JOB SUMMARY:

The Director, Creative Direction provides leadership and oversees the planning, execution, and delivery of creative projects, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and vision. This role supports the artistic narrative and immersive experiences for all assigned projects, manages project-based team members, and fosters a diverse and inclusive culture. The Director mentors and coaches Creative Directors and Narrative Designers (Show Writers), encouraging a proactive approach to problem-solving and decision-making, and implements effective management practices to optimize team performance and resource allocation.

The Director leads cross-disciplinary efforts across design, engineering, architecture, art direction, and PMO to achieve cohesive and impactful creative outcomes. They champion innovative ideas and forward-thinking strategies, guiding teams through the creative process from ideation to final construction, ensuring that storytelling aligns with the creative vision and brand identity. Additionally, the Director establishes strong relationships with senior leadership, including Presidents and IP partners, facilitating seamless cross-divisional communication and collaboration to drive project success and enhance brand value.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Leadership – Project Oversight: Lead planning, execution, and delivery of creative projects, ensuring alignment with goals. Manage teams, promoting inclusivity. Creative Strategy: Develop strategies for future projects and master planning. Represent Creative Studio in management updates.
Coaching – Mentorship: Mentor team members, providing guidance and development opportunities. Support and Bridge: Support staff across locations and act as a bridge between teams and stakeholders.
Management – Proactive Management: Encourage proactive problem-solving and decision-making. Implement process improvements to streamline workflows. Resource Optimization: Optimize team performance, resource allocation, and project timelines.
Cross-Discipline Leadership – Integration: Lead efforts across various disciplines to achieve cohesive creative outcomes. Champion Innovation: Promote innovative ideas and strategies, staying ahead of industry trends. Supportive Environment: Guide teams through the creative process, fostering collaboration and excellence.
Craft Leadership – Continuous Improvement: Drive improvement of creative techniques and mentor the team. Storytelling: Lead development of compelling narratives that align with the creative vision. Pitching – Impactful Presentations: Oversee creation and delivery of pitches. Produce presentation materials and liaise with partners to maintain alignment. Creative Process Leadership from Ideation to Implementation: Lead the creative process from initial ideation to final implementation. Creative Intent – Champion Vision: Ensure final deliverables reflect the original vision and meet high standards.
Executive Communication – Build strong relationships with executive leadership and facilitate cross-divisional communication. Interdepartmental Efforts: Lead collaboration between creative teams and other departments. Peer Leadership -Influence: Guide peers towards excellence and foster a culture of innovation.
Culture – Best-in-Class Culture: Promote a culture of innovation, collaboration, and problem-solving. Inspire teams with optimism and a solution-oriented approach, aligning with DE&I focus.
Understand and actively participate in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities by following established UO policy, procedures, training and team member involvement activities.
Performs other duties as assigned.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Ability to communicate complex artistic ideas through a combination of written and visual and materials required.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor’s degree in Theater, Art, Film or Architecture is preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

15+ years designing experience-based entertainment for world-class theme parks or related industries; must have 9+ years art direction or production design and field experience based on Universal Creative standards; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Your talent, skills and experience will be rewarded with a competitive compensation package.

Universal is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Universal Orlando via-email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written Statement of Work in place for this position from Universal Orlando HR/Recruitment will be deemed the sole property of Universal Orlando. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Universal Orlando as a result of the referral or through other means.

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