Experiential Programming & Activation Lead

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection; Fort Lauderdale (FL); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection in Fort Lauderdale seeks a senior leader to design programming and activation experiences across entertainment, enrichment, and events for luxury voyages. You will shape live experiences, collaborate with talent and partners, and ensure guest engagement aligns with the brand's Gold Standards.

Responsibilities include developing concepts, translating voyage vision into memorable moments, and driving innovation while balancing operational realities onboard and

Qualifications

• 8–15+ years of experience in entertainment, experiential programming, or related disciplines.
• Experience developing guest-facing experiences, events, activations, or entertainment concepts.
• Experience collaborating with talent, partners, or experience providers.
• Ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders from idea to implementation.

Responsibilities

• Develop concepts, frameworks, and strategies for entertainment, enrichment, activations, and events.
• Translate voyage vision into guest-facing experiences that strengthen engagement and differentiation.
• Define how programming contributes to rhythm, pacing, and emotional flow of the voyage.
• Create experiences connected to the broader guest journey and product vision.
• Lead activation and event development for themed experiences and seasonal programming.
• Identify opportunities to elevate offerings and ensure alignment with brand positioning.

Skills

Creative instincts

Guest engagement

Storytelling

Collaboration

Influence capability

Operational balance

Entertainment networks

Job description

Join the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection: Where Every Voyage is a Symphony of Luxury

Embark on an extraordinary journey with the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, an exquisite extension of the renowned Ritz-Carlton brand, dedicated to redefining ultra-luxury hospitality at sea. As a “Lady or Gentleman” of our esteemed team, you’ll be entrusted with the art of delivering the impeccable “Gold Standards” that have made the Ritz-Carlton an epitome of excellence across the globe.

The Essence of Excellence: The Gold Standards

The Gold Standards are the bedrock of the Ritz-Carlton experience, setting us apart in the industry and establishing a legacy of unparalleled service. These standards embody the values and culture that define our brand, and serve as the compass guiding our every endeavor.

The Employee Promise

At The Ritz-Carlton, our Ladies & Gentlemen are the most important resource in our service commitment to each other and our guests.

By applying the principles of trust, honesty, respect, integrity, and commitment, we empower and nurture talent to the benefit of each individual and the company.

The Ritz-Carlton fosters a culture where all are valued, quality of life is enhanced, individual aspirations are fulfilled, and The Ritz-Carlton Mystique is strengthened.

What You’ll Do

Design Programming & Activation Experiences

• Develop concepts, frameworks, and strategies for entertainment, enrichment, activations, and events.


• Translate voyage vision into guest-facing experiences that strengthen engagement and differentiation.


• Define how programming contributes to the rhythm, pacing, and emotional flow of the voyage.


• Create experiences that feel connected to the broader guest journey and product vision.

Shape Entertainment & Enrichment Strategy

• Develop concepts for live entertainment, musicians, speakers, cultural programming, and guest engagement experiences.


• Define programming approaches that reflect destination context, guest expectations, and brand positioning.


• Identify opportunities to elevate existing offerings and introduce new experiences.


• Ensure programming supports the desired atmosphere and character of the voyage.

Lead Activation & Event Development

• Develop concepts for themed experiences, seasonal programming, destination celebrations, special events, and guest activations.


• Create signature moments that enhance anticipation, connection, and guest participation.


• Design experiences that encourage social engagement and memorable shared experiences.


• Support development of beach events, shoreside activations, and partnership experiences.

Drive Innovation & Cultural Relevance

• Monitor entertainment, lifestyle, hospitality, and cultural trends.


• Identify emerging guest interests and experience opportunities.


• Recommend new formats, concepts, and partnerships that strengthen product differentiation.


• Ensure programming remains fresh, relevant, and aligned to evolving guest expectations.

Influence Experience Development

• Partner with Voyage Experience to align programming to voyage narratives and product strategy.


• Collaborate with Experience Design to ensure experiences are guest-centered and operationally viable.


• Work with Operations and execution teams to support implementation and continuous improvement.


• Serve as an advocate for creativity, innovation, and guest engagement.

Success Looks Like

• Programming feels intentionally curated rather than operationally scheduled.


• Entertainment, enrichment, and events reinforce the identity of the voyage.


• Guests experience meaningful moments of connection, discovery, and delight.


• Signature experiences become recognizable drivers of differentiation.


• Programming evolves continuously through innovation and guest insight.


• The voyage develops a distinctive atmosphere and social energy that guests remember and seek out.

What We’re Looking For

Experience

• 8–15+ years of experience in entertainment, experiential programming, cultural programming, events, hospitality innovation, lifestyle brands, immersive experiences, or related disciplines.


• Experience developing guest-facing experiences, events, activations, or entertainment concepts.


• Experience working with creative talent, performers, speakers, partners, or experience providers.


• Experience influencing cross-functional stakeholders and developing concepts from idea through implementation.

Skills & Capabilities

• Strong creative instincts and experience design capability.


• Deep understanding of guest engagement and social dynamics.


• Strong awareness of entertainment, hospitality, and cultural trends.


• Ability to curate experiences that feel fresh, relevant, and differentiated.


• Strong storytelling and concept development skills.


• Excellent collaboration and influence capability.


• Ability to balance creativity with operational realities.


• Strong network within entertainment, enrichment, cultural programming, or experiential industries is highly desirable.

Ideal Backgrounds

• Luxury hospitality brands


• Experiential marketing and activations


• Entertainment and cultural programming


• Festivals and live events


• Lifestyle and membership brands


• Theme parks and immersive entertainment


• Private clubs and luxury travel brands


• Experience design and innovation consultancies

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is an Equal opportunity, inclusive employer and will consider all applicants for employment with the Company on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.