Character Manager
Disney Cruise Line · United States
- Hybrid
- Contract
- $85,000 / year
- United States
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Job highlights
- Manage daily onboard character operations.
- Lead and develop a team of performers.
- Ensure character brand integrity and show quality.
- Partner with entertainment leadership teams.
- Live and work aboard a Disney ship.
About the role
Character Manager
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 crew and guests. United by our Disney values, we work toward excellence in all we do. As a part of our team, you can live and 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.
About the Role
As a Character Manager, you will manage the entire daily onboard operation of the World Famous Disney Characters, including appearances, events, and programs. You will lead a team of performers in compliance with the Character Programs and Development standards to ensure the Character Brand, integrity, and use. You will report to the Assistant Cruise Director.
Responsibilities
- Provide leadership, coaching, and recognition for all direct reports.
- Provide feedback, coaching, and discipline for all direct reports, including but not limited to mid and end-of-contract reviews.
- Ensure the Character Brand, integrity, and use with all Character events, activities, photo shoots, and special events.
- Uphold the 5 keys by focusing on Safety, Courtesy, Show, Inclusion, and Efficiency.
- Partner with Entertainment Leadership Teams Shoreside on brand concerns, height ranges, training, performer schedules, and show quality issues.
- Act as the Shipboard main contact for Character recovery.
- Communicate with all departments involved with Character events.
- Educate internal departments on Character integrity.
- Build and communicate Character Ticketing Grids for Bookable Events.
- Monitor Guest Satisfaction Measurement scores and propose opportunities for improvement.
- Positively motivate teams in a fast-paced and fluid environment.
- Perform Stage Management responsibilities when necessary, including operational decisions in altered performance environments.
Basic Qualifications
- Minimum three to five years of leadership experience in Entertainment operations within the last five years.
- Previous Disney Entertainment Operations experience working as a Character Performer, Character Manager, or Entertainment Manager within the Disney Company.
- University degree or related coursework associated with recreation, education, entertainment, or a related field of study is desirable.
- Experience leading and motivating a team while organizing and prioritizing the team's goals.
- Previous performance experience is beneficial.
Additional Information
This is a SHIPBOARD role. Benefits offered year-round, on contract and off-contract, as long as a return contract is signed, including Major Medical Coverage, Short & Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, and Retirement Savings Plan Option.
You must:
- Be genuinely interested in a career at sea and willing to live and work onboard a Disney Cruise Line vessel.
- Be willing to follow and perform safety roles, emergency responsibilities, and associated responsibilities as specified in the ship Assembly Plan.
- Be willing to uphold the general safety management responsibilities as specified in the Safety Management System in areas and operations under their control.
- If applicable, be willing to share a confined cabin with other crew members and be appreciative of working and living in a multicultural environment that has strict rules and regulations.
- Have a valid passport and C1/D Seaman's visa (DCL will provide you with documents to obtain this).
- Complete a pre-employment medical.
- Obtain a criminal background check.
- Bring approved work shoes.
Disney Cruise Line is a drug-free workplace. All new hires are required to undergo drug/alcohol testing within the first week onboard and throughout their contracts. Failure to pass the drug/alcohol testing will result in immediate termination.
Key skills/competency
- Character Management
- Entertainment Operations
- Leadership
- Team Management
- Brand Integrity
- Guest Satisfaction
- Stage Management
- Disney Values
- Safety and Security
- Cross-functional Communication
Skills & topics
- Character Manager
- Disney Cruise Line
- Entertainment Management
- Leadership
- Team Leadership
- Brand Management
- Character Performer
- Cruise Ship Jobs
- Hospitality
- Guest Experience
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight leadership experience in entertainment operations and any previous Disney experience, aligning keywords with the Character Manager role.
- Showcase leadership skills: Emphasize your ability to lead, coach, and motivate teams, referencing specific examples of success.
- Address shipboard requirements: Clearly state your willingness to live and work at sea, undergo medicals, and comply with safety protocols.
- Prepare for interviews: Be ready to discuss your understanding of the Disney brand and your approach to maintaining character integrity and guest satisfaction.
- Follow application instructions: Ensure all required documents and qualifications are readily available for your application.
Technical preparation
Master Disney character performance standards.,Understand entertainment operations logistics.,Learn guest satisfaction measurement tools.,Prepare stage management protocols.
Behavioral questions
How do you motivate a diverse team?,Describe a time you upheld brand integrity.,How do you handle guest feedback?,Share your approach to safety in entertainment.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the work arrangement for the Character Manager position at Disney Cruise Line?
- The Character Manager position is a shipboard role, meaning you will live and work onboard a Disney Cruise Line vessel for the duration of your contract.
- What benefits are offered to a Character Manager with Disney Cruise Line?
- Disney Cruise Line offers year-round benefits, both on and off contract, provided a return contract is signed. These include Major Medical Coverage, Short & Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, and a Retirement Savings Plan Option.
- What are the essential qualifications for a Character Manager at Disney Cruise Line?
- Key qualifications include 3-5 years of leadership experience in entertainment operations, previous Disney Entertainment Operations experience, and the ability to lead and motivate teams. A degree in a related field is desirable.
- What is expected regarding safety and compliance for the Character Manager role?
- You are expected to follow and perform safety roles, emergency responsibilities, and general safety management responsibilities as specified in the ship's Assembly Plan and Safety Management System.
- Does Disney Cruise Line conduct drug and alcohol testing for the Character Manager position?
- Yes, Disney Cruise Line is a drug-free workplace. All new hires must undergo drug and alcohol testing within the first week onboard and throughout their contracts. Failure to pass will result in immediate termination.
- What are the housing arrangements for Character Managers onboard a Disney Cruise Line ship?
- If applicable, you may be required to share a confined cabin with other crew members. You should be appreciative of working and living in a multicultural environment with strict rules and regulations.
- What documentation is required for the Character Manager role at Disney Cruise Line?
- You will need a valid passport and a C1/D Seaman's visa, for which Disney Cruise Line will provide the necessary documents. A pre-employment medical and a criminal background check are also required.
- How important is understanding the Disney brand for this role?
- Understanding and upholding the Character Brand, integrity, and use is paramount. You will partner with leadership to ensure brand consistency across all character events and activities.