Front Desk Agent (The Athenaeum Hotel)/Seasonal Employment

About the role

The Athenaeum Hotel is a historic full-service comprehensive hotel operated by Chautauqua Institution. It houses the Heirloom Restaurant and the Lobby Lounge, and is open from late April through October for conferences and events. During the Chautauqua Institution summer season (late June through late August), the hotel is fully operational.

Responsibilities

• Welcome each hotel guest with energy and positivity.
• Serve as an “information center” by demonstrating knowledge of Chautauqua Institution and the historic Athenaeum Hotel, including the location of amenities, hours of operation, information on programming, special events, activities, and pricing.
• Check guests in/out of the hotel and/or print gate, theater, or opera tickets for in-house guests.
• Sell hotel rooms and make reservations using established selling procedures and yield management techniques.
• Address guest requests and concerns immediately and always with a professional attitude.
• Communicate effectively with management, colleagues, and other departments about guest needs and requests.
• Provide safety and security for the hotel and its guests.
• Follow the hotel key control procedures at all times.
• Operate POS system to complete reservations, purchases, process cash or credit payment, and provide hotel guests with proper sales receipts and change for cash transactions.
• Responsible for cash drawer and daily reconciliation.
• Maintain accurate records of sales transactions and/or refunds in accordance with resort and department policies.
• Demonstrate thorough understanding of hotel equipment used at the front desk.
• Ensure the hotel equipment, such as fax machines, copiers, and the POS system are maintained properly and secured.
• Use proper telephone etiquette to answer/hold/transfer calls, take complete messages, and make reservations.
• Keep workstation clean and free of debris by performing light housekeeping duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Compensation starts at $17.00/Hour and may increase to $19.00/Hour with experience.
• Flexible schedules are offered, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, depending on business needs and candidate availability.
• No employer-provided housing is available for this position. Applicants should plan to secure independent housing or reside within a commutable distance.

About the Referral Program

Chautauqua Institution offers a Referral Bonus Program for active employees who refer new candidates who are hired and remain employed for at least 90-days from the first physical date of work. For 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, which is the last Sunday in August.

About Your Schedule

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 holidays. Scheduled hours may vary between 8-hour shifts starting at 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., totaling 16-40 hours per week. 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 is a not-for-profit global convener of dialogue on the most significant issues of the day through engagement across four pillars: the arts, education, religion, and recreation. Located on the shores of Chautauqua Lake in southwestern New York State, the community 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, conferencing, and events organization.

IDEA Commitment

Chautauqua Institution values Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) as a priority in its strategic plan, 150 Forward. 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. The Institution especially welcomes applications from those who can demonstrate experience, engagement, and professional expertise in IDEA.

Join Our Talent Community

Learn more about Chautauqua Institution at CHQ.org and view the 150 Forward Strategic Plan at 150fwd.CHQ.org. Join our talent community online at CHQ.org/employment.