Director, Creative Direction

At Universal Creative, we design, develop and deliver the most compelling entertainment experiences imaginable to drive growth for Universal Parks & Resorts worldwide. Our innovative attractions, immersive theme parks and world-class resorts fuse art and technology to create new standards in the themed entertainment industry.

Our Team Members are the driving force behind Universal Creative. With their diverse skills and forward-thinking ideas, our team pushes us beyond the boundaries of what’s possible to achieve the extraordinary. Together, we’re creating a Universe of fun, always ensuring the next thing we do is better than the last thing we did.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Director, ​Creative Direction provides creative ​leadership ​and vision for ​a portfolio of immersive ​experiences ​across Universal Destinations ​and Experiences. ​This role guides projects from ​ideation to ​initial ​concept, through ​implementation, shaping ​compelling ​stories ​and innovative guest experiences that bring Universal's world-class ​entertainment ​to life.

The Director ​oversees all aspects of creative ​development, including ​concept ​creation, narrative ​development, ​creative ​quality, ​and the overall guest experience for assigned ​projects. Working ​closely with intellectual property ​owners, ​executive ​leadership, and ​multidisciplinary ​project ​teams, this role ​establishes ​the ​creative ​story, ​aligns ​project objectives, and ​drives the successful execution ​of the ​creative ​vision.

As ​a ​key ​leader ​within Universal ​Creative's Creative Studio, ​the Director ​manages the ​Creative Direction ​discipline across assigned ​projects, ​providing creative ​guidance, ​fostering ​collaboration, ​and ​ensuring ​the ​highest standards of storytelling, ​design excellence, and guest engagement ​throughout Universal ​Destinations ​and Experience ​portfolios.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee, support, and guide Creative Directors on assigned projects from ideation, feasibility, concept, schematic, design development and delivery. Develops overall design process and strategy with studio leadership peers. Directs efforts to conceive, develop and define all creative aspects of all UO projects that affect guest experience. Responsible for driving the creative design through all phases of the project. Often includes leading and encouraging early efforts to creatively explore multiple options in order to arrive at best project direction.
• Acts as the “vision-keeper” on all assigned projects. Communicates, inspires, and maintains project intent among all team-members. Drives the story for the project and its development as necessary to maintain the creative intent and deliver the intended guest experience.  
• Partners with Show Producer to execute the intended creative Direction. Leads and creatively directs the Project design teams.  Serves as mentor for design staff. Directs other Creative Directors and Art Directors.
• Develops and produces internal and external presentation and communication materials. Includes design development, production of materials, physical and digital media, video, creation of key visuals, etc. Interprets and applies various information into design documentation and deliverables as it relates to market research, business practices, executive design presentations, etc. 
• Acts as project liaison as needed with internal and external partners, licensors, and intellectual property owners. Interface with senior management, clients, partners, and other Universal division stakeholders. Oversees and coordinates presentations and approvals with IP holders.
• Understand and actively participate in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities by following established UDX policy, procedures, training and team member involvement activities. 
• Performs other duties as assigned.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: 

Must have strong communication and collaboration skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment.

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.