GCCFI Senior Program Manager
 Grand Canyon Conservancy | |
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 Oct 21, 2026 | |
 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 residencewithin 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. 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. Staff Leadership • Recruit, train, and manage compliance and compensation for the pool of 15-20 naturalist guides (contract and employee) supporting FI programming.
Operations and Program Management • Develop and execute administrative processes, including vendor and guide contracts, invoicing and payments, and program policies and standard operating procedures.
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 Field Institute programs include inter-canyon experiences in remote areas of Grand CanyonNational 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 limitationsmust be ensured.
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.
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. 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 an Equal Opportunity Employer | |