Lead game designer job description

The Center for Transformational Play at Carnegie Mellon University brings together world-class expertise from across the university to design, build, and study transformational games. Our core missions are as follows: 1) bring together CMU stakeholders around transformational games, 2) create and collaborate on exceptional games, 3) support interdisciplinary game research, and 4) raise the profile of transformational games work at CMU.

We are searching for a Game Design Lead to help establish the Center. As one of the Center's first hires, you will have the chance to be hands-on with all aspects of our work, from game development to designer mentorship to developing organizational processes. As we grow, we expect to bring on additional staff to complement your core competencies and areas of interest.
You will report directly to Jessica Hammer, Director of the Center for Transformational Play.

Core responsibilities will include:

* Game design and development for the Center.
* Coordinating and executing playtests, user tests, and assessments.
* Developing and documenting Center processes.
* Creative mentorship for game and research projects.
* Furthering the game design craft and awareness across the Center
* Working with stakeholders related to transformational games across the university.
* Supervising students and staff affiliated with the Center.
* Assisting with publicizing games created by the Center.

The core values of the Center for Transformational Play are courage, curiosity, integrity, generosity, and humility. We live by those values in our work, in our interpersonal relationships, and in our collaborations. Additionally, inclusion, collaboration, and cultural sensitivity are valued proficiencies at Carnegie Mellon. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the University through their work.

You should be able to demonstrate the following skills:

* Excellent oral and written communication, including in a hybrid work environment.
* A practice of analogue and digital game design, including a portfolio of shipped and/or completed game projects.
* Familiarity with game design and development practices (digital, analog, or hybrid).
* Strong leadership and problem-solving skills.
* Ability to conduct user-centered or human-computer interaction design research using a diverse and flexible set of methods.
* Familiarity with transformational games and transformational game design.
* Project management and prioritization with an eye to the long-term success of the organization.

Experience with any of the following would be considered an asset:

* Working within multidisciplinary teams that have delivered/shipped games.
* Working with experimental or emergent technologies, hardware, or other unconventional constraints.
* Supervising undergraduate and/or graduate students.

Requirements:

* A bachelor's degree, or equivalent professional experience.
* Five or more years of experience in game design, development or an equivalent role.
* Documented evidence of successful leadership for women, people of color, and individuals from other marginalized groups.
* Successful background check

Are you interested in this exciting opportunity?! Apply today!

CMU's COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements: As a condition of employment, Carnegie Mellon University requires all staff and faculty working in the United States to be fully vaccinated, including a booster when eligible, against COVID-19. Prior to commencement of employment, new hires in the United States must provide proof of vaccination or obtain an approved exemption. (Exemptions may be requested for medical reasons or for religious or strong moral or ethical conviction.) Those granted an exemption must comply with all applicable COVID-19 mitigation requirements. The most up-to-date information on CMU's COVID-19 mitigation requirements can be found here: Minimum Requirements to Return to Campus.

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Web Design and Graphic Services

Position Type

Staff - Regular

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Salary

More Information:

* Please visit "Why Carnegie Mellon" to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.

* Click here to view a listing of employee benefits

* Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.

* Statement of Assurance