Creative Director, Attraction Design & Development

SeaWorld is a world-renowned leader in the themed-park and entertainment industry. Our success is built on a passion for caring for animals and a dedication to delivering positive, memorable experiences to people from around the world. Were also committed to helping ambitious people achieve their professional best. We're always seeking exceptionally skilled and knowledgeable individuals to join our team.

As Creative Director, Attraction Design & Development, you will lead the creative vision for major capital projects across United Parks & Resorts. You will be responsible for defining, communicating, and ensuring creative intent from early concept development through final execution. As the creative leader, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams, leadership, and external partners to deliver cohesive, high-quality guest experiences aligned with brand and business objectives.

• Lead the creative development of assigned projects that shape and elevate the guest experience, driving original ideas through early exploration and concept development toward a strong, unified vision.
• Guide and oversee the planning and execution of project elements to ensure alignment with creative goals, experiential objectives, and established quality standards.
• Serve as the primary steward of the creative vision by inspiring, aligning, and unifying project teams around a shared narrative and experiential intent, while adapting the creative approach as needed to preserve the integrity of the guest experience.
• Partner closely with the Vice President of Attraction Design & Development to align creative strategy with organizational priorities and ensure design intent is carried consistently through all phases of development.
• Develop, refine, and present clear and compelling creative materials for internal and external audiences to communicate project concepts, creative direction, and progress.
• Maintain effective collaboration with internal departments, external partners, licensors, and intellectual property stakeholders to support successful execution of the creative vision.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What it takes to succeed:  

• Strong creative leadership skills with the ability to inspire, align, and guide multidisciplinary teams.
• Proven ability to translate creative vision into cohesive, high-quality designs that make for engaging, repeatable, and memorable guest experience.
• Strong understanding of narrative placemaking and urban design principles, with the ability to apply them to immersive, experience-based environments.
• Strong understanding of emotional design, using story, space, and sensory cues to create meaningful and memorable guest connections within experiences.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, both verbal and visual.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

What else is important:       

• Bachelor’s degree in Theater, Art, Film, Architecture, Creative Writing, Interior Design, or a related field is preferred; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 10+ years of professional experience in themed entertainment, attraction design, concept art, or related disciplines. 3+ years experience in leading design team.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating creative expertise
• Flexibility in schedule for business travel, domestic and international

Preferred Qualifications:   

• Proven experience in architecture, interior design, and urban placemaking for theme parks.
• Proven experience working on habitat designs for Zoos and/or Aquariums
• Proven experience working on media based/interactive attractions

The perks of the position:

• Paid Time Off
• Complimentary Park Tickets and Passes
• Park Discounts on Food and Merchandise
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401K Retirement plan
• Voluntary Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Disability Benefits
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Legal Assistance Plan

EEO Employer:

SEAWORLD PARKS & ENTERTAINMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED WITHOUT REGARD TO AGE, RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, PREGNANCY, GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION, DISABILITY OR COVERED VETERAN STATUS.