Lead Concept Designer, Creative 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. Were always seeking exceptionally skilled and knowledgeable individuals to join our team.

As Lead Concept Designer Creative Development you will be the creative force behind the conceptual vision and design intent for major capital projects across United Parks & Resorts. From blue-sky ideation to production handoff you will drive the creative intent ensuring world-class narrative design placemaking and attraction development. Reporting directly to the Vice President of Attraction Design & Development you will play a pivotal role in defining the next generation of guest experiences.

Core Duties / Responsibilities

• Drive Creative Intent Drive the visual look and conceptual development of new attractions rides and placemaking experiences ensuring alignment with brand values and guest expectations.
• Visual Storytelling Produce design materials using a variety of visual mediums that clarify design intent including sketches highly illustrative concept art mood boards style guides animatics color studies and storyboards from blue-sky to production to communicate creative intent to senior leadership stakeholders and vendors.
• Design Development Define the cohesive visual language for experiences from concept through production including ride and show design architectural elements graphic design scenic treatments and environmental storytelling.
• Creative Collaboration Partner with Creative Managers vendors and internal departments to clarify protect and execute design intent while balancing budget schedule constructability and operational needs.
• Mentorship & Leadership Guide junior designers and interns fostering a culture of creativity collaboration and innovation.
• Research & Reference Conduct in-depth visual and thematic research to support design decisions and enhance narrative authenticity.
• Presentation Excellence Develop compelling presentation packages that communicate vision and inspire buy-in across all levels and departments of the organization.

What it takes to succeed:

A self-motivated highly driven skilled design professional whose attributes include:

• Visionary thinker with a deep understanding of narrative placemaking and immersive storytelling.
• Excellent grasp of color theory composition form language and visual hierarchy.
• Strong communication skills both visual and verbal to articulate concepts across disciplines.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced evolving environment.
• Proactive solution-oriented and adaptable to creative challenges.
• Proven ability to translate narrative concepts into compelling physical spaces and guest experiences.
• Proficiency in 2D digital design tools including Adobe Photoshop Illustrator and at least one 3D software (Blender Maya Rhino 3ds Max SketchUp etc.).
• Ability to interpret shop and construction drawings.
• Familiarity with emotional design and narrative design principles to create meaningful and memorable guest connections.

Professional Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Animation Graphic Design Illustration Architecture Interior Design Theater/Production Design or related field.
• 5 years of professional experience in themed entertainment attraction design concept art or related disciplines.
• Strong portfolio that unequivocally demonstrates expertise in concept art illustration environmental design graphic design and/or 3D modeling.
• Flexibility in schedule for business travel domestic and international

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proven experience creating conceptual architectural or show set drawings for themed entertainment.
• Proven experience in graphic design for themed entertainment environments.
• Proven experience in scenic murals/scenic art/poster art for themed entertainment environments.
• Experience working on habitat designs for Zoos and/or Aquariums.

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.