Every day at Disney Cruise Line we take pride in bringing the magic of Disney to life. We find joy in creating cherished memories and form genuine connections with our guests. We hold each other to the highest degree and always act responsibly while ensuring the safety of fellow cast, crew and guests. United by our Disney values, we work toward excellence in all we do. As a part of our team, you can work in a diverse and inclusive environment amidst a professional and supportive community. If you are ready to create unforgettable experiences and grow as a person and as a professional, apply today.

The Guest Experience Manager, Youth Activities supports the Entertainment Operations Leadership team for the Youth Activities product for all children ages 6 months through 17 years.  This includes responsibility for Small World Nursery, Oceaneer Club, Oceaneer Lab, Edge, Vibe, and Scuttles Cove and future expansion of island and ship Youth Areas. 

You will report to the Senior Manager, Entertainment Operations.

Responsibilities

• Execute and sustain the Youth Activities operational vision within Disney Cruise Line Entertainment, while leveraging the overall strategic vision. Implement and sustain innovative and improvement tactics to drive Guest, Crew, Cast and financial results, taking into consideration the current competitive environment and expectations of our Guest and Crew/Cast.

• Serve as primary point of contact for onboard Youth Activities Managers to verify that they have the shore-side support they need to be effective.

• Partner with Youth Activities Leaders to engage with front line Youth Activities Crew to create an exceptional, integrated Guest, Crew, and Cast experience.

• Support the children/teen product and monitor for:

  • Brand integrity and show quality.

  • Consistency of content and delivery.

  • Meeting safety and regulatory requirements including USPH guidelines.

  • Opportunities to refresh the product, operation, and experience for our Guests.

  • Children’s counts and the impact on staffing/product.

• Support the Entertainment Operations Leadership team and Human Resources on the selection, hiring, and retention of all onboard positions that interact with children ages 6 months through 17 years. This could include, but is not limited to, Manager of Youth Activities, Youth Activity Managers, Assistant Youth Activity Managers, SET-YA, and Youth Counselors.

  • Weekly reviews of staffing rotations.

  • Recruiting trips/trip support for key positions.

• Contribute to the management of financial profit and operating expenses including revenue generation, cost containment and resource optimization for Youth Activities. Understand, successfully implement, and sustain financial and logistic plans for Guest and Crew/Cast experiences.

• Serve as a change agent, taking calculated risks and challenging the status quo to integrate processes, remove barriers and align performance goals.

• Partner with shipboard leadership on all forms, collateral materials, documentation, checklists, procedures, policies and policy changes.  Provide research, documentation and communications support as necessary.

• Work closely with Purchasing and Logistics to verify that the YA team on board has the materials and supplies they need in a timely fashion. 

• Support relationships with Synergy and Participant Marketing teams and effectively partner to create and implement opportunities to leverage these affiliations to elevate the onboard/island product.

• Work with our IT and digital partners to ensure effective operation of programs onboard.

• Responsible for partnering with the Accessibility team to ensure compliance for Youth Activities.

• Responsible for partner with production, creative and special projects team on new projects, days at sea, ships, islands and continued growth of DCL.

• Serve as a representative and agent of the Disney brand.

• Foster a positive environment, which builds community and trust by delivering the Four Keys Basics and modeling the Disney Leader Basics. Serve as a leader and teacher of excellence in safety, courtesy, show, and efficiency.

• For areas of responsibility, contribute to documentation and updates of SMS guidance affecting safety and environmental matters, LOG guidance, and any other processes, policies, and procedures that affect the onboard/island product.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of three years of leadership experience within Youth Activities at Disney Cruise Line.

• Ability to flex and adapt to changing needs and express versatility as a lifelong learner, seeking opportunities to broaden knowledge and leverage talent.

• Ability to collaborate and integrate through effective communication.

• Experience with OARs, CDA, Fidelio, SMS, LOGs.

Required Education:

• Bachelor's degree in education or a related field.