Department: Col of Visual and Performing Arts

Classification: 9-month Instructional Faculty

Job Category: Instructional Faculty

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: N/A - I/R Faculty

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

1. Offer undergraduate game design courses leading to a BFA in Computer Game Design,
2. Provide mentorship and guidance in game production to students pursuing majors and minors in Computer Game Design, and
3. Support a cohesive faculty and staff to carry out objectives 1 and 2.

About the Position:

The role of the Assistant Professor of Game Design is to teach the undergraduate game design and production courses, and help develop this future track in the Computer Game Design Program. The Assistant Professor is expected to pursue research (traditional or applied) and/or creative endeavors to make a significant contribution to the field.

Responsibilities:

• Teaches a 4-4 load each academic year from an approved curriculum and develops future courses in game design/production;
• Participates in school recruitment and retention initiatives, and activities determined by the Program Director;
• Motivates students to actively participate in all aspects of the educational process;
• Completes professional development and in-service activities in accordance with university standards;
• Maintains expertise in subject area and recommends improvements in curriculum design;
• When possible, participates in core course academic support programs, student mentoring and student professional associations; 
• Serves on program, college and university committees in consultation with the Program Director;
• Actively seeks external grants and contracts to support research and creative endeavors; and
• Participates in professional game design and game production-related organizations and conferences. 

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor?s degree in related field;
• 5+ years experience in the Game or related industry, or Master?s degree in related field;
• Experienced in all facets of Production for game design and development, including technical, managerial and artistic advances; current research (traditional and applied); and industry developments;
• Extensive experience working with all primary game design, production, and management software applications, engines, and tools, as well as related hardware;
• Applicable experience (minimum of five years is desired) in the industry; and expertise using current professional game engines, editors and project management software;
• Knowledgeable about all facets of the game design and production field, including technical, managerial and artistic advances; current research (traditional and applied); and industry developments;
• Extensive knowledge working with and teaching all primary game design, production, and management software applications, engines, and tools, as well as related hardware;
• Knowledge of multi-platform game production and publication;
• Knowledge of C# and C++;
• Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills;
• Proven critical thinking, problem-solving and judgment skills;
• Ability to successfully interact with the industry business and governmental communities;
• Possesses an approach that fosters a respectful, nonthreatening workplace environment; and
• Has a demonstrated commitment and ability to work collaboratively within a complex work environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master?s degree in related field;
• 5+ years experience in the Game Design industry and publication of major entertainment or serious games or Terminal degree in Game related discipline;
• Two years of higher education teaching in the subject matter area; and
• Demonstrated ability working with a diverse population of artists, students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Assistant Professor of Game Design - Production at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a Cover Letter/Letter of Intent with Resume for review.

Posting Open Date: August 18, 2025

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  September 12, 2025

Open Until Filled:  Yes

About George Mason University

George Mason University is a public, comprehensive, research university established by the Commonwealth of Virginia located in Northern Virginia, outside of Washington, D.C. Mason was initially founded as a branch of the University of Virginia in 1949, and became an independent institution in 1972. George Mason University is an innovative and inclusive academic community committed to creating a more just, free, and prosperous world.

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