Production Director
Job Summary
Project‑based role with an anticipated duration of 18+ months located in Santa Fe, NM. The Visual Development Production Director works in a fast‑paced, creative environment and provides production‑focused leadership during the concept, design, planning, and execution phases of a project. The role oversees the development and creation of concept art, signs, graphics, and brand identity, manages design deliverables, estimates, and resources for the Visual Development team, directs timelines, collaborates with vendors, budgets, and documentation, and mentors team members.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as a leader in Concept Development, Schematic Design, Design Development and Production for visual development’s internal and external scope.
- Partner with project teams as early as Blue Sky and Concept Development to understand the creative intent and develop resource plans and contracts.
- Own the production of Visual Development R&D throughout CD, SD, DD, and Production for the Pod team, managing time and directing efforts of stakeholders.
- Work with the Visual Development Department’s Sr. Director and other management to define and manage scope, strategies, and budgets.
- Create an initial broad‑stroke Visual Development Gantt based on preliminary scope and the published Project Timeline from the Scheduling Team.
- Direct the build‑out of design or concept‑art related contracts during each major project’s Design Development phase.
- Direct asset kick‑offs and lead relevant meetings.
- Establish SOWs, sequencing, and work‑breakdown structures for asset production and for adjacent departments such as AD&P.
- Make staffing assignments and negotiate staffing needs with stakeholders to ensure successful delivery of the in‑house asset development scope.
- Provide ongoing direction of labor estimates and production timelines.
- Contribute to overall production element prioritization and critical‑path planning in conjunction with project leadership and key stakeholders.
- Track changes to original scope and update labor, materials, and timeline accordingly.
- Lead discussions around change‑order requests, working with project leadership to reach agreements within the remaining budget and timeline.
- Oversee all scheduling efforts in project‑management tools and keep the Airtable database up to date.
- Provide progress reports to project and divisional leadership.
- Continuously re‑strategize processes based on team and leadership feedback.
- Provide input to yearly performance reviews for Visual Development team members.
Required Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience as a subject‑matter expert in creative production (film, video game, theater, exhibition, graphic design, concept art).
- 4+ years of management experience.
- Strong ability to read, understand, and apply information from technical drawings, material specifications, and applicable regulatory documents.
- Strong proficiency in Visual Development disciplines (concept art, graphic design, branding, illustration, 3D concept art, etc.).
- Discreet and professional when handling sensitive information; maintain the highest degree of confidentiality.
- Ability to manage the workflow of interdependent teams and resources within the department.
- Strong understanding of finance and accounting functions and how they relate to budgeting of projects and internal scopes of work.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to communicate effectively with creators, managers, vendors, and project leaders.
- Experience developing documentation processes and implementing them across many teams with stakeholder input.
- Strong understanding of materials and techniques ranging from digital art to fabrication to technical execution and production.
- Strong knowledge of brand systems, concept art techniques, signage, and/or graphics.
- Excellent organizational skills with a strong attention to detail.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to find flexible cooperation with company and project partners.
- Adaptable to changing needs and ability to take on new tasks.
- Able to learn new computer platforms quickly.
- Proficient in Airtable, Google Suite, Microsoft Office, Adobe, and Procreate.
Work Environment & Physical Demands
This position operates in a professional office environment using standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and scanners. The employee may be required to walk, stand, take stairs, slides, or elevators and navigate the space during the day and night. Physical activity may include sitting or standing for prolonged periods and repetitive motions that involve wrists, hands, or fingers. Vision requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth perception. The employee may need to lift up to 10 pounds at times. The employee will comply with company and OSHA workplace safety protocols and reasonable accommodations may be made for disabilities.
Benefits
As part of the total compensation package for full‑time employees, Meow Wolf offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical insurance options (PPO & HDHP), dental and vision insurance, HSA, HRA, and FSA options, a 401(k) retirement plan, a company‑paid life insurance policy and disability coverage, voluntary critical‑illness and life insurance policies, an employee assistance program, paid parental leave for 12 weeks, discounts at the gift shop, cafés, and admission to Meow Wolf attractions for employees and guests. Staff may have regular or project‑based full‑time positions.
Inclusiveness & Equal Employment Opportunity
Meow Wolf is an equal‑opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions at Meow Wolf are based on business need, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, or veteran status.
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