentation.
• Prepare event materials, including but not limited to participant lists, nametags, and table tents.
• Attend President’s Cottage events to greet guests, troubleshoot issues, and distribute nametags.
• Attend speaker meet-and-greet sessions on the back porch, escort speakers to lunch, and communicate attendee information.
• Track post-event guest attendance in Raiser’s Edge.
• Utilize a golf cart to assist with transportation of guests and staff as needed.
• Assist with office mailings and general correspondence while maintaining a high level of professionalism and attention to detail.
• Assist with the Foundation Annual Membership Meeting (8/22/26) , including document preparation, venue setup, greeting participants, distributing materials, and other duties as assigned.
• Complete additional data entry and administrative tasks as time allows.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed