VIDEO GAME DESIGN, TEACHING ARTIST

JOB DESCRIPTION: VIDEO GAME DESIGN, TEACHING ARTIST

Location: Big Thought Headquarters
Reports to: Senior Manager, Programs Projects
Division: Programs
Position Type: Part-time/Non-exempt
Supervision: No

About the Role:

The Video Game Design, Teaching Artist are practicing artists and instructors who possess a strong commitment to working with educators and young people.  The Video Game Design, Teaching Artist will support the mission of the Dreams Experience Academy in engaging, educating, developing, uplifting, and amplifying the next generation of great American Media, Entertainment and Technology leaders. 

About Big Thought:

Big Thought equips youth to imagine and create their best lives and world. The secret that makes our work uniquely effective is the powerful combination of our social and emotional focus, experiential learning, community-centered partnerships and future focus.

Throughout our 30+ year history of innovation, Big Thought has become a national model in arts education, out of school time systems, summer learning and juvenile justice intervention. Now, we’re one of six community partnerships in the U.S helping scale national best practices in Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). We take direct-to-youth programs and resources to communities with the greatest needs and share our evidence-based best practices with other nonprofits and organizations through a suite of

About the Ideal Candidate:

Personable, professional and cool under pressure, our ideal Game Design, Teaching Artist is also a self-motivated innovative thinker and a team player with a proven history of successful interaction with leaders at every level. Excellent interpersonal and communications sills (verbal and written) are paramount.

Hourly Rate: $40 hourly

What the Role Entails:

• Implement the Video Game Design curriculum, professional development workshops, including custom sessions and other special events.
• Planning and implementation with Big Thought staff and delivering high quality direct instruction to Middle and High School aged youth in alignment with Big Thought’s instructional framework of Six Dimensions of Quality, Social Emotional Learning and Project Based Learning.
• Attending ongoing professional development sessions specifically designed for Big Thought Teaching Artist.
• Performing administrative responsibilities, such as submission of written lesson plans, assessments, and teaching schedules
• Performing other duties as needed

Qualification:

• Minimum of 2 years related experience
• Proven experience in video game design, including proficiency with design software and prototyping tool
• Teaching Artists must demonstrate professional artistic or instructional experience, commitment to working with youth and educators, and interest in Big Thought’s arts education approach.
• Willingness to travel to Big Thought sites in the Dallas area.
• Excellent understanding of pedagogical methods for the teaching of the discipline (i.e. inquiry-based learning, arts integrated studies, skills-based instruction and aesthetic education, etc.).

Physical Expectations (not an exhaustive list):  

Big Thought jobs are hands on and can be physically demanding.  To perform the duties of these roles successfully, you may regularly be required to: sit, stand, or stare at computer screen for long periods of time; participate in external activities; use various office equipment, some manual; work in environment with loud sounds, multiple distractions, and interruptions; be exposed to extreme hot or cold temperatures on occasion; maintain emotional control during stressful situations.

BIG THOUGHT ASPIRES TO BE A WORKPLACE OF INCLUSION & EQUITY.  WE VISUALIZE A WORKPLACE THAT PROVIDES AN EXCEPTIONAL EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCE.  WE BELIEVE A BASELINE REQUIREMENT TO ACHIEVE OUR VISION IS EVERYONE TREATED WITH DIGNITY AND RESPECT – REGARDLESS THE ISSUE AT HAND. 

Employees of Big Thought are expected to participate in mission driven activities, meetings, committees, etc. BT is based on a team environment and openness to always “lend a hand” as appropriate to another employee.

All employees are required to adhere to BT policies and procedures.  All employees may expect to perform duties as assigned. In addition, all employees may be assigned “other” duties in the spirit of teamwork.

Big Thought is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. 

NOTE: This posting is not an employment agreement or contract.  The CEO and/or designee has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.