Old Courthouse Opening - Dignitary Reception

About the Event: Opening Day at the Old Courthouse celebrates the completion of the largest public-private partnership in the history of the National Park Service. After several years, the Old Courthouse will re-open to the public with new exhibits, HVAC, an elevator, and other amenities. It’s only the second time the Old Courthouse has been renovated since its completion in 1864. The Dignitary Reception welcomes key community members to preview the Old Courthouse before the Opening Ceremony. This event is from 8:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. with the Ribbon Cutting following.

Our Opportunity: Dignitary Reception Volunteers are a well-trained corps of volunteers who support Gateway Arch Park Foundation’s events and development departments by helping create a hospitable, informative, and donor-centered environment. Volunteers can participate in several opportunities. See a list of potential tasks with descriptions listed below.

·       Check-in: Volunteers will greet guests as they enter the Old Courthouse, get them checked in for the event, and guide them to the reception area.

·       Greeters: Volunteers will be located at various areas to answer questions, guide invited guests in the right direction, hand out programs, and direct VIP guests to proper parking areas. One volunteer will be located at each wing, and another in Kiener Plaza. This is an outdoor position.

·       Set-up/Tear-down: All volunteers will assist in set-up and tear-down as needed for this event.

Reports to GAPF staff on-site.

Roles and Responsibilities:

18 or older (younger applicants with parental/guardian approval may be considered). As representatives of Gateway Arch Park Foundation, volunteers must adhere to the policies, procedures, and code of conduct as outlined in the volunteer handbook provided prior to or during training.

The Dignitary Reception will include high profile community members, so professionalism and hospitality are our top priorities. This means we expect volunteers to deliver quality customer service to guests and vendors.

Required Qualifications, Knowledge & Skills:

• Excellent communication skills

• Enthusiasm, friendliness, and a positive attitude

• Present themselves in a professional manner

• Respect for confidentiality of the Gateway Arch Park Foundation’s volunteers, partners, members, and donors

• Willingness to take initiative, and voice ideas

Physical Requirements: 

·       Ability to stand and/or sit for extended periods of time.

 Dress Code for Events:

·       Black pants or skirt

·       Black shoes

·       Polo shirt- provided by GAPF

Commitment: May 3rd, 7 a.m. – 10 a.m.

Location: The Dignitary Reception takes place at the Old Courthouse.

Training and Supervision:

• Volunteer Orientation will take place on Zoom on Wednesday, April 30 at 5 p.m. 

• Training will be provided in a hands-on manner before the event begins. Staff will be present to give directions and answer any questions.

Volunteer Perks:

• Contribute to a national park, Gateway Arch National Park!

• Annual volunteer recognition event

• Free parking if needed during volunteer hours

Gateway Arch Park Foundation is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation for all. Please request any accommodation(s) needed using the contact information below.  

Next Steps:

If you are interested in this position and feel it is a good fit, please contact the Volunteer Manager at [email protected] or (314) 881-8881 to schedule an interview.

Thank you for wanting to be a part of our team. We could not serve the community of St. Louis without you!

About Gateway Arch Park Foundation

Gateway Arch Park Foundation is a non-profit organization with a mission to ensure the Gateway Arch, its grounds, neighboring public spaces, and attractions are a vital, active, and welcoming, well-supported resource to the community and nation for generations to come. The Foundation is part of an alliance that helps meet this mission, which includes the National Park Service, Bi-State Development, Great Rivers Greenway, Jefferson National Parks Association, and the City of St. Louis. For more information, visit ArchPark.org.