Anakeesta

Company Overview: Raven’s Den Outdoor Adventure Park is an exciting new destination located in the heart of the Smokies in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. We offer a thrilling combination of outdoor activities, including electric mountain biking, zip lining, UTV tours, and Via ferrata, providing visitors with an unforgettable adventure experience amidst the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Position Overview: We are seeking a dynamic and experienced General Manager to lead our team and ensure the seamless operation of Raven’s Den Outdoor Adventure Park. The General Manager will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the park’s operations, including staff management, customer service, safety protocols, marketing initiatives, and financial performance. The ideal candidate will have a passion for outdoor adventure activities and a proven track record in managing successful adventure park operations. Because the Park will be completed in phases, the General Manager will have the opportunity to experience the Park from inception to completion and will provide valuable input and feedback as construction progresses.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operational Leadership: Provide strategic direction and leadership to all departments, ensuring efficient and smooth park operations.
• Staff Management: Recruit, train, and supervise a team of dedicated and passionate staff members. Foster a positive and inclusive work environment.
• Customer Experience: Maintain high standards of customer service, ensuring visitors have a safe, enjoyable, and memorable experience at Raven’s Den.
• Safety Compliance: Implement and uphold rigorous safety protocols for all activities, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.
• Maintenance management: maintain park grounds, trails, and facilities to ensure the park looks brand new every day it opens.
• Financial Management: Develop and manage budgets, monitor financial performance, and implement cost-effective measures to optimize profitability.
• Marketing and Promotion: Collaborate with the marketing team to create and execute effective promotional strategies to attract visitors and increase park revenue.
• Vendor Relations: Establish and maintain relationships with vendors, ensuring the timely and cost-effective procurement of supplies and equipment.
• Community Engagement: Act as a representative of Raven’s Den in the local community, fostering positive relationships and promoting the park’s initiatives.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, or related field (preferred)
• Proven experience in managing outdoor adventure parks, recreational facilities, family entertainment centers or similar establishments (minimum of 5 years’ experience required)
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and inspire a diverse team
• Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of outdoor adventure activities, safety regulations, and industry best practices
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software applications

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives
• Health, dental, and vision insurance options
• Retirement savings plan (401k)
• Paid time off
• Complimentary access to Raven’s Den activities for employees and their families

Raven’s Den Outdoor Adventure Park is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from all backgrounds to apply. Thank you for your interest!

Anakeesta

Anakeesta is an award-winning theme park that creates unique outdoor experiences by immersing guests of all ages in the beauty and adventure of the great outdoors. Whether you are looking to create vacation memories for guests or work behind the scenes to keep the magic in the mountains magical, this is your opportunity to take your career to the next level.

As Anakeesta continues to grow and evolve, we are seeking a highly creative and experienced Design Director to join our team and help shape the future of Anakeesta. The Design Director will be responsible for translating the park’s unique blend of natural beauty and adventure into immersive and captivating experiences. You will work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to ensure that the design elements align with Anakeesta’s brand identity and enhance guest engagement. This role is in our Downtown Knoxville office but will may require occasional site visits to the park in Gatlinburg.

Responsibilities

• Lead the internal creative team in conceptualizing, developing, and executing creative concepts that align with Anakeesta’s brand and thematic elements.
• Oversee the design process for branding, advertising, merchandise/product design, signage, and web design ensuring they enhance the overall guest experience.
• Collaborate with various departments, including marketing, operations, and development, to understand their design needs and develop solutions that meet their goals.
• Develop and maintain design standards, guidelines, and documentation to ensure consistency throughout the park and any guest facing online or traditional assets.
• Manage a team of in-house designers and freelancers, providing guidance, mentorship, and fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.
• Stay up to date with industry trends, emerging technologies, and innovative design approaches to continuously elevate the park’s brand.
• Work closely with external vendors, contractors, and consultants to ensure seamless integration of design elements in advertising, retail components, or in park operations.
• Present design concepts to internal stakeholders and leadership, gathering feedback and incorporating necessary changes.
• Manage design budgets and resources efficiently to meet project goals and timelines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Graphic Design, Industrial Design, or a related field.
• Proven experience (5+ years) in a creative leadership role, preferably in the entertainment, hospitality, or theme park industry.
• Strong portfolio showcasing a diverse range of design projects, including physical spaces, signage, advertising, merchandise, and web design elements.
• Proficiency in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, or similar tools.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills, with a track record of mentoring and developing creative talent.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills to effectively convey design concepts and ideas to both creative and non-creative stakeholders.
• Experience working in a collaborative, cross-functional environment with the ability to balance creative vision with practical considerations.
• Passion for outdoor adventure, nature, and creating memorable guest experiences.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to work in all environments both inside and outside and in all weather conditions.
• Must be able to sit for prolonged times at a desk working on a computer.
• Be able to bend, stoop and stand.

When you start your career at Anakeesta, we hope you will stay and grow with us.

Perks

• Competitive pay
• Paid time off
• Medical, dental, and vision Insurance
• Life insurance
• 401K
• Free admission for employees and their immediate family
• Employee discounts on food and merchandise
• Generous pass exchange program with area attractions

If you believe you meet the qualifications above and have an interest in joining the Anakeesta team, we would love to hear from you. Please apply through LinkedIn!

Anakeesta