Senior Interaction Designer

Description

Games can change the world. You whole-heartedly believe this statement.

You are a gamer, an interactivity designer, with an intense desire to turn human experiences with technology products into positive, fruitful interactions.

You design serious games--games that challenge, make you reconsider the possibilities, and test the way we typically look at education.

You want to join a small, dynamic team with big ideas and the drive to produce compelling and creative educational experiences for students.

The AVID Center is currently seeking a Senior Interaction Designer, working out of the San Diego office. Under the direction of the Director of Interaction Design, the Senior Interaction Designer will support the development of interactive online and digital content for AVID Center's Interaction Design Team. Success in this role calls for a combination of strong creativity and analytical aptitude. A broad set of design skills will be required, including creative direction. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in online human-centric interaction design, mobile and social games.

Essential Duties:
Excel at taking a high-level concept, fleshing it out, and implementing well thought-out designs and design documents
Talent for finding creative ways to translate educational concepts into fun game experiences
Able to create user interface flows
Willing to get in the trenches to make the best possible interactive educational game experience
Able to organize and balance game mechanics with educational outcomes in fun and interesting ways
Work closely with developers to script levels and gameplay, using a variety of scripting languages
Define specific rules and needs so developers can build simple tools for implementation
Develop and maintain design documentation, including but not limited to mechanics, guidelines, and mission outlines
Provide scripting for interactive educational experiences and game missions, including revisions and bug fixing
Invested in maintaining a highly visible workflow so design does not happen in a vacuum
Able to handle content pipeline
Analyze user feedback and metrics to adjust design of interactivity / gameplay
Performs other similar duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Proven track record of successful product deliveries
Experience with post-launch tweaking of gameplay or interactivity, based on user feedback and analytics
Experience with design thinking and agile methodologies
Team player with (quirky, off the wall, dark--you tell us) sense of humor coupled with a knack to persevere a huge plus!

Desired Skills & Experience:

A master-level designer who iterates on designs quickly
Passion for innovative games, interactive experiences, and education--you play games and make them!
Active listening. Your communication, be it in person, over the phone, or by email is impeccable
Excellent understanding of web / mobile development, from concept through key project milestones to release
Dedicated to ensuring quality and consistency across interactive product design
Comfortable working under pressure and to deadlines, able to establish priorities, work independently, and proceed with established objectives

The ideal candidate will possess a four-year college degree or advanced degree preferred with a minimum of 4+ years of experience in designing human-centered interactive experiences, mobile and social games. Education may be substituted for required experience. A Background in education is preferred.

The AVID Center offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 403b retirement contribution, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability and tuition reimbursement. Our environment is centered on team work and collaboration in a fast paced, friendly and fun atmosphere.

Important Note: Offers of employment made by the AVID Center are contingent upon the satisfactory outcome of a background check performed by an independent, accredited firm.