Internship; Literary Arts​/Seasonal

Chautauqua Literary Arts convenes readers and writers of all ages in community, conversation, intensive craft development, and exploratory learning opportunities. Summer season programs for the department include the Chautauqua Writers’ Center, Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle (CLSC), youth programs, The Chautauqua Prize, and the Chautauqua Janus Prize.

Must be an enrolled undergraduate student or recent graduate with 1–3 years of combined education and experience in poetry, fiction, nonfiction, or mixed‑genre creative writing, or a strong interest in literature and the arts.

• A friendly, professional attitude.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Some customer service experience.
• Comfort using computers and digital tools such as iPads and projectors.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Comfort working in live event settings and engaging with public audiences.
• The ability to juggle multiple tasks in a fast‑paced, public‑facing environment.
• Familiarity with audio‑visual technology is a plus.

Compensation starts at $16.00 per hour and, with demonstrated experience and qualifications, can rise to $17.00 per hour.

This seasonal position includes housing in student dorms on or near the grounds and a meal plan.

• Facilitate and support events along the Poetry Makerspace Brick Walk stops (Alumni Hall, the CLSC Octagon, and The Smith Memorial Library), including explaining how interactive exhibits work, supporting Poetry Pop‑Up Events, hosting Literary Arts game nights for the CHQ literary community, and supporting related programming at the Library and in partnership with Youth & Family Programs.
• Act as workshop assistant in Chautauqua Writers’ Center workshops, supporting faculty.
• Provide administrative and logistical support for Chautauqua Writers’ Center workshops, CLSC events, and Literary Arts programs.
• Assist with Literary Arts events, including book signings, Masters’ Series workshops, and other public programs.
• Co‑curate the community poem prompts and weekly poems gathered via in‑person and online submissions.
• Support CLSC Young Readers Programming, including co‑facilitating book discussions and supporting programming in partnership with The Smith Memorial Library and Youth & Family Programs.

• Open and close the second floor of Alumni Hall; ensure classrooms, meeting spaces, technology, and public areas are ready for daily use (Monday – Friday).
• Serve as a welcoming first point of contact for visitors in person, by phone, and via email; answer questions, provide directions, and route inquiries as needed.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe classrooms, hallways, restrooms, and public spaces, including furniture arrangements in the Poetry Room, Prose Room, Ballroom, and on the Porch of Alumni Hall.
• Track desk and program supplies and alert supervisors when inventory is low; assist with equipment allocation and movement (must be able to lift up to 50 lbs).

• Provide basic troubleshooting technology support for classes, meetings, and events (projectors, screens, HDMI connections, adaptors, presentations, and printing).
• Contribute to Chautauqua Literary Arts communications, including social media promotion and the weekly e‑newsletter.
• Complete additional duties as assigned in support of Literary Arts, Alumni Hall operations, CLSC, and affiliated community organizations.

• Participate in four Writers’ Center workshops (chosen by the intern), led by contemporary authors.
• Regularly meet with the Director of Literary Arts, Literary Arts Graduate Fellow, and other literary arts staff to build skills and knowledge of the literary professional world and develop personal writing projects.
• Represent Chautauqua Literary Arts with a welcoming attitude toward students, visitors, and other community members.
• Participate in the larger Chautauqua artistic community by attending readings, concerts, etc.

Chautauqua Institution offers flexible schedules, both full‑time and part‑time,…