Director, Art Direction

JOB SUMMARY:

The Director, Art Direction leads a team of Art Directors or Concept Designers within the Creative Studio, is accountable for the development of vision and provides leadership for the creative direction of all UC projects. Oversees all aspects and phases of design from blue sky through implementation. Accountable for the creation and/or development and execution of creative content, direction, quality, and overall guest experience for assigned project(s). Establishing the creative “story”, collaboration with the intellectual property owner(s), and directing project deliverables, process, and resources to establish and define the project’s creative intent. Functionally manages the concept or design team and leads the team in the development of all assigned projects under the direction of the Sr. Director, Art Direction. Ensures collaboration with all Creative Studio and project teams, is a critical thinker and problem solver, addresses and resolves issues, and directs team throughout all phases of a project.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• 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.
• Key contributor to the development of the artistic techniques and processes used to define and achieve the visual style of a concept. Mentors and provides guidance and training to staff. Motivates staff to accomplish assignment goals. Builds bench strength within staff by identifying training and development opportunities. Leads staff and communicates Job expectations, planning, coaching. Establishes, builds and maintains positive and productive team relationships based on open communication, trust and teamwork with project partners, departments, disciplines, and personnel. Communicates, inspires, and maintains creative intent among all team members.
• Understand and actively participate in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities by following established UO policy, procedures, training and team member involvement activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

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.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

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

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.

Universal elements and all related indicia TM & © 2025 Universal Studios. © 2025 Universal Orlando.