Project Coordinator

About the Role & Team

Walt Disney Imagineering is the creative force that imagines, designs, and brings to life all Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions, and cruise ships worldwide. Working across a spectrum of disciplines that range from creative and conceptual to scientific and technical, Imagineers blend an innovative mixture of storytelling, art, science, and technology to create immersive experiences, memorable destinations, and innovative entertainment for families around the globe.

Nearly every project at Walt Disney Imagineering includes a first-of-its-kind. Innovation is in our DNA, and Imagineers constantly push the boundaries of technology and invent new goals as well as the solutions to achieve them. As Imagineers, one of our greatest rewards is knowing that the experiences and environments we create inspire others. The diversity of expertise at Imagineering makes us uniquely capable of influencing positive change in our communities and around the world. And knowing that we have helped make a difference is incredibly fulfilling and inspiring for all of us.

The Project Coordinator is the catalyst that brings different disciplines together to solve challenges and drive results. This position focuses team members on the integrated goals of the project and drives integration of design among all Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) disciplines. The Project Coordinator leads efforts to integrate work across all WDI disciplines and ensures a streamlined process workflow through all project phases from Blue Sky/Concept Development through Design, Implementation, Installation, and Close-out. The coordinator provides clear communication regarding deliverables and action items. This position manages scopes and tracks Owner Furnished items, guides production efforts, and orchestrates installation. The Project Coordinator must consistently maintain a broad perspective across all disciplines in order to ensure that all aspects of the work are covered, and no efforts are duplicated. The Project Coordinator is the center of communication and connection for a project team.

You will report to the Creative Development Manager

This is a Full-Time role.

What You Will Do:

• Full support of all Anaheim based Managers and Producers as required for each project assigned

• Coordinate and integrate project information with internal and external organizations including project team, creative and design studios, operations, municipalities, vendors, and contractors.

• Own responsibility for the development and documentation of scope lists, Project Strategies, deliverables matrices, etc. across all disciplines.

• Ensure integration of personnel, schedules, and disciplines for the Project.

• Compile and validate information necessary for the development of the Project Program Book.

• Compile, validate, and reconcile project data including gate deliverables and project documentation.

• Participate in the facilitation of team discussions (brainstorming sessions, strategy development sessions, etc.) in order to align the scope with budget.

• Ensure that concept designs are properly captured and understood by project disciplines in order to estimate, plan, and further design and implementation.

• Monitor the implementation of project strategies and risk mitigations.

• Lead efforts to develop and implement strategies for scope documents for all production items purchased from outside vendors, including vetting, awarding, and managing all contracts.

• Potentially oversee on-site arrival of materials needed to construct, produce, install, and commission attractions.

• Prepare and participate in presentations to executive management regarding project design and status using judgment and discretion to determine content.

• Potentially do research in support of creative development including (but not limited to) historical content, artwork, imagery, architectural reference, etc.

• Support Producer in setting of the project team for meetings and communications.

• Be responsible for change Management -- coordinate information, define problems, and formalize recommendations for decision resolution.

• Have discretion to prioritize work deliverables and processes within agreed upon plans.

• Be empowered to make decisions on day-to-day planning of projects; Issues and recommendations that deviate from project objectives or schedule would be reviewed with other project leaders for final resolution.

• Partner with other project leaders in owning the scope and hiring outside vendors as well as the professional bid package for all project discipline.

• Be the center of communication and collaboration for the Project Team.

• Communicate with all levels of management within the project environment, with project partners, consultants, and vendors through conversation, presentation, and clear written correspondence.

• Communicate with Studio Leaders and discipline Leads across divisions relative to status updates of schedule progress, design inputs required, completion of design milestones, metrics on earned value, etc. in support of transparency, trust, and efficiency.

• Facilitate relationships through interpersonal communication.

• Note:  Domestic and international travel may be required.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• 2-3 years related experience - leadership experience, film/theater production, engineering, construction, project controls, or other Disney/Themed Entertainment projects. (Internships will be considered).

• Demonstrated Leadership experience (required).

• An ability to be a highly organized self-starter with previous leadership experience.

• Ability to coordinate project development process and documentation including shop drawings, document control, punch lists.

• Ability to work through conflict and guide team members with problem-solving.

• Understanding of sourcing and procurement processes including contract administration.

• Ability to understand stakeholder needs and manage relationships.

• Ability to give and take direction, adapt to change, establish relationships, and work in a team environment.

• Understanding of scheduling, budgeting, and Disney standard.

• Exposure to and experience with outside vendors and preparing professional bid packages.

• Ability to understand construction and installation processes.

• Ability to think strategically and tactically about complex issues and problem-solve to resolution.

• Ability to comfortably communicate in presentation, conversation, and written correspondence, to project team, Senior Management, consultants, and partners.

• Demonstrated leadership qualities, interpersonal skills, and teamwork/partnering ability.

• Knowledge of WDI Disciplines and how they interrelate.

• Proven ability to organize and communicate project development process and documentation.

• Ability to read and understand architectural and technical drawings.

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite and Graphics programs for presentation.

• Working knowledge and understanding of an integrated design and production process with multiple disciplines.

• Ability to present in front of large groups.

Education

• Strongly prefer a 4-year undergraduate Degree in Business, Engineering, Theater, Environmental Design, or other Entertainment or Development-related field.

• Consideration will be made for those with more than 5 years’ experience and/or may be working toward a degree.

Additional Information:

• Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life. This includes health and savings benefits, educational opportunities, and special extras that only Disney can provide. Learn more about our benefits and perks at https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits. 

The hiring range for this position in Anaheim, CA is $58,700 to $78,600 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.