Director, Experiential Design - Live Events

About the role

Mattel is seeking a highly creative and strategic Director, Experiential Design to join its Global Location Based Entertainment (LBE) team. The role is the creative design lead who translates Mattel's intellectual properties into immersive attractions, hospitality concepts, themed retail and family entertainment venues worldwide, working with franchise, commercial, consumer products, marketing and business development teams as well as external partners.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the creative development of global LBE projects, turning intellectual property into immersive, guest-centric experiences
• Create and oversee concepts integrating storytelling, attractions, interactive elements, retail, dining and entertainment, and define guest journeys, narrative structure, spatial flow and wayfinding
• Develop creative frameworks, concept packages, visual assets, mood boards, presentations, design intent documents and experiential guidelines for global partners
• Review and approve creative deliverables and act as a key brand steward for quality and franchise objectives
• Collaborate with commercial, licensing, franchise and business development teams, and present creative strategies to executive leadership
• Guide projects from ideation through design development, fabrication, installation and opening, overseeing agencies, architects, fabricators and vendors
• Conduct site visits, mock-up reviews, vendor evaluations and field art direction
• Serve as creative liaison for operators, licensees and development partners, evaluating proposals and supporting the growth of the global LBE portfolio

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Themed Entertainment Design, Environmental Design, Architecture, Industrial Design, Entertainment Design, Interior Design or a related field
• 12+ years of experience in themed entertainment, attractions, experiential design, destination development, hospitality, exhibitions, museums or location-based entertainment
• Proven track record translating intellectual property into immersive physical experiences and leading multidisciplinary teams and external partners
• Experience developing attractions, themed environments, entertainment destinations, exhibitions, hospitality experiences, retail environments or family entertainment centers
• Ability to balance creative excellence with operational, commercial and budget considerations, and to travel domestically and internationally
• Preferred: experience with globally recognized entertainment, consumer or character brands, knowledge of attraction systems and experiential technologies, and familiarity with fabrication and installation processes

What we offer

• Stated pay range of $130,000 to $177,000 USD annually, depending on location, skills and experience
• Competitive total pay programs and comprehensive benefits