GCCFI Senior Program Manager

First Nations Jobs Online; Grand Canyon Village (AZ); Hybrid; USD 77,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

GCC-subsidized housing

Office space if relocating

Health insurance options

Job summary

Grand Canyon Conservancy Field Institute seeks a Senior Program Manager to lead the development and management of Field Institute visitor programs, including curriculum development, staff supervision, budget oversight, risk management, and program logistics. This role partners with Grand Canyon National Park to ensure alignment and success.

The position is full-time, exempt, with hybrid remote or on-site options.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of professional work experience managing all elements of day and multiday educational programs for adults, children, and intergenerational audiences, preferably outdoor programs.
• Ability to spend up to 5 days in a wilderness environment while hiking with packs up to 40 pounds.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel; operate a 12-passenger van.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategy and curriculum for Field Institute visitor programs aligning with GCC and GRCA priorities.
• Recruit, train, and supervise 15-20 guides (contract and staff) for FI programming.
• Manage annual budget, contracts, invoicing, and risk management policies.
• Lead program calendars, collaboration with marketing, and evaluation reporting.

Skills

Communication

Staff supervision

Budget oversight

Risk management

Program development

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Outdoor program education

Field experience in outdoors

Tools

Microsoft Office

Rezdy

Arctic

Flybook

Job description

GCCFI Senior Program Manager

POSITION DESCRIPTION: 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. Alternative 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

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

(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.)

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 target hiring salary is 85K 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 an Equal Opportunity Employer