Associate Director for Community Engagement

National Park Service; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Park Service seeks an Associate Director for Community Engagement to lead strategic policy, coordinate with external partners, and oversee program accountability.

This senior leader directs leadership across directorate programs, supports outdoor recreation initiatives, and helps set national priorities and budgets.

The successful candidate will bring proven leadership, governance experience, and a track record of advancing conservation and community engagement at scale.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic policy development for community engagement across the Directorate.
• Coordinate with external partners and stakeholders to advance conservation and recreation initiatives.
• Oversee program accountability, budgeting, and leadership alignment within the Directorate.

Job description

Open: September 11, 2026 — Closes: September 25, 2026

Summary

The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The National Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.

Major Duties

The Associate Director for Community Engagement is responsible for providing strategic leadership, developing policies, liaising with external stakeholders, ensuring program accountability, and formulating budgets. Responsibilities include: Executive oversight and the direct management of subordinate leaders across multiple functional areas within the Directorate, including major outdoor recreation technical and financial assistance programs, national trails, wild and scenic rivers, as well as other community assistance and engagement initiatives. Through supervisory staff, the Associate Director offers technical guidance and oversees the delegated duties and responsibilities relating to organizational and national programs. Evaluates program performance against organizational objectives, endorsing key plans and changes in directives, and analyzing structural and resource needs to enhance operational effectiveness. Serves as a member of the NPS leadership team. Collaborates with the Director and other leaders to set overall policy, establish priorities, define the strategic direction of the Service, and determine legislative goals and strategies at the national level.