Fulltime Music Composition Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Department: Col of Visual and Performing Arts
Classification: 9-month Instructional Faculty
Job Category: Instructional Faculty
Job Type: Full-Time
Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)
Location: Fairfax, VA
Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible
Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience
Criminal Background Check: Yes
About the Department:
The Computer Game Design Program, within the College of Visual and Performing Arts, provides the following:

Undergraduate game design and development courses in sound design and game music composition, leading to a BFA in Computer Game Design;

Provides mentorship and guidance in sound design and game music composition to students pursuing majors and minors in Computer Game Design; and

Supports a cohesive faculty and staff to carry out objectives 1 and 2.

About the Position:
The Instructor or Assistant Professor teaches undergraduate Game Design, Sound Design, Game Music Composition courses and helps develop the future track in the Computer Game Design Program. Also, pursues research (traditional or applied) and/or creative endeavors to contribute significantly to the field.
Responsibilities:

• Teaches undergraduate Game Design courses and helps develop the future track in the Computer Game Design Program; and
• Pursues research (traditional or applied) and/or creative endeavors to contribute significantly to the field.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Master's degree in related field, or 5+ years experience in Game Design or related industry;
• Experienced in all facets of Sound Design and/or Game Music Composition for game design and development, including technical, managerial, and artistic advances, current research (traditional and applied), and industry developments;
• Extensive experience working with all primary game sound design, production, and game music composition software applications, as well as related hardware;
• Applicable experience (minimum of 5 years desired) in the industry, and expertise using current professional game engines, editors, and project management software;
• Knowledgeable about all facets of Sound Design and/or Game Music Composition for game design and development, including technical, managerial, and artistic advances, current research (traditional and applied), and industry developments;
• Extensive knowledge working with all primary game design, game programming, and management software applications, engines, and tools, as well as related hardware;
• Knowledge of sound design and game music composition software utilized in the industry;
• Knowledge of workflow in multi-platform game production and publication;
• Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills;
• Proven critical thinking, problem-solving, and judgment skills;
• Ability to successfully interact with the industry business and governmental communities;
• Demonstrated commitment and ability to work collaboratively within a complex work environment; and
• Possesses an approach that fosters a respectful, nonthreatening workplace environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Terminal degree in game related discipline, or 5+ years experience in the Game Design industry and publication of major entertainment or serious games; and
• Demonstrated ability working with a diverse population of artists, students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Instructions to Applicants:
For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Instructor or Assistant Professor of Game Design - Sound at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. 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: November 1, 2025
For Full Consideration, Apply by: January 31, 2026
Open Until Filled: Yes
Mason Ad Statement
George Mason University is a nationally ranked R1 research university committed to creating a more just, free, and prosperous world. With 40,000 enrolled students, George Mason is the largest and most diverse public research university in Virginia, offering degree programs at the master's, doctoral, and professional level, along with certificates and credentials.
George Mason fosters an All Together Different environment for students, faculty, and staff, driven by our core beliefs. We believe in inclusivity over exclusivity; we believe in advancing our mission by being willing to take risks, not avoiding them; and we believe our best work is possible when we apply our diversity of origin, identity, circumstance, and thought.
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.
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