Director of Game Design, Founders School - $400,000/year USD

Key Responsibilities

• Direct the development of the world's most compelling business simulation game by recruiting the team, establishing the vision, and shipping a product that transforms players into better entrepreneurs through gameplay.
• Within 6 months, ship a playable vertical slice in which players advance through authentic business competencies by solving substantive gameplay challenges.
• Initial playtests demonstrate that teenagers reliably characterize the game as enjoyable before realizing the depth of their learning.
• Recruit and integrate the founding game development organization, maintaining consistent, high-caliber release cycles.
• Deploy a closed beta with over 1,000 participants within 12 months, securing 40%+ 30-day retention, and establish a production rhythm capable of launching new simulation content sustainably.

Basic Requirements

• Track record shipping at least one commercially successful game that players authentically valued, preferably within a team of 10 or fewer.
• Proven experience directing cross-functional game development from initial concept through market launch.
• Advanced proficiency designing simulation, sandbox, systems-oriented, strategy, or management game experiences.
• Consistent hands-on application of generative AI technologies to enhance game design and production, with demonstrable recent examples of AI integration in your creative process.
• Enthusiasm for entrepreneurship and authentic conviction in the importance of building profitable enterprises.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and talent acquisition capabilities.
• Commitment to on-site presence in New York City.
• Authorization to work in the US without sponsorship requirements.

Nice-to-have Requirements

• Background shipping sandbox, tycoon, builder, management, or simulation game titles.
• Experience creating products tailored for audiences under 18.
• Experience embedding education or skill progression within entertainment experiences.
• Experience collaborating with prominent brands, creators, or licensed properties.
• Demonstrated history scaling a game organization from early-stage concept through successful market launch.

About Founders School

Founders School is a four-year high school built for ambitious students who want to create, build, and solve meaningful problems. The program combines Alpha School's elite academics, real-world experience, and mentorship from world-class entrepreneurs around three commitments to every student: Build a million-dollar business. Identify problems in the world worth solving. Master AI before adults do. This is a place for people who'd rather build the thing than manage the thing. We're hiring the founding team that builds the dream high school for the most entrepreneurial and ambitious students in the country. Launching in NYC Fall 2026.