Project Developer, Virginia 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

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.

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.