Manager, Visitor Experience

The Gateway Foundation is hiring a Manager, Visitor Experience to help open The Terrace View, a new gallery and retail space at Citygarden, that will debut its inaugural exhibition in Spring 2027. In this role, you’ll help establish the visitor-experience function for The Terrace View  — overseeing retail (gallery, gift shop, and convenience store), programming, special events, and the team of Citygarden Ambassadors who greet visitors every day. You'll report to the Executive Director of the Gateway Foundation.

This is a rare opportunity to shape how thousands of St. Louisans encounter art, on three acres in the heart of Downtown, at a beloved civic space where admission is — and always will be — free. We're looking for someone who is passionate about Downtown St. Louis, an enthusiastic problem solver, and a talented organizer. The role is full-time, exempt, with planned weekend and evening availability during peak seasons.

About Citygarden and the Gateway Foundation:

Citygarden, a project of the City of Saint Louis, funded by the Gateway Foundation, has carved out three acres in the heart of Downtown and transformed them into an exhilarating urban oasis featuring modern and contemporary sculptures, lush landscape, reflecting pools, a gallery and a playful spray plaza. You won’t find walls, fences, admissions fees or “do not touch” signs because at Citygarden, you are always free.

The Gateway Foundation strives to enrich St. Louis life and culture by supporting efforts to acquire, create and improve tangible and durable art and urban design. The focus of the Gateway Foundation is to foster and support cultural and artistic activities devoted to improving the quality of life for residents of the St. Louis Metropolitan Area.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of duties and responsibilities of the position. The omission of a specific job function does not absolve an employee from being required to perform additional tasks incidental to or inherent in the job.

Retail Operations:

• Oversee daily operations of The Terrace View (gallery, gift shop and convenience store).
• Maintain compliance with City, park and retail regulations, including permits, licenses, safety and sanitation standards.
• Manage inventory levels, ordering, and receiving of merchandise and supplies.
• Monitor and control loss prevention and implement merchandising strategies that align with park branding and guest preferences.
• Perform cash handling, reconciliations, deposits, and reporting to Gateway Foundation.

Staff Management:

• Hire, train, schedule, and supervise Citygarden Ambassadors to handle park visitor inquiries, feedback, and concerns in a professional manner.
• Foster a positive team environment which delivers outstanding service to park visitors.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide coaching as needed.

Programming and Special Events:

• Identify program partners to expand seasonal programming at Citygarden. 
• Serve as the point of contact for program partners, maintain the programmatic calendar for the year, oversee program set-up and tear-down, and administer partner agreements. 
• Serve as the point of contact for special event scheduling; maintain the event reservations calendar; ensure events meet Citygarden guidelines; manage relationships with third-party vendors; supervise event set-up and tear-down; and administer contracts. 
• Develop and manage programs and event-related policies, procedures and processes.
• Manage the annual programs and events budget.
• Troubleshoot any issues that may arise on the day of an event.
• Lead the planning and execution of promotions or seasonal displays.

EXPERIENCE:

A minimum of five years of retail or special event management (or a combination of the two) is required. The ideal candidate will use sound judgment and strong relationship-management skills to achieve defined goals. Strong supervisory or employee relations background is also required, as well as a basic understanding of retail marketing and visual merchandising.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Highly organized and motivated to build efficient systems.
• Ability to communicate with internal and external contacts and influence people across a range of roles in all types of positions using a high degree of diplomacy.
• Ability to plan, direct, and coordinate scheduling and programming.
• Lifelong learner willing to ask questions and understand new fields of work.
• Arts background through personal pursuits or formal channels.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace products.
• Proficiency in point-of-sale systems and inventory software.
• Ability to work weekends, holidays, and peak park visitation periods.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Lift, carry, and move up to 30 lbs. (merchandise, event supplies, displays).
• Stand and walk for extended periods during retail shifts, event production, and visitor-facing hours.
• Move comfortably between indoor and outdoor environments throughout a shift.
• Work outdoors in a range of weather conditions, including heat, cold, wind, and rain.
• Bend, reach, stoop, and kneel to stock merchandise, set up displays, and prepare event spaces.
• Use standard office equipment, computers, and point-of-sale systems for sustained periods.

STATUS: 

Full-time salaried

Exempt

Reports To: Executive Director, Gateway Foundation

PAY AND BENEFITS:

• Starting salary: $45,000
• 100% employer-paid dental and health insurance
• 10% employer SEP-IRA plan



APPLICATION:

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and a list of three references with contact information to Heather Sweeney at heather.sweeney@gateway-foundation.org.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT:

Gateway Foundation is committed to recruiting, retaining, developing, and promoting talented individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We foster an engaged, diverse, and inclusive team culture. At Gateway Foundation, diversity encompasses a variety of characteristics and perspectives, including, but not limited to, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, education, veteran status, disability, socioeconomic status, and family status. We firmly believe that our inclusive environment is essential to both the quality of our services and the personal satisfaction of our employees.