Specialist, Experiential Programming & Activation

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection seeks an Experiential Programming & Activation Lead to drive creative direction, innovation, and strategy for onboard entertainment and guest experiences. You will support development, planning, and execution across programs, partnerships, and signature moments.

Ideal candidates bring 2–5+ years in entertainment, events, hospitality, or experiential marketing, with a passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing entertainment, enrichment, activation, and event concepts.
• Research emerging entertainment, hospitality, and cultural trends.
• Help develop programming outlines, activity concepts, and experience briefs.
• Support development of signature moments and themed experiences.
• Research performers, speakers, entertainers, and experience providers.
• Assist with outreach, scheduling, and coordination activities.
• Maintain talent and partner information.
• Support evaluation of new entertainment opportunities.
• Assist in preparing presentations, concept documentation, and programming materials.
• Coordinate implementation planning with Operations and onboard teams.
• Support pilot programs and new concept launches.
• Track concept development milestones.
• Review guest feedback related to programming and entertainment.
• Monitor participation and engagement trends.
• Research competitive entertainment offerings.
• Recommend ideas for future programming improvements.

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. Join us on a journey where every day is a testament to the highest standard of luxury and service.

What You'll Do

Support Programming Development

• Assist in developing entertainment, enrichment, activation, and event concepts.
• Research emerging entertainment, hospitality, and cultural trends.
• Help develop programming outlines, activity concepts, and experience briefs.
• Support development of signature moments and themed experiences.

Support Talent & Partner Coordination

• Research performers, speakers, entertainers, and experience providers.
• Assist with outreach, scheduling, and coordination activities.
• Maintain talent and partner information.
• Support evaluation of new entertainment opportunities.

Support Experience Development

• Assist in preparing presentations, concept documentation, and programming materials.
• Coordinate implementation planning with Operations and onboard teams.
• Support pilot programs and new concept launches.
• Track concept development milestones.

Support Continuous Improvement

• Review guest feedback related to programming and entertainment.
• Monitor participation and engagement trends.
• Research competitive entertainment offerings.
• Recommend ideas for future programming improvements.

Success Looks Like

• Programming concepts are well organized and implementation-ready.
• Talent and partnership activities run smoothly.
• New experiences launch successfully.
• Guest feedback informs continuous refinement.

The Experiential Programming & Activation Lead is able to focus on creative direction, innovation, and strategy while execution support is effectively managed.

What We're Looking For

• Experience 2–5+ years of experience in entertainment, events, hospitality, experiential marketing, programming, cultural organizations, or related disciplines.
• Experience coordinating guest-facing experiences or events.
• Passion for creating engaging guest experiences.

Skills & Capabilities

• Creative thinker with strong organizational skills.
• Passion for entertainment and hospitality.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Excellent project coordination skills.
• Curiosity about guest behavior and emerging trends.
• Ability to balance creativity with attention to detail.

Ideal Backgrounds

• Hospitality programming
• Events and activations
• Entertainment organizations
• Cultural institutions
• Luxury hospitality
• Theme parks
• Experiential marketing agencies

Reports To

Experiential Programming & Activation Lead

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.

About Us

Working from our offices in Fort Lauderdale, FL and Valletta, Malta, our shoreside team includes a wide variety of positions to support The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection in delivering excellence. These roles include guest-facing Yacht Vacation Consultants, cruise hotel operations professionals, IT support, accounting and finance, sales and marketing professionals and more.