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

Key Responsibilities

Direct the development of the world's most captivating business simulation game by assembling the team, articulating the vision, and shipping a product that transforms players into more capable entrepreneurs through gameplay.

Success in Your First Year

• Within 6 months, you have shipped a playable vertical slice in which players advance through authentic business competencies by completing substantive gameplay objectives.
• Initial playtests reveal that teenage users consistently characterize the game as enjoyable before realizing the depth of their learning.
• You have recruited and onboarded the core game development team, maintaining a rhythm of regular, high-caliber releases.
• Within 12 months, you have deployed a closed beta accessed by over 1,000 players, sustained 40%+ retention at 30 days, and established a development tempo capable of delivering new simulation experiences at scale.

  Basic Requirements

  • Track record of shipping at least one commercially successful game that achieved genuine player affection, preferably within a team of 10 people or fewer.
  • Proven leadership of multidisciplinary game development efforts from initial concept through public launch.
  • Deep specialization in designing simulation, sandbox, systems-driven, strategy, or management game genres.
  • Active daily application of generative AI tools to enhance game design and development workflows, with demonstrable recent examples of AI integration in your process.
  • Enthusiasm for entrepreneurship and authentic conviction in the importance of building profitable enterprises.
  • Exceptional leadership, communication, and talent acquisition capabilities.
  • Availability to work on-site in New York City.
  • Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship requirements.

  Nice-to-have Requirements

  • Portfolio including sandbox, tycoon, builder, management, or simulation game releases.
  • Background designing experiences for audiences under 18 years old.
  • Experience embedding education or skill-building elements within entertainment products.
  • History collaborating with prominent brands, content creators, or licensed intellectual property.
  • Demonstrated success scaling a game team from early-stage concept through commercially successful 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.