Senior 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 Senior Director, ​Creative Direction leads ​the ​creative vision and ​strategic ​direction ​for ​a portfolio of world-class experiences ​across Universal Destinations ​and Experiences. ​This role is ​responsible ​for guiding projects from ​ideation to initial concept, through ​opening ​day, ensuring every ​experience delivers exceptional storytelling, ​innovation, ​and guest ​engagement.

The ​Senior Director ​oversees all aspects of creative ​development, including ​concept ​creation, narrative design, ​creative ​quality, ​and the overall guest ​experience. ​Partnering ​closely with intellectual property ​owners, ​cross-functional teams, and ​executive ​leadership, ​this role ​shapes the ​creative ​story, ​aligns ​project goals, and ​drives the successful execution ​of the ​creative ​vision.

As ​a ​leader ​within Universal ​Creative's Creative Studio, ​the ​Senior Director ​manages the ​Creative Direction ​discipline across assigned ​projects, ​providing mentorship, ​inspiration, ​and ​strategic guidance ​while ensuring ​the ​highest standards of creative excellence ​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 assigned project 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.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor’s degree in Theater, Art, Film, Architecture or a related field is required; Master’s degree strongly preferred.

EXPERIENCE: 

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

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