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

Key Responsibilities

• Direct the development of the world's most compelling business simulation game by assembling the team, articulating the vision, and shipping a product that transforms players into more capable entrepreneurs through engaging gameplay.
• Within 6 months, ship a playable vertical slice in which players advance through authentic business competencies by overcoming substantive gameplay obstacles.
• Initial playtesting reveals that teenage users consistently characterize the experience as enjoyable before consciously recognizing the depth of their learning.
• Recruit and integrate the founding development team, establishing a rhythm of consistent, high-caliber releases.
• Deploy a closed beta serving more than 1,000 players within 12 months, attain 40%+ retention at 30 days, and implement a sustainable development cadence for releasing new simulation content.

Basic Requirements

• Proven track record shipping at least one commercially successful game that achieved genuine player enthusiasm, preferably within a team of 10 or fewer.
• Verified experience directing cross-functional game development initiatives from initial concept through public release.
• Extensive expertise in designing simulation, sandbox, systems-driven, strategy, or management game genres.
• Active, daily application of generative AI technologies to enhance game design and production workflows, with demonstrable recent examples of AI integration in your practice.
• Authentic enthusiasm for entrepreneurship and a sincere conviction in the importance of building profitable enterprises.
• Proven leadership, communication, and talent acquisition capabilities.
• Availability to work on-site in New York City.
• Authorization to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.

Nice-to-have Requirements

• Track record shipping sandbox, tycoon, builder, management, or simulation game titles.
• Experience designing interactive products for audiences under 18 years of age.
• Background integrating educational objectives or skill progression into entertainment-focused products.
• Experience collaborating with prominent brands, content creators, or licensed properties.
• Demonstrated success scaling a game development 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.