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POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT: GCCFI SENIOR PROGRAM MANAGER

The Grand Canyon Conservancy Field Institute (GCCFI) provides engaging visitor education programs that connect visitors to the Grand Canyon and cultivate future park champions. Under the direction of the Director of Visitor Programs, the GCCFI Senior Program Manager leads the development and management of GCC's Field Institute visitor programs, including program and curriculum development, staff supervision, budget oversight, risk management, and program logistics. This role operates in close partnership with Grand Canyon National Park (GRCA), ensuring program alignment, compliance, and shared success with the Park. The Senior Program Manager is responsible not only for cultivating an exceptional on-site experience for program participants but also for training and developing guides and instructors to deliver mission-aligned, high-impact public programs and for implementing evaluations to understand participant impact and identify programmatic opportunities.

The GCCFI Senior Program Manager position is a full-time, exempt, and benefit-eligible position. This position is offered either as a hybrid remote role or on-site. Specifically, the hybrid-remote option requires residence within a 2-hour driving radius of the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, given that 75% of the time will be spent onsite. Alternatively and preferably, this position may be based at the South Rim, as it is eligible for GCC-subsidized housing and office space for those willing to relocate. Details for both options will be discussed in the recruitment process.

ABOUT GRAND CANYON CONSERVANCY

Grand Canyon Conservancy (GCC) is the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park. As the official philanthropic and collaborative partner of Grand Canyon National Park, Grand Canyon Conservancy’s mission is to inspire generations of park champions to cherish and support the natural and cultural wonder of Grand Canyon. GCC raises private funds, operates retail shops within the park, and provides premier educational programs about the natural and cultural history of the region. In partnership with Grand Canyon National Park, we support initiatives that uplift Indigenous knowledge, protect sacred sites, and ensure tribal voices play a vital role in shaping the future of the canyon. Learn more about our work here.  

 PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Field Institute Senior Program Manager is responsible for overall visitor program performance, including financials, customer satisfaction, NPS partnership, marketing, risk management, and employee supervision. Duties may include, but are not limited to:

Strategy and Program Development

• Collaborate with the Director of Visitor Programs and Grand Canyon National Park (GRCA) colleagues on Field Institute visitor program governance, strategy, and execution to ensure program alignment with the organization’s mission and annual strategic plan.

• Develop long-range Field Institute visitor program strategies to support department goals and drive deep and meaningful public engagement.

• Assist the Director of Visitor Programs in strategic planning conversations with GCC’s board of directors and other stakeholders to ensure support for transformative visitor program offerings.

• Own the development and ongoing expansion of curriculum that supports all Field Institute visitor programs, ensuring content is engaging and aligns with GCC and GRCA priorities

Staff Leadership

• Recruit, train, and manage compliance and compensation for the pool of 15-20 naturalist guides (contract and employee) supporting FI programming.

• Provide direct, day-to-day, on-site supervision of staff delivering the free visitor programs, ensuring consistent leadership and program quality at the South Rim.

• Set clear performance expectations and provide ongoing professional development for administrative and program staff, including those who coordinate workflows to ensure smooth trip logistics and customer satisfaction.

Operations and Program Management

• Develop and execute administrative processes, including vendor and guide contracts, invoicing and payments, and program policies and standard operating procedures.

• Develop and manage an annual budget for the program in collaboration with the Director of Visitor Programs to maximize revenue generated through both programming fees and philanthropic support while managing departmental operating expenses.

• Develop monitoring and evaluation frameworks, including KPIs, and prepare regular program reports on outcomes and impact for internal and external stakeholders.

• Lead the development of the annual Field Institute visitor program calendar with a mix of program types that drive long-term growth and visitor enrichment, including coordination and review with NPS.

• Ensure program compliance with GRCA and GCC policies and regulations.

• Lead collaboration with internal departments, including marketing, retail, residency, and philanthropy, to identify and execute opportunities for visitor program growth.

• Coordinate with the GCC marketing team to develop annual marketing plans across multiple channels to deliver revenue and customer goals.

• Coordinate the development, implementation, and review of all risk management policies, procedures, emergency protocols, and incident reporting.

• Support special projects, GCC events, visitor engagement, or organizational priorities as needed/as capacity allows.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• 3-5 years of professional work experience managing all elements of day and multiday educational programs for adults, children, and intergenerational audiences, preferably focused on outdoor programs emphasizing cultural and natural resource education; this should include supervising both full and part time regular and seasonal staff, development and leadership of educational curriculum and program content, budget oversight and financial reporting, and development and implementation of risk management policies and procedures.

(Note: academic achievements such as Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, or equivalent in related disciplines and/or field experience in Outdoor Recreation Management, Natural Sciences, or Science and Resource Management may be considered in lieu of, or to supplement, the professional experience listed above.)

• Given that Field Institute programs include inter-canyon experiences in remote areas of Grand Canyon National Park, candidates must have the ability to spend up to 5 days in a wilderness environment while hiking and carrying packs of up to 40 pounds in weight; therefore, physical condition with no limitations must be ensured.

• Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to safely operate a 12-passenger van and be able to travel without assistance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, AND CHARACTERISTICS

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to lead others through active listening, trust-building, and a collaborative management approach; committed to fostering a culture of psychological safety, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Ability to foster change and promote a positive and productive workplace environment.

• 2+ years of guiding expertise with an emphasis on interpretative skills, group dynamics, and backcountry risk management.

• Skilled in using Microsoft Office Products and trip reservation software (Rezdy, Arctic, Flybook, etc.).

• A high degree of integrity, initiative, creativity, and attention to detail, paired with enthusiasm for working both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

• Continuous Improvement and Project Management training and experience (PMP, Six-Sigma, etc.).

• Relevant certifications: Wilderness First Responder, Leave No Trace Trainer, Certified Interpretive Guide

• Experience working with Indigenous communities.

• Demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of Grand Canyon Conservancy.

TOTAL COMPENSATION  

This is a full-time, exempt, benefit-eligible position.  The salary rate is 85 K annually. Full-time employee GCC’s Total Compensation Package features fringe benefits including employer-sponsored health insurance options with free or low cost premiums and HSA account contributions; life, disability, and AD&D insurance policies at no charge; eligibility for participation upon hire in retirement plans with employer match and financial planning services; paid time off, leaves, and sick time including unique paid Canyon Experience Days honoring time spent for rejuvenation in nature; and discounted GCC-sponsored outdoor experiential classes.

 WORKING CONDITIONS 

• This position involves sedentary office work, requiring long periods at a desk performing repetitive tasks such as typing, using the telephone, and using other office tools. It also involves fieldwork, short and remote hiking on the rim and into the canyon, and driving 12-passenger vans with program participants.

• Performs approximately 85% of job duties in an office setting, working with a computer, and having regular interaction with colleagues also located at the workplace.

• May occasionally work more than 40 hours per week or on weekends and holidays to meet critical deadlines and to attend special functions.

GCC CORE VALUES 

GCC has identified four core values representing how we interact with our employees, partners, visitors, supporters, and followers. Our values include the following:  

Integrity: We are honest, respectful, inclusive, caring, and accountable for our actions. We operate at a high level of excellence, utilizing our resources to their best and fullest potential.

Education: We are a dynamic learning organization uniquely positioned to cultivate the “awe” of the Grand Canyon.

Service: We embrace our role as a valued partner of the National Park Service at Grand Canyon National Park and will provide the highest level of excellence in every interaction with employees, partners, visitors, supporters, and donors. 

Connection: We foster a sense of wonder and adventure for the Grand Canyon.

Grand Canyon Conservancy is the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park. 

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.