Deputy Chief - Office of Communications Partnerships and External Affairs

Summary

The position will serve Grand Canyon National Park in the Office of Communications, Partnerships, and External Affairs (OCPE). The position may be duty-stationed at Grand Canyon, AZ, Flagstaff, AZ or St. George, UT (for displaced North Rim staff). Location will be negotiable after selection.

Major Duties

• Program Management - The Deputy Chief assists the Chief of OCPE in the leadership and management of the park's interdisciplinary communications, partnerships and external affairs team. This includes the oversight of complex environmental, social, and outreach programs of varying complexities and national significance.
• Resource Stewardship - Incumbent works with the division chief and park leadership on national scope issues, with a focus on Colorado River, external developments and implications for park resources, values, and recreational uses. Incumbent assists park leadership in outreach and stakeholder engagement for complex environmental, social, and cultural issues related to park protection and environmental stewardship. Incumbent may represent GRCA on inter-agency groups on issues such as Colorado River management, uranium mining, protection of the park's air and water quality, and understanding and mitigating the impacts of millions of visitors to one of the nation's premiere national parks.
• Supervision - Incumbent plans work to be accomplished by subordinates, sets and adjusts priorities, and prepares schedules for completion of work. Incumbent assigns work to subordinates based on priorities, selective consideration of the difficulty and requirements of assignments, and the capabilities of employees. Incumbent evaluates work performed by employees, provides guidance or instruction to employees on work and administrative matters; interview candidates for positions; hear and resolve complaints from employees. When necessary, the incumbent works with employees on improvements to performance plan elements, identifies developmental and training needs of employees, and finds ways to improve production and increase the quality of the work directed in conformance with performance standards and work plans.
• Communication and Outreach - The incumbent works with public affairs and information specialists to plan, evaluate and execute strategic communication approaches for GRCA to promote and expand the reach and impact of messaging. This includes reviewing politically sensitive public relations programs, periodically interacting with elected officials and staff relative to issues of local, regional, and national interest. Such interest promotes outside inquiry, requiring the park staff to maintain regular contact with Congressional staff. Because of the economic impacts of the park, considerable political, local governmental and tourism interests engage frequently with park management.
• External and Intergovernmental Relations - Incumbent works with park leadership to assist in establishment and furthering of relationship with external stakeholders and elected officials locally, regionally, and nationally. Coordinates VIP visits, with a focus on elected officials and community leaders. Works with divisional staff to develop materials related to park projects and programs to inform VIPs of the range and complexity of issues.