Video Game Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

About SMASH
At SMASH, we aim to build a strong STEM workforce through academic learning and experiential engagement for high school and college students. We empower dedicated students in STEM fields through intensive education, rigorous coursework, and access to resources, aiming to cultivate success in college and careers. Our vision is to create a STEM ecosystem where every student can thrive in the global economy. By providing opportunities, we seek to enrich our communities and workplaces with well-prepared, competitive leaders.
This is a pivotal time for SMASH as SMASH builds on the success of our programs. Working at SMASH is about rapid growth, grit, personal commitment, accountability, and courage to challenge the status quo. If you have what it takes to change the STEM landscape, we want to hear from you.
SMASH is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization operating under the umbrella of the Kapor Center family of organizations.
Position Description
Reporting to the Program Director, the Game Design Workshop Facilitator will play an integral role in delivering and sustaining the transformative learning experience that SMASH Scholars need to pursue, persist, and succeed in STEM. Game Design Workshop Facilitators will co-facilitate with one other facilitator, guiding a group of around 25 scholars through project-based learning.
The Game Design Workshop Facilitator will lead scholars through an engaging, hands-on exploration of game design and development. Facilitators will guide groups of scholars as they learn key concepts in gameplay mechanics, storytelling, and game aesthetics while creating their own playable games.
Facilitators will support scholars in both whole-group and small-group settings, fostering a collaborative learning environment centered on the pedagogy of Play, Create, Share, and Reflect. The ideal facilitator will empower scholars to take ownership of their learning journey, encouraging discovery and problem-solving rather than providing direct answers. In addition to supporting technical skill development, facilitators will help scholars build project management abilities, strengthen creative agency, and develop collaborative skills through activities like playtesting and peer feedback.
Strong Game Design Workshop Facilitators will:

• Create an inclusive, engaging learning environment where scholars feel comfortable experimenting and taking creative risks
• Balance constructive feedback with positive encouragement
• Guide scholars through the complete game development process, from initial concept to finished product
• Support scholars in developing game design documents and pitch presentations
• Foster discussions about inclusivity and diversity in game design
• Implement effective classroom management strategies while maintaining a fun, collaborative atmosphere

Facilitators do not need to be game designers to teach the workshop. Training, detailed session guides, and game design resources are available to support facilitators and learners as they navigate through the workshop. The most important qualities are a passion for supporting young learners, curiosity about game design, and willingness to problem-solve alongside scholars.
Summer learning will culminate in a final project presentation and the chance to win a national competition consisting of competitors from all regions.
This is a 3-week assignment, with an additional commitment of training prior to launch, and a virtual close out after SMASH Academy (see chart below for dates). Facilitators will be working with scholars both in person and virtually and will need to embrace and model flexibility, adaptability, and a solution-oriented mindset.
As this role has a virtual component, we expect staff to provide the following - their own personal computer (desktop or laptop) that has a working webcam, speaker and microphone for video conferencing capabilities (i.e. Zoom, Google Hangouts, Cisco Webex); reliable Internet connection (at least 25 Mbps download speed); and quiet work space for virtual programming. If you cannot provide your own equipment, please speak with your Program Director.
You must be available for all training and program dates.
Onboarding
6.27.2026 (National, Virtual)
Staff Training
6.29.2026 - 7.2.2026 (Virtual)
7.10.2026 (Site-specific, In-Person)
SMASH Academy
7.13.2026 - 7.24.2026 (Site-specific, In-Person)
Virtual Close Out
7.30.2026
Key responsibilities include but are not limited to those listed below.

• Attend Training (see dates above)
• Adhere to the structure of curriculum provided by SMASH
• Facilitate Game Design Workshop Sessions
• • 1.5hr sessions 5 days/week
  • Alternate between whole group, small group, and individual facilitation
  • Facilitate learning through inquiry
  • • Adequately prep for sessions by reviewing material
    • Take attendance and communicate absences with Program Director and/or Program Coordinator
    • Guide conversation between participants, ensuring all voices are heard
    • Manage the space to ensure outcomes are met for the day and that the group is on track relative to larger outcomes and goals for the summer
  • Continuously assess scholar learning, provide feedback, and pivot as needed
  • Communicate and reflect with co-facilitators to ensure activities are aligned and ensure outcomes are met
  • Log student achievement data on a weekly basis
• Attend Weekly Staff Meetings (1hr/week)
• Attend Staff Closeout
• Ensure Completion of Deliverables (e.g. log pre + post assessment scores, attendance, staff surveys, final inventory, etc.)

Required Attributes:

• Collaboration: Exceptional listening, communication, and presentation skills; excellent time management and organizational skills; timeliness and dependability; courageously candid when facing difficult conversations
• Relationship Building: Welcome and embrace individual differences of everyone in the room; humility; patience when navigating situations; ability to listen to multiple perspectives; restorative approach to relationship building and conflict resolution
• Problem Solving: Remain curious, innovative, iterative, and quickly pivot as needed; keep activities on track, think creatively, and act swiftly in the face of unanticipated events; make data-based decisions
• Resilience: Approach situations with a growth mindset, adapt, and reflect to ensure desired outcome(s) are met

What you bring:

• Commitment to SMASH's mission; willingness to embrace goals/values is essential
• Demonstrated experience and success co-facilitating workshops with 15-25 participants (preferably at high school level)
• A belief that ALL scholars are capable of growing and achieving as learners
• Previous experience with adopting and adapting to new technologies through self-guidance and video tutorials
• Results-driven; work around potential obstacles to ensure all goals are met and deliverables are completed by the end of program
• Knowledge of 21st Century skills
• Demonstrated effectiveness working with low-income, first generation college youth of color in diverse fields
• Desire to teach with technology and improve technological skills as needed
• Willingness to be self-reflective and reflexive about your individual teaching philosophy and practice

• Excellent management skills; openness to various and/or new pedagogical and facilitation approaches

• Flexibility in your availability for training dates and event dates
• Virtual learning experience a plus

Application Information:
Apply for this position below and ensure you can make the training and program dates (see table in above section of Job Description). If applying to multiple sites, please rank your site preference in the application.
The application includes a place to upload your resume and cover letter and to provide written responses to specific prompts. This position will close when filled.
If you have been selected for this position by your Program Director (PD), an application is required (you do not need to submit a cover letter) and your PD will send you the link to apply Please also submit the recommitment form provided by your PD, and SMASH will send you your updated offer letter.
Compensation:
This is a non-exempt position. The hourly compensation for this position is estimated to be $30.00. Should the employee miss any hours or days of work, the daily and therefore total compensation will be adjusted accordingly. If your assignment ends earlier than we anticipate for any reason, your compensation may also be reduced accordingly. Please note, pay will be variable per pay period based on part-time and full-time phases of the program. These policies are subject to variation based on specific circumstances.
Statement of Non-Discrimination:
In keeping with our beliefs and goals, no employee or applicant will face discrimination/harassment based on: race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, or veteran status. Above and beyond discrimination/harassment based on "protected categories," SMASH also strives to prevent other subtler forms of inappropriate behavior (i.e., stereotyping) from ever gaining a foothold in our office. Whether blatant or hidden, barriers to success have no place at SMASH.
We value a diverse workforce: people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.