Director, Entertainment

Overview :

This position oversees, directs and manages development, production, technical, administrative, and operational aspects of entertainment and special events for Knott's Berry Farm.

In collaboration with Cedar Fair Corporate Entertainment (XDS) creative leadership, recommends talent selection and performance standards when developing / producing show product or implements shows produced by XDS.

Provides input on long-term growth planning for the division. Leads senior Entertainment staff in setting or implementing the operating standards and tone for the divisions.

Creates and oversees the fiscal obligations and resources. Ensures general professional integrity and quality of all personnel, operations, product, and Guest experience.

Salary Details : $138,470 - $178,030 / yr. based on experience

Responsibilities :

• Leads senior entertainment management in ensuring the hourly performers, technicians, designers, and production teams, as well as contracted talent’s performance integrity is managed and achieves the highest standards of show quality through coaching and quality supervision.
• Develops both division's teams by ensuring that goals and accountabilities are being met and by providing guidance, direction, and collaboration.

Plays a key role in the development and execution of staff recognition and appreciation. Promotes team growth in areas of professionalism and showmanship through the instilling of Cedar Fair core values.

Effectively evaluates staff and initiates corrective action to resolve performance issues.

• Adheres to and enforces all Cedar Fair and specific park policies and procedures, including safety, attendance and EEO policies, and demonstrates commitment to creating memorable Guest experiences.
• At the direction of XDS, develops entertainment product scope and financial needs to create budgetary and capital plans.

Participates in capital project planning with other park leaders. Guides labor and expenses spending by working alongside departmental leaders and teams in coordinating / adjusting staffing and expenses within or under budgeted plan.

Acts as the primary communication and information resource between Division team members, Corporate and Park leadership.

Also communicates to staff, other divisions, General Managers, and collaborates with Cedar Fair Entertainment / XDS on planning and strategies of short and long-term show product and events.

• Guides, directs, recommends, and / or participates in the development of new show and special event product at KBF. Includes : collaborative oversite of writing, casting, direction, choreography, music development, design, technical direction & rights negotiations with Knott's and Cedar Fair Corporate Entertainment.
• Collaborates with GM, XDS, Marketing / Brand and other park departments to create new business opportunities (Festivals, special events, merchandise items, marketing ideas) that will not only generate untapped revenue but will create unique, brand specific, guest experiences.

Creates business plan and concept pitches including a complete fiscal budget for shows and special events as needed.

Qualifications :

• Bachelor's degree required, Master's degree preferred in Theatre Management, Themed Entertainment Management, Technical Production.
• At least 10 years of relevant work related experience.
• At least 25% of travel is required.
• Minimum 5 years of prior leadership / supervisory experience required.
• Must have strong knowledge of all aspects of theatre (Technical / Production / Operations) Strong production skills (operations, producing - performance) Strong people skills ability to work with strong personality types.

Able to work well under pressure (Deadlines / Performer & Guest issues). Strong communications skills, both oral and written to include business plans, and concept pitches.

• Strong production Live Entertainment operations / production / technical background
• Ability to work nights, weekends and holiday periods to meet business needs. Ability to pass a mandatory (or random) drug test, per Company policy, unless prohibited by state or provincial law.
• Ability to pass a background check, which may include, but is not limited to, credit, criminal, DMV, previous employment, education and personal references, per Company policy, unless prohibited by federal, state, or provincial law.

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