Skillsearch │ Games & Tech Jobs is hiring: Design Director in Boston

Our client is working on a high-budget, AAA open world multiplayer title for PC & Console, developed in Unreal Engine 5.

As Design Director, you will be tasked with defining the vision and shaping the culture of the design team.

This is a hybrid role based in Boston and generous relocation assistance is available. The studio can be flexible with relocation if you cannot make the move straight away!

Responsibilities include:

• Lead and manage a team of design leads, establishing a clear vision, mentoring leadership, and fostering a collaborative and productive environment within the design department.
• Oversee the creation and delivery of a captivating AAA multiplayer experience, ensuring the highest design quality.
• Effectively present the team's work to internal stakeholders and external partners, maintaining clarity and impact.
• Define and communicate team objectives, balancing immediate project needs with long-term strategic goals.
• Partner with other directors and shared services teams to align on development processes, user experience research (UXR), and cross-functional knowledge sharing.
• Cultivate a culture that values and integrates feedback from diverse sources, including internal teams and external research and development (R&D).
• Drive design excellence through all phases of production, from initial concept to final execution.
• Champion the project vision by establishing and maintaining best practices and streamlined design processes.

Qualifications:

• Industry Experience: At least 5 years of experience as a Lead Designer or Design Director in the gaming industry, with a preference for work on AAA action titles or multiplayer games with live operations components.
• Game Design Expertise: Comprehensive knowledge across various aspects of game design, with specialized expertise in third-person action games, multiplayer systems, or live operations.
• Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead medium to large design teams, applying strong leadership principles with empathy and effectiveness.
• Shipped Titles: Must have shipped at least one AAA title in a leadership capacity.
• Creative Vision: Demonstrates creativity and curiosity, drawing inspiration from diverse experiences and encouraging the team to do the same.
• Player-Centric Design: Passionate about designing systems-based games that empower player agency and create meaningful world interactions.
• Refined Design Sensibilities: Possesses a keen eye for distinguishing between "good" and "great" design, ensuring resources are allocated effectively.
• UX Research Proficiency: Experience in managing User Experience Research (UXR) processes and interpreting data to inform design decisions.
• Travel Requirements: Willingness to travel periodically to Europe for HQ visits.
• Work Authorization: Must hold U.S. citizenship or a valid work permit.