Work at Navy Pier

Recently named one of America’s “newest and grandest public spaces,” Navy Pier is a top-attended nonprofit destination in the Midwest, stretching more than six city blocks. Originally opened in 1916 as a shipping and recreation facility, this 104-year-old Chicago landmark showcases more than 50 acres of parks, restaurants, attractions, retail shops, sightseeing and dining cruise boats, exposition facilities and more along Lake Michigan.

Established as a nonprofit in 2011, Navy Pier is a world-class public place that celebrates and showcases the vitality of Chicago and provides for the enjoyment of over nine million annual guests. Navy Pier is managed within a business framework that provides for its long-term financial stability and is being transformed into a contemporary, environmentally responsible urban space.

Navy Pier currently has a 33-member collaborative Board of Directors, 55 full time and up to 400 part-time and seasonal employees as well as up to 200 union trade employees. It is home to 3 nonprofits, nearly 80 businesses and offers more than 250 free programs including public art installations, seasonal programs, year-round cultural programs and events.  In 2011, Navy Pier appointed Marilynn Gardner to President & CEO and she quickly built Navy Pier’s culture to include ‘always put the guest experience first’ as well as ‘be forward-thinking’ and deliver as ‘a team’.