BASEL OFFICE - Director of Enrichment and Onboard Program

Viking was founded in 1997 and provides destination-focused voyages on oceans, rivers and lakes around the world. Designed for experienced travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences for The Thinking Person®.

Viking has more than 250 awards to its name, including being rated #1 for Rivers, #1 for Oceans and #1 for Expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler and voted at the top of its categories by Travel + Leisure. No other cruise line has ever received these same honors by both publications at the same time.

Please note that we can only accept applicants who are eligible to work in Switzerland or in possession of a valid work permit.

ROLE DESCRIPTION

• The Director of Enrichment and Onboard Program is responsible for the overall enrichment, entertainment and content experience of our guests onboard Viking Ocean and Expedition. This role requires a dynamic and creative professional who can lead a divers team to manage and curate educational and entertaining content that enhances our guests' journey.

• The Director of Enrichment and Onboard Program reports to the Vice President Hotel Operations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Enrichment Management: Organize and oversee a comprehensive lecture program that includes a variety of topics relevant to our destinations, guest interests, and scientific insights.

• Destination Insight: ensures that the program corresponds with the region of sailing to ensure maximum local exposer and content.

• Onboard Entertainment Management: Ensure all onboard shows meet quality standards and align with the Viking brand. This includes local and guest entertainment scouting assignments according to sailing schedule and region.

• Production Management: Organize and oversee a comprehensive entertainment program tailored to the Viking guest demographic and destinations. Technical supervision over all entertainment areas.

• Onboard Content Management: Oversee the creation and distribution of all onboard content, including daily newsletters, informational brochures and digital content.

• TV Content Curation and Brand Alignment: Curate a selection of television content that is informative, entertaining and appropriate for our guests. Manage the scheduling and availability of content across our fleet.

• Copywriting: ensuring that all guest information and display are in line with marketing expectations and up to date.

• Talent Sourcing & Management: Lead recruitment and approval of talent for the enrichment and entertainment programs. Drive talent development onboard in the enrichment and entertainment areas.

• Training and development: At Viking it is crucial to identify, train and develop talents within, by mentoring, coaching and ensuring a successful transition.

• Functionality and maintenance of equipment: ensuring that the product is deliverable and that the maintenance program is kept and proactive through inventory, ordering and up to date licensing.

• Budgeting and forecasting in compliance with Company expectations.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

• A minimum of 10 years of proven experience working as an enrichment/entertainment manager in hospitality, ideally in the cruise industry

• Deep knowledge of stage production, including technical supervision and development

• Proven experience working as a Cruise Director on Ocean vessels across varied geographies

• Ability to manage a varied population of lecturers and a vast network in global enrichment

• Excellent organizational and leadership skills, ability to manage teams shoreside and on board

• Strong communication and presentation competencies, native level of English

• A solid understanding of the American hospitality market, ideally previous work experience working in the US enrichment/entertainment industry

• A passion for travel, culture, education and science

• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team and across departments

COMMUNITY & CULTURE

• Fast-growing and dynamic environment, a modern workspace, flexible working hours

HOW TO APPLY

Please apply via our website www.vikingcareers.com, including your CV in English and a one-page cover letter to introduce yourself and your interest for the role.

For more details about this position, contact us under +41 61 638 60 11

*Unsolicited submissions of candidates from agencies will not be considered*