Mgr-Imagination Campus Program Dev & Ops

Job Summary

At Disney, we‘re storytellers. We make the impossible possible. We do this through utilizing and developing cutting-edge technology and pushing the envelope to bring stories to life through our movies, products, interactive games, parks and resorts, and media networks. Now is your chance to join our talented team that delivers unparalleled creative content to audiences around the world. “We create happiness.” That’s our motto at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. And it permeates everything we do. At Disney, you’ll help inspire that magic by enabling our teams to push the limits of entertainment and create the never-before-seen!

“We transform kids’ lives” serves as the guiding purpose for this critical leadership role, which creates life-changing experiences for student groups from across the U.S. and around the world who visit the Walt Disney World Resort to Perform, Learn, and Celebrate.  These groups include school and community bands, choirs, orchestras, dance ensembles, and academic-focused groups who are here for “once-in-a-lifetime” hands-on learning experiences.

This Role primarily leads the daily operations and ongoing program development for Disney Imagination Campus at Walt Disney World, playing a key role within the Commercial organization to support revenue drivers, achieve financial goals, and to create and deliver exceptional Guest group experiences.

In this role, the leader also partners closely with third-party-produced and Disney-created youth events and competitions, supporting the successful execution of programs hosted across the resort. This role is accountable for the stewardship of the Disney Imagination Campus brand, its onstage and backstage facilities, as well as managing shared and borrowed assets across the property.

Job Description

This Manager-Imagination Campus Program Development & Operations role oversees both daily operations and program development and delivery for Disney Imagination Campus at the Walt Disney World Resort, whose mission is to create life‑changing learning, performance, and celebration experiences for visiting student groups from around the world.  The manager is responsible for leading and developing a seasoned full-time team, while hiring, training, and managing a team of seasonal cast members during peak seasons.  The manager also partners closely with Commercial teams to meet financial goals, collaborates with third‑party youth events, supports amateur talent needs across the resort (including Candlelight Processional school groups), and stewards key campus facilities and borrowed assets.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a team of salaried and hourly Cast Members (full and part-time) who facilitate hands-on experiences for thousands of performing arts and academic student groups throughout the year.
• Ensure exceptional guest experiences through strategic content development, training, group communication, onsite execution for group performances and content delivery, safety, and ensuring quality assurance throughout.
• Develop labor strategy, hiring plans, budgets, and staffing for leaders, coordinators, technicians, and Teaching Artists.
• Manage departmental budgets, guest feedback, reporting, and operational standards.
• Own all direct communications with booked groups, including direct contact with teachers/travel partners related to preparing for their experiences, as needed.
• Build and secure strategic partnerships with the student travel industry, teachers, and National educational / performing arts leaderships, as well as critical internal partners including Sales, Marketing, Strategy, Parks, Resorts, Integration, Finance, Facilities Asset Management, and Entertainment.
• Align Commercial needs with Operational and experience opportunities

Program Development

• Lead curriculum development and training for multiple educational programs in Performing Arts, Arts and Humanities, Science and Technology, and Leadership and Innovation.
• Guide academic and performing arts content strategy, collaborating with Sales, Marketing, Strategy and research partners to drive development, participation and revenue.
• Understand national educational standards, trends and needs of student groups to support school travel, and lead the innovation and creation of new programs focused on driving new and / or enhanced business opportunities.

Authority & Impact

• Full decision‑making authority across labor, budgeting, training, operations, asset management, and safety.
• Success relies on influential and collaborative partnerships across Walt Disney World, working effectively within a complex Commercial and Operations matrix, and excellent stewardship of shared resources.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements

• 8+ years leading salaried and/or hourly teams.
• Advanced business acumen.
• Expert-level problem‑solving, strategic planning, safety management, project management, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead in fast‑paced, ambiguous environments while developing talent and driving operational improvements.
• Experience leveraging Influence without Authority
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder‑influencing skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Preferred

• Experience in education, entertainment/event management, or learning destinations.
• Leadership experience with Walt Disney World Entertainment, Operations, Integration, and/or education-focused teams, or similar external experience.
• Working knowledge of Walt Disney World Sales, Marketing, Entertainment, and/or Operations, or like businesses.
• Past experience with Disney Imagination Campus, Disney Performing Arts, Disney Magic Music Days, Festival Disney and/or Disney YES Programs as a guest or cast member.

Education

• Required: Bachelor’s degree in education, music, or business or equivalent experience
• Preferred: Master’s degree in music, education, or business or relative area of study

The hiring range for this position in Celebration Florida is $120,800.00-$161,900.00 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 medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.