Associate Director for Visitor Experience

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin. To meet the minimum qualifications, you must submit a two-page resume (max) that shows you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and two Technical Qualifications (TQs). To be considered, only the first 2 pages of your resume will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications. Technical Qualifications (TQs) are designed to assess an applicant's experience relevant to the specific position requirements. Your resume should clearly demonstrate your experience and accomplishments related to the TQs below: Demonstrated ability to manage a complex program which includes at least 3 of these areas: visitor experience, visitation data analytics, recreation and lands management, concessions management, interpretation and education programs and media development, and promotion of engagement opportunities. Demonstrated ability to manage personnel and budget-related issues that affect a major organization. Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs): Your two-page resume should also show that you possess the Executive Core Qualifications listed below. By statute, the Office of Personnel Management prescribes Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) for the appointment of career SES members. The ECQs were designed to assess executive experience and not technical expertise. ECQ 1-Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding: Demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and commitment to serve the American people. ECQ 2 - Driving Efficiency: Demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades. ECQ 3 - Merit and Competence: Demonstrated knowledge, ability, and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality. ECQ 4 - Leading People: Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals, and to drive a high-performance, high accountability culture. This includes, when necessary, the ability to lead people through change and to hold individuals accountable. ECQ 5 - Achieving Results: Demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors. Qualifications will be evaluated based on how clearly and concisely you emphasize your level of responsibilities, the scope and complexity of your programs; services managed; program accomplishments; policy initiatives undertaken; level of contacts; the sensitivity and criticality of the issues addressed; and the results of your actions taken. Typically experience will have been gained at the GS-15 or equivalent in the private sector or non-governmental organizations. Executive Core Qualifications Already SES Certified? If you are currently serving under a career Senior Executive Service appointment, are eligible for reinstatement into the Senior Executive Service, or have completed a Senior Executive Service Candidate Development Program (SES CDP) approved by OPM, please submit a two-page resume and personnel action showing you have held a career SES position. SES CDP graduates must submit a two-page resume and a copy of their CDP program certification with their package. More than 20,000 employees work in a wide variety of disciplines and organizations, from parks to regions to national programs, throughout the National Park Service. They are led by the NPS Director, who is supported by senior executives who manage national programs, policy, and budget in the Washington, DC, headquarters, (WASO) and seven regional directors responsible for national park management and program implementation.

Position Details

• Job Title: Associate Director for Visitor Experience
• Company / Organisation: National Park Service
• Location: Washington, District of Columbia
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Field / Industry: Project Management
• Work Arrangement: On-site or hybrid - Washington, District of Columbia

About This Opportunity

This full-time opportunity at National Park Service is an excellent opening for experienced professionals in the field of project management and operations. The role is structured around an on-site or hybrid environment based in Washington, District of Columbia and is designed for candidates who are ready to make a meaningful contribution from the moment they join.

Based in Washington, District of Columbia, this role offers the opportunity to collaborate closely with a local team in a structured professional environment. Candidates currently based in the area or open to relocation are strongly encouraged to apply.

Whether you are an established practitioner in project management and operations or a highly skilled professional looking for your next challenge, this Associate Director for Visitor Experience role offers the platform to apply your expertise in a real-world, results-oriented environment. National Park Service is looking for a candidate who can hit the ground running and add genuine value to the team.

Who Should Apply

This role is ideal for candidates who have a solid background in project management and operations and a demonstrable track record of delivering high-quality results. You should possess structured thinking, stakeholder management, risk awareness, and the ability to drive projects to completion on time and within scope. Experience working with project management software, collaboration platforms, and reporting dashboards will be an advantage, though a commitment to continuous learning and professional development is equally valued.

Beyond technical or domain expertise, National Park Service is looking for someone who communicates clearly, collaborates effectively with colleagues and stakeholders, and takes ownership of their work from start to finish. If you thrive in a professional environment and are passionate about the opportunity to deliver projects efficiently, on schedule, and within budget while exceeding stakeholder expectations, we encourage you to apply.

Key Competencies for This Role

Successful candidates for the Associate Director for Visitor Experience position at National Park Service will typically demonstrate the following core competencies:

• Domain expertise - a strong foundation of knowledge and hands-on experience in project management and operations
• Problem-solving ability - the capacity to identify challenges, think critically, and implement practical solutions efficiently
• Communication skills - clear and professional communication with colleagues, stakeholders, and partners at all levels
• Self-management - strong time management and the ability to prioritise a varied workload while meeting deadlines
• Team collaboration - a collaborative and supportive approach to working alongside colleagues across departments or locations
• Adaptability - the ability to respond positively to change and thrive in a dynamic, evolving work environment

How to Apply

To apply for this Associate Director for Visitor Experience position at National Park Service, click the "Apply Now" button on this page. You will be taken directly to the official application page where you can complete and submit your application.

Before applying, please ensure that your CV or résumé is fully up to date and clearly highlights your experience and accomplishments in project management and operations. If a cover letter is included or requested, tailor it specifically to this role and explain how your background, skills, and goals align with what National Park Service is looking for in a Associate Director for Visitor Experience.

All applications for this role are processed directly by National Park Service. Career Nest facilitates the job discovery process and does not pre-screen or forward applications on behalf of employers. There are no fees for job seekers at any stage of the application process.

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