Job Information
Chautauqua Institution Travel Coordinator (Program Office)/Seasonal Employment in Chautauqua, New York
Rate: $18 USD per hour
Description
The Program Office brings artist and creator visions to life by providing behind-the-house support for events and programs. There are multiple events each day, including music and orchestral productions, visual presentations, special functions, lectures, conferences, and meetings.
The Travel Coordinator will be responsible for the coordination of the Chautauqua Ambassador Drivers as they transport staff, contracted guests, artists and talent to and from the Institution. As the coordinator, your role will include full support of the Ambassador Driver team’s communications, scheduling, administrative duties, and fleet equipment readiness.
About Your Compensation
Compensation for this position starts at $18.00/Hour and, with demonstrated experience and qualifications, candidates may earn up to $20.00/Hour.
About Your Work Day
Manage and coordinate daily transportation operations, including scheduling, dispatching, and real-time adjustments based on guest travel needs and logistics
Oversee Ambassador Driver team operations, including communication, weekly meetings, and performance support to ensure high-quality guest service
Coordinate airport transfers (primarily to/from Buffalo), local transportation, and on-campus shuttling services
Utilize scheduling systems and mobile technology to organize travel, monitor changes, and support team communication
Supervise vehicle fleet operations, ensuring cleanliness, safety, and coordination with vendors and rental partners
Develop and maintain coverage schedules, including overnight and emergency support
Work a flexible schedule based on guest travel demands, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and overnight availability
Strong organizational, communication, and team leadership skills
Proficiency with Excel, scheduling systems, mobile devices, and payroll processes
Ability to maintain strict guest confidentiality and respond to needs or emergencies outside standard business hours
About the Referral Program
Chautauqua Institution’s Referral Bonus Program (https://www.chq.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/CHQ_ReferralBonus_121125.pdf) 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:
Will be scheduled to work an average of 35 to 40-hours/week. Work hours may include nights, weekends, and holidays, based on business needs.
- Ambassador Driver shifts start times vary from 4:00 am to 11:00 pm and last-minute changes are part of the daily work routine.
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 (https://www.chq.org/) 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 (https://www.chq.org/discover-chautauqua/accommodations/athenaeum-hotel/) , 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) (https://www.chq.org/about/idea/) as a priority in our strategic plan, 150 Forward (https://150fwd.chq.org/) . 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.
Qualifications
Skills
Preferred
Brainstorming: Novice
Administrative Support: Novice
Decision Making: Intermediate
Collaborating: Intermediate
Communication: Intermediate
Microsoft Office: Intermediate
Organization Strategies: Intermediate
Behaviors
Preferred
Leader: Inspires teammates to follow them
Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity
Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
Motivations
Preferred
Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization
Flexibility: Inspired to perform well when granted the ability to set your own schedule and goals
Self-Starter: Inspired to perform without outside help
Experience
Required
- 1-3 year: Experience with transportation scheduling.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.