Overview
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.
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/financial reporting, and development/ implementation of risk mangement
Required Skills:
• 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 Skills:
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 Product
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.
