Talent Manager

Building on a legacy of over 138 years, National Geographic Explorers have ventured across continents, remote cultures, ocean depths, and towering mountains. National Geographic Expeditions extend this legacy, allowing travelers to embrace their inner explorer and witness the wonders of the world up close and in depth. National Geographic Expeditions provides unparalleled access to the world with Expedition Cruise, or Private Jet options. Additionally, every trip booked supports the global nonprofit National Geographic Society, contributing to the work of National Geographic Explorers worldwide in protecting and illuminating our world through exploration, research, and education.

As the Talent Manager, you will be responsible for scouting, casting, and working with Disney and National Geographic Explorers, Experts, photographers and filmmakers, located throughout the world.  Your responsibilities may include prospecting for and cultivating relationships with on-trip talent, scheduling on-trip talent, working on lecture programming, briefing them for their trip and following up after their trip, handling various aspects of the administration needed for our talent function and talent marketing. 

The Talent Manager is based on-site in Celebration, Florida and will report to Manager, Talent and Quality Assurance.

Responsibilities:

• Partner with National Geographic Society to prospect high-quality talent whose area of expertise aligns to enrich the Guest experience on National Geographic Expeditions, as well as ad-hoc requests for ambassadors and guest speakers. Participate in interviews or meet & greets as needed.
• Develop a strong relationship with talent, including regular check-ins, keeping them up to date on Adventures by Disney & National Geographic Expeditions (A&E) developments and inviting them to in-person connections with our team.
• Assign talent to Expedition Cruise and Private Jet travel experiences. Prepare talent for their role to include conducting pre trip and post trips calls with operations team members. 
• Partnering with Contingent Workforce Management and legal to ensure all documentation is complete including background checks, completed internal applications and contracts using Microsoft suite. 
• Collaborate with internal clients to identify talent requirements, develop role specific requirements and match talent to each departure.
• Conduct comprehensive interviews/assessments of new talent to determine capabilities to deliver high-caliber presentations to all levels of Expedition Guests. 
• Act as subject matter expert or consultant whenever Marketing and Public Relations needs input on talent-related marketing assets such as catalogs, talent biographies, and email templates.
• Keep talent listings current on the website including field photos, interviews, and videos.
• Manage talent issues including last-minute cancelations and time sensitive on-trip issues ensuring all appropriate parties are involved and informed, and issues are resolved according to internal guidelines. 

 Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience of talent development and/or talent management.
• Ability to identify issues, solve problems and manage conflict without supervision.
• Experience as a self-starter who can work independently in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment with a variety of partners.
• Excellent written and verbal skills to communicate with vendors, clients and talent in a clear and concise manner. 
• Planning and project management skills.
• The ability to handle multiple, high priority projects, meet deadlines and produce deliverables in a timely manner.
• Demonstrated experience with coordinating complex logistics as well as strong implementation skills.
• Some travel may be required.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Familiar with SmartSheet and Quickbase.
• Experience managing budgets.
• Experience with 3rd party legal affairs and contracts is a plus.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience working in the travel industry (domestic and international).
• Knowledge of travel industry talent.
• Familiar with hiring talent including managing contracts and background checks.
• Familiarity with Adventures by Disney and National Geographic Expeditions.
• Experience leading high-profile corporate showcases and immersive brand experiences in fast-paced, high-pressure environments, overseeing event logistics, vendor negotiations, invitation management, and collaboration with third-party vendors.

Required Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.

Additional Information:

Benefits and Perks: Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life. This includes health and savings benefits, educational opportunities and special extras that only Disney can provide. Learn more about our benefits and perks at https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits. 

The hiring range for this position is $68,600.00-$91,900.00 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.