Assistant Catering Manager- President's Cottage

About Your Compensation

Compensation for this position starts at $24.00/Hour and, with demonstrated experience and qualifications, candidates may earn up to $28.00/Hour.

About Your Work Day

• Maintain a working knowledge of hotel operations including Catering, Sales, and Basic Culinary Operations to assist clients.
• Basic working knowledge of hotel systems including but not limited to Opera, Symphony, Homebase, and UKG.
• Develop expert knowledge of events at the President's Cottage and event types to provide recommendations to clients when needed.
• Assist with directing catering staff in event setup and execution.
• Assist with training of seasonal catering staff.
• Learn CHQ and Cottage VIP guests and personalize service as appropriate.
• Assist with payroll tasks for seasonal catering staff.
• Work with culinary to design set up for events.
• Works with catering and sales teams to manage off-season events at Bellinger, Golf Course, or other off-site venues, or as available outside of President's Cottage events in season.
• Is familiar with all buildings and venues for catering services and can speak confidently with clients about setup and use recommendations.

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent interpersonal and professional communication skills (written/verbal) to interact with internal management and staff at all levels, as well as patrons and donors.
• Working knowledge of event planning ‘best practices’/logistics and terminology to communicate effectively with vendors. Exceptional attention to detail coupled with the ability to make quick decisions, take initiative and prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced, high-demand environment.
• Must possess excellent attention to detail in relation to job duties and responsibilities coupled with the ability to provide positive client service.
• Ability to navigate multiple high-priority demands/frequent changes in a fast-paced work environment with a balanced level of patience.
• Proficiency in various computer applications, including Property Management System, Catering/Sales Software (Opera), and advanced Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Human Resources & Legal Compliance

• Conduct routine coaching and corrective counseling.

• Audit areas of responsibility to guarantee compliance with Federal and New York State Labor Laws, Company Policies/Procedures, Standard Operating Procedures, and Guest Service Standards.
• Responsible for Public Health/Safety, including but not limited to Occupational Health & Safety Act (OSHA) Regulations, Blood Borne Pathogen (BBP) and Hazard Communication Procedures/Safety Data Sheets, Fire/Evacuation Procedures, Employee/Guest Injury Documentation, and Worker’s Compensation.

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: 

• The work schedule requires a commitment of 40-hours/week with flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.

About Living on the Grounds 

Chautauqua Institution may provide limited housing options on our grounds or assist you with locating nearby housing arrangements for select opportunities based on business needs.  Housing is not an option for many positions and may be of a cost to you.  If the section below is incomplete, candidates should assume that there is no housing associated with this position.  

Employer sponsored housing is available for this position.

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, and interfaith worship/programs, and recreational activities.  Chautauqua Institution owns and operates Chautauqua Hotel Company, a comprehensive hotel, food & beverage, conferencing, and events organization.  The Institution’s office in Washington, DC is located strategically for an ongoing role in the cultural conversations of the nation. 

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.  In addition to a traditional gate pass, employees and their families will receive full access to our current and historical programs online at CHQ Assembly.   

Commitment to Values of 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 in which everyone feels that they can engage as full and valued participants in the Chautauqua experience.  The Institution is an equal opportunity employer committed to equitable and inclusive hiring practices and applicants 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 past 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.