Sr Technical Director

About the Role & Team

Through innovative storytelling and a culture of collaboration, Disney Live Entertainment creates, produces, and delivers remarkable and engaging entertainment experiences. From the intimate to the spectacular, our work can be seen at Disney theme parks, resort hotels, cruise ships, and other locations the world over. This diverse team – representing a wide variety of disciplines and talents from technical directors, writers, and lighting designers to choreographers, cosmetologists, and music producers – brings magical worlds to life through technical expertise, performance excellence, incomparable ingenuity, unparalleled spectacle… and a dash of pixie dust!

The Senior Technical Director is responsible for leading technical production efforts related to the development of Disney Live Entertainment offerings, including stage shows, special events, and parades at the Walt Disney World Resort. This role requires an in-depth understanding of the overall design intent and the ability to realize it through the effective execution of the creative process.

This is a full-time role on-site in Orlando that will report to the Manager – Technical Direction.

What You Will Do

• Demonstrate outstanding abilities in Technical Direction while leading efforts to strategize, coordinate, budget, schedule, prioritize, and deliver scope throughout the entire course of a project by driving the development, production, and delivery of the technical design elements
• Lead, facilitate, and integrate the development and production of the technical design elements with a specialized focus on design, fabrication, installation, and sustainment
• Drive participation in creative development and coordinate partnerships with local and government authorities for legal code compliance (including but not limited to Safety, Engineering, Central Florida Tourism Oversight District [permitting], ADA, etc.)
• Coordinate bid processes and vendor selections with contracts and procurement
• Supervise vendor efforts, including design development, construction, fabrication, shipping, integration with designers and other vendors, installation, acceptance testing, and turnover
• Lead large-scale and long-term projects
• Function as a mentor in the development of Technicians and Project Assistants/Planners
• Promote company-wide standards and efficiencies while providing technical recommendations for implementation and operational planning
• Conduct ongoing Entertainment Show Quality evaluations of existing venues and offerings
• Provide support to sustain the original show design intent
• Identify and implement new departmental workflow strategies, technologies, and applications
• Assist the department Principal in forecasting the staffing and ‘right fit’ project assignments for a Flexible Workforce
• Maintain project files, design documents, bid packages, schedules, and punch lists

Required Qualifications & Skills

• 7+ years of experience in Technical Theater or Live Show Entertainment development and production
• Proven knowledge and understanding of the operation and artistic application of a wide variety of show systems and technology, including audio, special effects, puppets, lighting, show control systems, video, facilities, and rigging
• Demonstrated knowledge and familiarity with the entertainment industry’s innovative technologies
• Proven experience with facility design, engineering, and construction
• Ability to make sense of diverse multidisciplinary requirements and collaborate to bring the project goals into focus for everyone involved
• Ability to research and present technical design options
• Understanding and experience in contract negotiations for consultants to develop appropriate scope and budget
• Demonstrated strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to express creative ideas
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines
• Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Demonstrated outstanding leadership, partnering, and strategic planning skills
• Highly motivated, requiring minimal direction and follow-up
• Strong computer skills (Outlook, Microsoft Suite, AutoCAD)
• Proven track record to support the creative process by collaborating with other designers, directors, writers, and producers
• Ability to be flexible with work schedule, including nights, weekends, holidays, and travel
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally frequently for extended periods

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong understanding of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, Epcot Building Codes, and all other applicable local Authorities Having Jurisdiction and regulatory agencies
• Proven business management experience
• Proficient in some or all of the following engineering subject areas: structural, mechanical, electrical, software, safety
• Proficiency in other languages is a plus

Education

• College degree or equivalent professional experience with a focus on theatrical design, technical production, and/or project management

About Walt Disney Imagineering:

Founded in 1952 as WED Enterprises to design and build the world’s first theme park – Disneyland – Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) is where imagination and creativity combine with cutting-edge technology to create unforgettable experiences. WDI is the creative force that imagines, designs and builds all Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions and cruise ships worldwide. Imagineering’s unique strength comes from its diverse global team of creative and technical professionals, who build on Disney’s legacy of storytelling to pioneer new forms of entertainment. The Imagineers who practice this unique blend of art and science work in more than 100 disciplines to shepherd an idea all the way from “blue sky” concept phase to opening day.

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with Disney Entertainment Productions , which is part of a business we call Walt Disney Imagineering .

Disney Entertainment Productions is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.

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