Project Developer, Virginia Serious Game Institute (VSGI)

Department: Col of Visual and Performing Arts

Classification: Info Technology Spec 1

Job Category: Classified Staff

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Manassas, VA

Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible

Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship

Pay Band: 04

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Restricted: Yes

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

The Virginia Serious Game Institute (VSGI) exists to support Mason’s entrepreneurial and innovation goals by cultivating and supporting Mason-founded startups, rapid prototype development, high-value knowledge job creation, and regional economic development through serious game technology discovery to improve the human condition.

About the Position:

The Project Developer at the Virginia Serious Game Institute (VSGI) plays a pivotal role in supporting the ideation, creation, and management of projects that advance the institute's applied research, incubator, and outreach initiatives. This position requires a highly adaptable individual with strong technical expertise in game development and emerging technologies. The Project Developer leads and oversees both individual and team-based projects, ensuring alignment with VSGI's strategic goals and technological standards. This role also includes representing VSGI in various internal and external engagements.

Responsibilities:

Provides design, development, and coding expertise for VSGI projects and grant-funded initiatives.

• Designs and implements interactive digital experiences using Unity, Unreal, and other industry-standard engines;
• Writes and maintains scalable, efficient code for serious game applications;
• Collaborates with faculty and external partners to translate research into prototypes; and
• Troubleshoots cross-platform technical issues.

Leads and manages VSGI research and start-up projects, including timelines, asset creation, and development workflows.

• Develops project plans with clear milestones and deliverables;
• Oversees asset creation and integration;
• Coordinates interdisciplinary teams;
• Documents decisions and project outcomes; and
• Conducts QA testing and iterative improvements.

Facilitates communication among VSGI staff, affiliated companies, students, university administration, and external stakeholders;

• Serves as liaison between technical and non-technical stakeholders;
• Leads regular meetings and collaborative sessions; and
• Mentors student interns and junior developers.

Delivers project updates and presentations to stakeholders, including corporate partners, faculty, administrators, and government officials.

• Prepares and presents reports on project status and impact;
• Tailors presentations to diverse audiences;
• Contributes to grant reporting and proposals; and
• Represents VSGI at public events;

Develops new resources and tools to support VSGI and affiliated programs when not directly engaged in project work.

• Researches and prototypes emerging technologies; and
• Supports curriculum development and outreach.

Represents VSGI in meetings with clients, partners, and dignitaries, including in the absence of the Director.

• Acts as spokesperson for VSGI;
• Builds relationships with partners and agencies;
• Facilitates strategic discussions; and
• Ensures continuity of leadership.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Experience (generally, minimum of 3 years) in game development, including Unity and Unreal Engine;
• Experience with VR, AR, and AI technologies;
• Familiarity with source control systems (e.g., Git);
• Knowledge of grant-funded initiatives;
• Strong project management and team coordination skills;
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities;
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively;
• Ability to adapt to emerging technologies and shifting project needs;
• Ability to investigate, adopt, and integrate new technologies as needed;
• Proven ability to lead development projects and ensure timely, scoped delivery;
• Proficiency in programming for game engines and related platforms;
• Proficiency in programming languages relevant to game development (e.g., C#, C++, Python); and
• Strong capacity to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in related field;
• Experience (generally, 5+ years) in Computer Game Design Development;
• Experience in serious game development; and
• Demonstrated ability working with a diverse population of artists, faculty, staff, students, and community members.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Project Developer, Virginia Serious Game Institute (VSGI) at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a cover letter and resume for review.

Posting Open Date:  January 9, 2026

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  January 24, 2026

Open Until Filled:  Yes