Assistant Director, Creative 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 Destinations & Experiences 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: Responsible for overseeing and directing the Creative Design staff inclusive of Production Design, Show Set Design, Attraction Design, for all International and Domestic Universal Creative attraction projects assignments. Responsible for establishing and maintaining overall Creative Design standards and processes in alignment and partnership with the broader Creative Development division inclusive of Design Engineering, Creative Direction, Art Direction, and Concept Architecture and Planning. Engages with Studio leadership to guide design development for future LRP projects, as well as guiding Creative Design staff in Ideation, Feasibility, and Concept Phase projects within the Studio. Manages work quality and staff assignments in partnership with Talent Acquisition, the Studio HR Business Partner and in collaboration with Creative Development and Creative Design leadership teams. Responsible for overseeing, leading, and managing design in strategic partnership with the Show Producer and Creative Director for projects

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Environmental Design or related field is required.
9+ years theatrical design and production field installation
Must have successfully designed, developed, and installed several attractions projects; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Must have theatre, scenic design, and/or architecture experience and training.
Must be a creative thinker and problem solver with strong technical ability with various design techniques/tools such as show set / scenic design and drafting, 3D modeling, architectural design, and/or others.
Must have strong communication and collaboration skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Consistent attendance is a job requirement.

Nice To Haves

9+ years within attraction development environment is preferred.

Responsibilities

Oversees and provides direction to the Creative Design staff ensuring that project creative intent is accurately integrated and documented in models and drawing packages and is executed in the field.
Strategically partners with the Creative Development leadership team and Studio departments to impact and develop future LRP projects, Ideation, Feasibility and Concept phase development, inclusive of creative design oversight on ride layouts, attraction, queue, land design development with Studio staff. Engages and partners with other leaders in the company across divisions and projects outside of the studio to foster a supportive and collaborative partnership in staffing and project design oversight, guidance and development.
Mentors and provides guidance and training to staff related to career goals and technical skills. Motivates staff to accomplish assignment goals. Builds bench strength within the team by identifying training and development opportunities. Leads team and communicates job expectations, planning, coaching. Develops and implements policies, procedures, and production design and programming standards.
Oversees and directs internal and external resources. With the Sr. Director Creative Design, identifies talent and resources and requirements necessary to complete projects. Creates resource plans in coordination with show producer to validate schedule and expectations. Oversees and establishes work assignments for the design staff during all phases of the project, including production and installation, in a manner that meets the project creative intent, schedule and budget. Initiates and organizes design reviews as often as needed during the process. Oversees show vendors and consultants to maintain the integrity of the original design during all phases of the project.
Responsible for developing and executing the Creative Director’s vision through the production of integrated, constructible design drawings. Configures Layouts, Elevations, Vignettes, Technical 3D Models and Illustrations for Rides, Shows, Place Making, Restaurants, Retail, Area Development and New Attractions for Universal theme parks and resorts. Manages Blue Sky, Concept, Schematic and detail design phases through installation. Coordinates with the Operations Department, Consultants, Project Staff and other Partners to ensure the quality of guest experience. Key participant in cost, schedule, technical, integration and other discussions.
Responsible for maintaining 3D files of ride systems and coordinating with engineer drawings for data precision accuracy. Analyzes data from ride vendors to ensure design and modifications stay within creative specifications. Creates ride profiles using custom script and provided software. Responsible for maximizing creative potential of ride system by maintaining programming limits as specified through the design phase.
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 project intent among all team-members.
Develops and presents appropriate project presentations to both internal and external audiences to communicate project concept, content and status and to gain approvals. Acts as project liaison for appropriate internal and external partners, licensors, and intellectual property developers.
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.