Assistant Director, Art Direction – Visual Design

Universal Orlando•Orlando, FL

About The Position

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 Assistant Director, Art Direction – Visual Design is responsible for supporting the guidance of visual development and creative execution of Universal Creative Placemaking projects. This role oversees Senior Art Directors, Art Directors, and Architectural Designers in the development and implementation of project visual design, ensuring alignment with the established creative vision, story, and guest experience objectives. This role ensures that the project’s story and creative intent are clearly conveyed through every visual element, from early concept design through final implementation. The Assistant Director provides leadership, mentorship, and creative direction throughout the design process, helping to resolve design challenges, maintain visual consistency, and delivers immersive, innovative experiences that support project and business goals.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in fine arts, Design, Architecture, or related field
9+ years designing experience-based entertainment for world-class theme parks or related industries
7+ years art direction or production design and field experience based on Universal Creative standards
Equivalent combination of education and experience

Nice To Haves

advanced degree preferred

Responsibilities

Support the Director in leading and motivating a team of Senior Art Directors, Art Directors, and Architectural Designers in the execution of the project’s creative vision across multiple projects.
Collaborate closely with Creative Directors, Show Producers, Architects, Engineers, and IP partners to ensure creative intent is successfully translated into project deliverables while balancing business, technical, and operational requirements for capital projects, improvements, maintenance, and park refurbishment efforts.
Oversee the development and review of concept art, visual design packages, renderings, and other creative deliverables, ensuring consistency, quality, and adherence to project storytelling objectives.
Champion Universal Creative’s design standards and commitment to immersive guest experiences.
Assist in translating and communicating the project’s creative story and visual direction, ensuring cohesion across all design elements from concept development through implementation.
Provide creative guidance and support in resolving design challenges, evaluating design solutions, and maintaining alignment with project intent, guest experience goals, and established creative direction.
Represent the visual design team in project meetings and reviews, helping communicate design intent and progress to internal stakeholders, leadership, and external partners.
Mentor and develop creative talent by fostering collaboration, innovation, accountability, and professional growth within the visual design team.
Assist with resource planning, schedule management, and budget tracking to support the successful delivery of creative work within project scope and timelines.
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.