Project Developer, Virginia Serious 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


About the Department:


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.


About the Position:


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.


Responsibilities:


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.

Required Qualifications:

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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.

Instructions to Applicants:


For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Project Developer, Virginia Serious Game Institute (VSGI) at Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a cover letter and resume for review.


Posting Open Date: January 9, 2026


For Full Consideration, Apply by: January 24, 2026


Open Until Filled: Yes

Mason Ad Statement


Mason is currently the largest and most diverse university in Virginia with students and faculty from all 50 states and over 135 countries studying in over 200 degree programs at campuses in Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William, as well as at learning locations across the commonwealth. Rooted in Mason's diversity is a campus culture that is both rewarding and exciting, work that is meaningful, and opportunities to both collaborate and create.


If you are interested in joining the Mason family take a look at our current opportunities and catch some Mason spirit at jobs.gmu.edu/!


George Mason University, Where Innovation is Tradition.

Equity Statement


George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.

Campus Safety Information


Mason's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at