Assistant Entertainment & Events Director (Shipboard)

Department: Entertainment

Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract

Reporting To: General Manager

Description

POSITION SUMMARY
The Assistant Entertainment & Events Director supports the Entertainment & Events Director in delivering exceptional onboard entertainment, enrichment, live music, arts, youth programming, and special events, ensuring that all programming exceeds guest expectations and aligns with luxury brand standards. This position oversees the scheduling of the Activities & Events Associates and manages programming and services for all onboard activities, Ritz Kids, and The Marina. The Assistant Entertainment & Events Director plays a lead role in ensuring the safe operation of watersports activities and providing instruction to the team and guests while operating The Marina, and provides administrative support to ensure that all planning and reporting is up to date.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the Lady or Gentleman for this job. Functions, duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. All duties and responsibilities are to be performed in accordance with the Company’s Safety, Quality, and Environmental standards. 

Essential Duties

• Supports the Entertainment & Events Director in the planning, scheduling, and execution of all onboard entertainment, enrichment, live music, art programs, and guest activities.
• Manages the day-to-day operation of entertainment and enrichment programming, ensuring activities are delivered consistently.
• Directs the Activities & Events team on Marina days and leads the set-up, breakdown, and operation of Marina programming.
• Monitors youth and aquatics activities to ensure adherence to all safety requirements and operational guidelines. 
• Coordinates venue schedules, event logistics, technical requirements, and staffing needs for performances, presentations, and special events. 
• Monitors event attendance, guest feedback, and participation levels, and provides recommendations to enhance program effectiveness. 
• Supports the onboarding, scheduling, and coordination of guest entertainers, performers, lecturers, and guest artists. 
• Delivers presentations, hosts events, and performs public speaking as required. 
• Ensures all programming reflects luxury hospitality standards and contributes to a memorable guest experience. 
• Facilitates daily department meetings, Line-ups, and communications.
• Prepares reports, attendance statistics, guest feedback summaries, and operational updates for department leadership. 
• Performs arrival and departure duties in cooperation with the Guest Services Manager. 
• Participates in emergency drills, training sessions, and assigned safety duties. 
• Models and holds others accountable for promoting the Gold Standards, respect, and fair treatment. 
• Ensures the daily execution of Line-up in accordance with Company standards and Brand Guidelines. 
• Sets the department’s expectations for desired behavior, knowledge, and skill levels. 
• Coaches others by providing constructive feedback; helps others identify developmental needs and monitors progress; promotes an environment where everyone is valued and included. 
• Demonstrates alignment with corporate strategies and initiatives while ensuring alignment throughout the yacht organization. 

Qualifications

• Valid Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) and flag certification for the duration of the contract and appropriate to the position.
• Valid RYA Powerboat Level II Certificate.
• Valid CPR and First Aid certification.
• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality, Entertainment Management, Communications, Event Management, Performing Arts, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum of two (2) to three (3) years’ supervisory or leadership experience in entertainment, events, hospitality, cruise operations, luxury travel, or a related industry.
• Experience working with youth, enrichment, or recreational programs preferred.
• Event planning and execution experience preferred.
• Performance, hosting, or stage experience preferred.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Exceptional guest service and interpersonal communication abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills.
• Strong public speaking, hosting, and presentation skills.
• Ability to multitask and adapt in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
While performing the duties of this job, the Lady or Gentleman is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to touch, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The Lady or Gentleman must occasionally lift and/or move up to fifty (50) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. All Yacht Ladies and Gentlemen must be physically able to participate in emergency lifesaving procedures and drills. Full use and range of arms and legs as well as full visual, verbal, and hearing abilities are required to receive and give instructions in the event of an emergency, including the lowering of lifeboats. Ability to lift and/or move up to fifty (50) pounds.

COMMUNICATION
All Yacht Ladies and Gentlemen must be able to communicate in the English language in order to understand and interpret written procedures. This includes the ability to give and receive instructions in written and verbal forms and to effectively present information and respond to questions from guests, supervisors, and co-workers.