Front Desk Agent (The Athenaeum Hotel)/Seasonal Employment

Chautauqua Institution owns and operates the Chautauqua Hotel Company, a historic full-service hotel with 150 guest rooms. The Athenaeum Hotel houses the Heirloom Restaurant and the Lobby Lounge, operating from late April through October for conferences and events, with full operation during the summer season from late June through late August.

Pay

Compensation for this position starts at $17.00/hour and, with demonstrated experience and qualifications, candidates may earn up to $19.00/hour.

Schedule

Chautauqua Institution and Chautauqua Hotel Company offer flexible, seasonal employment during summer operations starting annually each June and concluding in August. Seasonal employment may extend earlier (pre-season) or later (post-season) based on business needs and candidate availability. Schedules typically include evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Schedules are typically eight-hour shifts with start times varying between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., totaling 16–40 hours per week. Hours depend on seasonal business volume and employee status (full-time/seasonal or part-time/seasonal).

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, programming, special events, activities, and pricing.
• Check guests in and 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 professionally.
• Communicate effectively with management, colleagues, and other departments about guest needs and requests.
• Provide safety and security for the hotel and its guests, following hotel key control procedures at all times.
• Operate POS system to complete reservations, purchases, process cash or credit payments, and provide guests with receipts and change for cash transactions.
• Responsible for cash drawer and daily reconciliation.
• Ensure accurate records of sales transactions and/or refunds in accordance with resort and department policies.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of hotel equipment used at the front desk, ensuring proper maintenance and security of equipment such as fax machines, copiers, and POS systems.
• Maintain knowledge of Institution and Hotel policies regarding payment, exchanges, and security practices.
• 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.

Benefits

• Employees receive a traditional Chautauqua gate pass, free of cost, providing access to many programs at the Amphitheater.
• Referral Bonus Program: Active employees referring a new candidate who is hired and remains employed for at least 90 days (or 30 days for seasonal positions working less than 6 months) receive a $500 referral bonus (less taxes).

About the Location

Chautauqua Institution is a not-for-profit global convener of dialogue on significant issues through engagement across 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 programming.

No employer-provided housing is available for this position. Applicants should plan to secure independent housing or reside within a commutable distance.

About the Organization

Chautauqua Institution values Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) as a priority in its strategic plan, 150 Forward. The Institution is committed to equitable and inclusive hiring practices and welcomes applications from those with experience, engagement, and professional expertise in IDEA.