Director of Design

Welcome to the Kalahari Experience

At Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, we don't just create vacations—we craft unforgettable experiences. Home to America's Largest Indoor Waterparks, our African-inspired resorts offer world-class dining, luxurious spas, thrilling entertainment, and cutting-edge convention centers that redefine hospitality.

But we're more than a resort. As a major employer, we provide thousands of jobs and career growth opportunities while delivering exceptional service. Our associates take care of millions of guests each year, making every visit special.

Beyond our walls, we're making a difference. Through our partnership with charity: water, we're committed to bringing clean water to one million people in Africa.

Design Director

We're on the lookout for an experienced Design Director to lead and elevate our in-house design team. This on-site role is the most senior design position on the team and is ideal for a hands-on leader who thrives in a collaborative environment. The Design Director will be responsible for guiding and mentoring a team of three, ensuring seamless project execution, and fostering a culture of creativity and excellence.

What We're Looking For

As the Design Director, you will oversee the workflow and execution of creative projects while maintaining alignment with our senior brand and agency partners. While this role does not make overarching creative executive decisions for the brand, you will be instrumental in driving design processes, managing project pipelines, and ensuring high-quality output.

This position requires a strategic, hands-on working designer who can mentor a team with a range of experience levels, optimize processes, and celebrate team and individual wins to maintain a positive and productive work environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of three designers, providing mentorship and professional development.
• Oversee the execution of creative projects, ensuring brand consistency and high-quality standards.
• Implement and refine design processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Manage project timelines, resources, and workflow to ensure deadlines are met.
• Foster a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and creativity.
• Work closely with the corporate marketing team, our external agency, and stakeholders to ensure alignment on brand and campaign strategies.
• Remain fully immersed and integrated in the design process, taking a hands-on approach to problem-solving and execution.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum of seven years of leadership experience in project management or team leadership within a design function.
• Strong background in graphic design, with a proven track record of leading design teams in a corporate or agency setting.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Bridge, and Acrobat); Premiere and After Effects experience is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Deep understanding of design processes, visual communication strategies, and best practices.
• Strong leadership skills, with an emphasis on team growth, development, and motivation.
• Experience in hospitality, tourism, or resort industry design is a plus.

Apply Today

If you are a motivated design leader who thrives in a hands-on, process-driven role, we encourage you to apply and become a part of our industry-leading team. Please submit your resume and portfolio to employment@kalahariresorts.com with the subject line:

{NAME}, Kalahari Resorts, Design Director, Portfolio

A Sampling of Our Benefits

Our team enjoys a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Career growth opportunities with promotion from within
• 401(k) matching, paid time off, and holiday compensation
• Health, dental, and vision coverage for full-time associates
• Employee appreciation events, discounts, and perks at all resorts
• Education assistance programs to help advance your career

Be Part of Something Extraordinary

At Kalahari, we're proud to be recognized by Forbes as one of America's Best Midsize Employers and by USA TODAY as the #1 Best Indoor Water Park. These awards reflect our commitment to both our guests and team members.

Here, careers thrive, innovation is encouraged, and every day brings new opportunities to create meaningful moments. Whether you're delivering incredible guest service, crafting memorable meals, or leading a team, your work makes a real impact.

Current locations include Wisconsin Dells, WI (2000), Sandusky, OH (2005), Pocono Manor, PA (2015), Round Rock, TX (2020), and Spotsylvania County, VA (2026).

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions is an Equal Opportunity Employer.