SWAD Director, Entertainment

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is seeking a seasoned Entertainment Executive with a background in animal experiences to direct, support, and execute all entertainment and guest experiences for the first new SeaWorld park developed in over 40 years.

Our Entertainment Team oversees all live shows, events, technical support, costuming, as well as park signage, media, and theming. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, ensuring a quality entertainment experience in a safe environment while maximizing guest satisfaction, ambassador engagement, and financial results.

Position Summary

You will be responsible for developing, opening, and operating the only SeaWorld Park outside of the United States. Collaborate with our project’s development team in developing a world-class entertainment Programme that not only inspires but leaves our guests with “new eyes” to see their own world differently when they return home. Bring this vision to life by forming and fostering a start-up entertainment team, as well as operational model that’s intent on both protecting and growing the SWAD vision beyond opening day.

Once the park is open it will be the responsibility of you and your team to partner with senior leadership to develop new ideas that enhance the guests experience to promote revenue, as well as refine efficiency of the park’s operation. The Entertainment Team will also be responsible for the safe daily entertainment operations, maintenance, and creative protection of our park’s show content including live entertainment, media, soundscape, theming, and attractions.

SeaWorld’s entertainment is not possible without incredible people, and one of your core responsibilities will be developing your team members through daily engagement, ongoing training and development, as well as inspiring burgeoning career paths.

Position Responsibilities

• Collaborate with SWAD project team on overall strategic direction for SWAD Entertainment Programme, and develop an operational model to support development.
• Serve as a guardian and champion of the SWAD strategic direction, as well as IP Holder’s vision for the new park and communicate this vision clearly to internal and external stakeholders.
• Working with internal and external resources – develop new events, shows, attractions, educational, and guest service opportunities. Create effective design responses to objectives and strategies set by Farah and its stakeholders.
• Match objectives with story concepts, themes, and appropriate technologies to create fun and meaningful guest experiences that drive incremental revenue.
• LISTEN TO OUR GUESTS: Apply guest research to observe “real” guest opinion and actions in order to respond with the appropriate guest experiences.
• Position requires frequent domestic and international travel, with trips lasting two days to two weeks. Travel may include extended stays with possible temporary or weekly colocation in a consultant’s office during the design phase a project. Possible relocation overseas during the construction may be required and/or frequent trips to oversee on site art direction team.
• Enhance and/or create + execute entertainment shows and events to deliver optimal guest experience including multiyear development and master planning strategies.
• Oversee all aspects of production including technical elements, sets, costumes, music and talent.
• Partner with key Farah leaders and other park entertainment leadership on the conceptualization, design and development of entertainment components for new attractions, special events and marketing initiatives.
• Work with IP Holder for review and approval of all creative concepts, and serve as a champion of the “SeaWorld Voice” for the SWAD park leadership team.
• Develop annual financial and capital budgets for department and assist in the development and management of overall labor budget and management.
• Optimize use of in house and contract talent, technical consultants, and other professional vendors.
• Responsible for executing strategic short term and long term plans that align with Farah strategies.
• Responsible for leading entertainment team to include ambassador development.
• Responsible for oversight of department safety programs and procedures.
• Responsible for ensuring that company and IP Holder’s culture is consistently demonstrated in ambassadors through training, development and performance management initiatives.
• Ensures compliance with company and legal guidelines, and adherence to ethical and social principles espoused by Farah and United Parks & Resorts.
• Actively pursue global entertainment industry trends for evaluation and consideration.
• Lead team in improved operational efficiencies.
• Shepherd park culture and workplace climate, ensuring that all levels of ambassadors have the opportunity to work in a productive, engaging, and motivating environment.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Theatre, Theatre Arts or equivalent professional experience required.
• 7+ years of leadership experience; experience to include financial responsibility for a business unit or area, leadership of creative and production personnel and planning.
• Must have 5+ years prior live entertainment experience or equivalent field experience within a theme park. Experience to include creative development and producing/production experience in the entertainment industry.
• Must have 3+ years experience in developing and operating live animal experiences, and proven ability to develop and foster the partnership necessary between animal care specialists and entertainment ambassadors to ensure the highest level of safety, as well as creative integrity.
• Proven results, via ratings and attendance, in delivering quality entertainment productions.
• Proven safety track record.
• Must have demonstrated management skills including cross-functional strategic planning, strong financial acumen, ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously, setting and meeting organizational goals, time management, problem solving and decision making.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
• Demonstrated initiative, communication, organizational and interpersonal skills; Confident and outgoing presence with the ability to professionally interact with various levels of ambassadors and leadership.