Jobs and Careers
CO
ENTERTAINMENT MANAGER-JUNE 2026
Columbia ShipmanagementUKRemotefull_timeVerifiedPosted 28 Apr 2026
About the role
Job Description: Entertainment & Community Engagement Manager
Reports to: Hotel Director
Position Overview
The Entertainment & Community Engagement Manager is responsible for curating, coordinating, and guiding the onboard entertainment and enrichment program for Villa Vie Residences. Unlike a traditional cruise line, Villa Vie is a long-term residential community at sea. Entertainment must therefore balance structured offerings with Resident-driven initiatives — empowering the community to shape their own cultural and social life.
This role is a balance between ensuring the Residents are always active with activities and facilitating experiences which are “By the Residents, For the Residents.” The Manager will host and support activities, liaise with outside talent, bring local culture onboard in partnership with port agents, and ensure that programming reflects the creativity, diversity, and independence of the Villa Vie lifestyle.
Key Responsibilities
Program Development & Scheduling
Design and maintain a dynamic calendar of entertainment, enrichment, and recreational activities tailored to a long-term international community.
Coordinate structured offerings such as games, tournaments, lectures, movie nights, trivia wellness activities, and themed events.
Balance these with Resident-led initiatives — supporting interest clubs, Resident-hosted sessions, and do-it-yourself activities.
Encourage and assist Residents in creating playlists and themed party nights; support Resident-led karaoke while ensuring smooth logistics and inclusivity.
Resident Engagement
Act as a visible, approachable point of contact for Residents regarding entertainment.
Conduct regular feedback sessions and surveys to ensure programming reflects community preferences.
Foster an inclusive, welcoming environment where Residents feel ownership of their social and cultural life onboard.
Talent & Partnerships
Coordinate with a point of contact who will submit resumes of entertainers, lecturers, musicians, and performers interested in short-term exchanges (working onboard for several weeks in return for a cabin).
Manage their onboard schedules, ensure they deliver agreed programs, and confirm Resident satisfaction with their performances.
Ensure guest talent is responsible for visas and travel; coordinate with Villa Vie’s in-house travel company if additional arrangements are needed.
Oversee any full-time entertainment crew and Resident volunteers who assist with programming.
Local & Operational Coordination
Local shows can usually be arranged with port agents; therefore, you will in contract with port agents around the world and work to provide local shows onboard or ashore. With with HD and VVR Operations to cost-manage local cultural shows.
Ensure all entertainment has contracts in place and complies with Villa Vie’s safety, regulatory, and company standards.
Collaborate with Hotel, Food & Beverage, and other departments to seamlessly integrate entertainment into shipboard life.
Qualifications
Previous experience as Cruise Director, Entertainment Manager, or in event/talent management within hospitality, cruise, or resort settings.
Strong background in entertainment programming, event planning, and talent/volunteer coordination.
Excellent interpersonal and public speaking skills; approachable personality.
Experience balancing structured programs with community-driven participation.
Organizational and budgeting skills with an eye for creative, flexible solutions.
Key Attributes
Outgoing, engaging, and approachable; comfortable interacting with diverse Residents daily.
Culturally aware and sensitive to an international audience.
Creative problem solver who thrives in a non-traditional, pioneering cruise environment.
Empathetic and collaborative in supporting Resident-led initiatives.
Passion for helping create a vibrant, self-sustaining community at sea.
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