New

Director Of Visitor Programs

Grand Canyon Conservancy
United States, Arizona, Grand Canyon
Jan 10, 2026
Director Of Visitor Programs Grand Canyon Conservancy seeks a visionary and experienced individual to lead the growth and transformation of GCC's Visitor Programs at Grand Canyon. This key leader will work with a highly skilled team of Program Managers to develop the long-term strategic vision for GCC's public programs, designing novel and high-impact offerings that ensure all visitors leave with a deep connection to the Canyon and its cultural and natural history. This position requires an innovative and dynamic individual who can bring big ideas to life, drive growth among new audiences, design and deliver highly engaging programs to inspire a new generation of Park champions, and model exemplary partnership and collaboration with Grand Canyon National Park partners. The Director of Visitor Programs supervises staff for the Residency, Field Institute, and Public Events programs, reporting to the Chief Operating Officer. The position works closely with Interpretive Sales (retail), Marketing, and Philanthropy teams to increase program integration and drive program fundraising. This is a full-time, exempt, benefit-eligible, hybrid position. Applicants must be located within 6 hours of the Grand Canyon's South Rim and should expect to travel 25% of their time. Temporary employee housing is provided when traveling to the Grand Canyon. 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 experiential programs about the natural and cultural history of the region. GCC's current visitor programs include Artist and Astronomer in Residence, the Grand Canyon Conservancy Field Institute, and community and public events offered in partnership with Grand Canyon National Park Service. Follow the links to learn more about GCC's Residency Program, Field Institute, and Public Events. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES The Director of Visitor Programs is responsible for the overall strategy and implementation of GCC's public programs, including impact and evaluation, public engagement, NPS partnership and compliance, and program operations. Duties may include, but are not limited to: Strategy and Program Leadership Develop and implement long-range strategies to transform GCC's visitor program offerings and reach new and historically excluded audiences; generate new philanthropic giving opportunities; and grow GCC's base of supporters. Develop a performance culture among a group of diverse and talented individuals by tapping into the power that each member of the team brings to the mission. Provide leadership and expertise for teams to implement improved monitoring and evaluation frameworks to measure program impact. Partnership and NPS Relations Partner with NPS to identify emerging program needs and opportunities, while amplifying GCC funded programs and projects related to visitor enrichment, interpretation, and education which are managed by NPS staff. Ensure compliance with GCC's Operating Agreements with Grand Canyon National Park. Partner with GCC's Tribal Engagement and Outreach Manager to incorporate tribal perspectives in GCC programs and to identify opportunities for new or innovative programs that deepen engagement with Grand Canyon's associated tribes. Identify new partnership opportunities with connected communities to deepen program growth and extend program impact. Operations and Program Management Oversee annual program budget and workplan for GCC's visitor programs, including regularly reporting against quantitative and qualitative goals. Lead collaboration with internal departments, including Retail, Marketing, IT, and Philanthropy, to execute strategic initiatives and drive program growth. Identify and implement new operational capabilities required to drive continued program growth, which may include youth experiences, digitally enabled interpretative offerings, and volunteer programs. Provide leadership for program staff on operational capacity building and process improvement, including risk management, contracting, NPS compliance, and program policies and procedures. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Relevant professional experience in nonprofit program management generally developed over the course of a 5–7-year timeframe (although academic degree and/or relevant experience may be applied to offset this timeframe). Must demonstrate progressive skillset development, including experiential and/or educational program design, development, and evaluation; leading innovation and transformation initiatives from ideation to scale; budget and financial reporting and analysis; leading internal and external collaborative partnerships; and staff development and oversight. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, AND CHARACTERISTICS Demonstrated abilities as a mission-focused, strategic, and process-minded leader. Proven ability to manage multiple initiatives or projects concurrently. Ability to operate independently, showing exceptional discernment in managing risks and challenges. Demonstrated skills with MS365 software systems, including Teams, SharePoint, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Proven ability to inspire teams, build shared vision, generate excitement and buy-in, and hold direct and indirect employees accountable. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders. Clear and compelling written and verbal communication skills, with proficiency in public speaking and delivering presentations. Personal qualities of integrity, collegiality, sense of humor, and commitment to GCC's mission. Enthusiasm for working both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Committed to strengthening a culture of inclusion within and across teams. Experience with some or all the following: Outdoor or wilderness program administration and risk management. Arts and sciences program administration. Working with Indigenous communities TOTAL COMPENSATION This is a full-time, exempt, benefit-eligible position. Target salary rate is $120K annually plus fringe benefits including employer-sponsored health insurance options with free or low cost premiums and select HSA 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; and discounted retail store and GCC-sponsored outdoor training classes. A complete list of GCC programs under the Total Compensation Program is available through the Human Resources Department. WORKING CONDITIONS Performs most job duties in an office setting, working with a computer. May occasionally work more than 40 hours per week or on weekends and holidays to meet critical deadlines and to attend special functions. Valid Driver's License and ability to travel without assistance. 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. HOW TO APPLY Please visit our website at https://www.grandcanyon.org/about/jobs to submit your application. Please include a resume and cover letter with your application. Grand Canyon Conservancy is the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. To apply, visit: https://www.grandcanyon.org/about/jobs jeid-cf7c2ebb5975fc47be60a15e7f480777