Front Desk Agent (The Athenaeum Hotel)/Seasonal Employment

Job Description

Job Description

Chautauqua Institution owns and operates the Chautauqua Hotel Company, a historic full-service comprehensive hotel that has 150 rooms for guests. The Athenaeum Hotel houses the Heirloom Restaurant, and the Lobby Lounge. The Athenaeum Hotel is open from late April through October for conferences and events. The Hotel is in full operation during the Chautauqua Institution summer season, from late June through late August.

About Your Compensation

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

About Your Work Day

• Welcomes each hotel guest with energy and positivity. Serves 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.
• Addresses guest requests and concerns immediately and always with a professional attitude.
• Communicate effectively with management, colleagues, and other departments about guest needs and requests.
• Provides safety and security for the hotel and its guests. Follows 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.
• Ensure accurate records of sales transactions and/or refunds in accordance with resort and department policies.
• Demonstrates thorough understanding of hotel equipment used at the front desk. Ensures the hotel equipment, such as fax machines, copiers, and the POS system are maintained properly and secured.
• 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.

About the 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 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.

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:

Schedules are typically eight-hour shift with a start time that varies between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. for a total of 16-40 hours per week.  The schedule will be dependent on seasonal hours of business, sales volume, and employee status (full-time/seasonal or part-time/seasonal).  Scheduled 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 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, 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) 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.