Foundation Events & Hospitality Intern (Foundation)Seasonal Employment

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: Presidents 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 Managementâ

• 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 Presidents 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 Institutions grounds.
• Utilize Raisers 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 Presidents 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 Raisers 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 Presidents Cottage event days; however there are some evening events which would require a flexible schedule.

About Referral Program

Chautauqua InstitutionsReferral Bonus Programis 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 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 should plan to secure independent housing orresidewithin 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 Institutionis 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 Chautauqua community islocatedon 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.â Chautauqua Institution owns andoperatesChautauqua Hotel Company a comprehensive hotel food & beverageconferenceand events organization.â

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.â Employees will receive a traditional Chautauqua gate pass free of cost which provides access to many of our programs at the Amphitheater.â

Our Commitment to IDEA

Chautauqua Institution values Inclusion Diversity Equity and Accessibility(IDEA) as a priorityin our strategic plan 150 of our five core values is The dignity and contributions of all people. We are committed to creating conditionswhereeveryone can engage ascompleteand valued participants in the Chautauqua Institution is an equal opportunity employer committed toequitableand inclusive hiring not be discriminated against based on any status protected under federal state or local law. We especially welcome applications from those who candemonstrateexperience engagement and professionalexpertisein IDEA.

Joining Our Talent Communityâ

Join our talent community online at You are encouraged to learn more about Chautauqua Institution at view the 150 Forward Strategic Plan at.â

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Required Experience:

Intern