Edtech.com's Summary

Arizona State University is hiring a Program Assistant Director, Games-Based Learning. This role leads and supports the planning, management, development, and evaluation of the Endless Games & Learning Lab's strategy and activities, focusing on how games, play, and AI-driven systems transform learning and assessment. The position involves directing research initiatives, developing educational programs, mentoring teams, securing funding partnerships, and managing operational aspects in coordination with the Lab Director.

Highlights

Lead multi-institutional research initiatives in game-based learning, AI-enhanced assessment, and micro-credential systems.
Co-design and oversee Make-to-Learn and Play-to-Learn programs integrating learning theory and game design.
Author and co-author grant proposals, journal articles, and conference papers supporting ASU's leadership in games-based learning.
Supervise graduate students, research staff, and student assistants; foster collaboration across academia, industry, and community partners.
Build partnerships with schools, nonprofits, industry collaborators, and research sponsors to expand the Lab's impact and funding.
Support project management, budgeting, reporting, and evaluation of Lab initiatives alongside the Director and administrative team.
Must have a Ph.D. in Education, Learning Sciences, Human Development, Game Design, Media Studies, or a related field.
Required experience includes seven years in the field or equivalent, demonstrated research excellence, and managing interdisciplinary teams.
Strong collaboration record with K-12, higher education, or community-based learning initiatives.
Salary range is $78,000 to $110,000 annually, depending on experience.

Program Assistant Director, Games-Based Learning Full Description

Job Profile:Administrative Operations Specialist 4

Job Family:Administrative Operations

Time Type:Full time

Max Pay - Depends on experience:$110,000.00 USD Annual

Apply before 11:59 PM Arizona time the day before the posted End Date.

Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor's degree and seven (7) years of experience appropriate to the area of assignment/field; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or training from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Job Profile Summary:
Provides leadership and support in planning, managing, developing, and evaluating departmental strategy, initiatives and activities.

Job Description:

The Endless Games & Learning Lab at Arizona State University is seeking an accomplished scholar and practitioner to serve as Program Assistant Director in Games-Based Learning. This position plays a critical leadership role in advancing the Lab's mission to explore how games, play, and AI-driven systems can transform learning, assessment, and equitable access to education.

The Program Assistant Director will work closely with the Founding Director to shape and implement the Lab's research strategy, lead externally funded projects, mentor interdisciplinary teams, and expand collaborations across ASU and global partners. The ideal candidate combines deep expertise in educational research and learning sciences with a creative, practice-based approach to games and interactive media.

Position Salary Range:

$78,000 - $110,000; depending on experience within posted range

Essential Duties:

Strategic Research Leadership: Direct and contribute to multi-institutional research initiatives on game-based learning, AI-enhanced assessment, and micro credential systems.
Program Development: Co-design and oversee Make-to-Learn and Play-to-Learn programs, integrating learning theory, game design, and empirical research.
Grant & Publication Leadership: Author and co-author high-impact proposals, journal articles, and conference papers that position ASU as a global leader in games-based learning.
Mentorship & Team Development: Supervise graduate students, research staff, and student assistants; foster a collaborative environment that bridges academia, industry, and community partners.
Partnership & Outreach: Build partnerships with schools, nonprofit organizations, industry collaborators, and research sponsors to extend the Lab's impact and secure sustained funding.
Operational Leadership: Support project management, budgeting, reporting, and evaluation of Lab initiatives in coordination with the Director and administrative team.

Desired Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Education, Learning Sciences, Human Development, Game Design, Media Studies, or a related field.
Demonstrated research excellence in games-based learning, digital pedagogy, or educational technology, as evidenced by publications, presentations, and funded projects.
Experience leading interdisciplinary teams or managing research programs with measurable learning outcomes.
Proven success developing and evaluating curricula, learning frameworks, or assessment models grounded in equity and inclusivity.
Strong record of collaboration with K-12, higher education, or community-based learning initiatives.
Excellent written, verbal, and visual communication skills, including experience translating complex research into actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Working Environment:

Activities are performed in an environmentally controlled office setting subject to extended periods of sitting, keyboarding and manipulating a computer mouse 75 percent
Required to stand for varying lengths of time and walk moderate distances to perform work 10 percent.
Ability to communicate effectively to perform essential functions.
Frequent bending, reaching, lifting, pushing and pulling up to 25 pounds 15 percent.
Regular activities require ability to quickly change priorities, which may include or are subject to resolution of conflicts.

Department Statement:

The Herberger Institute comprises six schools: ASU FIDM; the School of Art; The Design School; The Sidney Poitier New American Film School; The GAME School; and the School of Music, Dance and Theatre; as well as the ASU Art Museum and the ASU FIDM Museum. With programs ranked top 20 and more than 135 degree and certificate options in art, architecture, dance, design, fashion, film, gaming, media arts and sciences, music, and more, plus expert faculty, state-of-the-art immersive media facilities, notable performing arts venues, and national and international partnerships, the Herberger Institute is a powerhouse of art, culture and design and a model of inclusive excellence.

In a rapidly changing world, design and the arts aren't luxuries—they're essential. At the Herberger Institute, we harness the transformative power of creativity to solve real-world challenges and shape a more compassionate, connected future.

Our students work across disciplines—combining science, engineering, design, storytelling and the arts—to create solutions that benefit people and the planet. We're expanding access, removing barriers and providing the resources students need to thrive, because the talent to shape the future is already here.

Together, we're designing not just new careers, but new systems of care, connection and possibility.

https://herbergerinstitute.asu.edu/

Why work at ASU - https://cfo.asu.edu/why-work-asu: Total compensation at ASU is defined as more than the salary paid for the valuable work performed to support the success of our ASU students. It includes:

Salary and wages paid
Comprehensive package of affordable benefit plans and programs
Access to world-class educational opportunities at deeply discounted rates
ASU's total compensation estimator shows the approximate value of your overall compensation

ASU is a diverse enterprise with a wide variety of work and learning modes, locations and a commitment to sustainability, innovation and employee work-life balance. We are determined to maintain our position as an employer of choice in a competitive labor market.

Flexible work options

Alternative work schedules can include four, 10-hour workdays in a workweek; a nine-day, 80-hour schedule over two workweeks for exempt employees only; and staggered start and stop times.
Hybrid work is an arrangement where employees spend a minimum of 60% of their regular workweek at their primary ASU work location. Dean or vice president-level approval is required.

Driving Requirement:Driving is not required for this position.

Location:Off-Campus: Mesa/Tempe

Funding:No Federal Funding

Instructions to Apply:

Current Employees and Students should apply directly within Workdayusing the Jobs Hub. Use this link and log in using SSO:

https://www.myworkday.com/asu/d/inst/1$9925/9925$15857.htmld

To be considered, your application must include all of the following attachments:

Cover letter
Resume/CV

Note: Multiple documents can be submitted into the attachment box. Alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF for submission.

Please include all employment information in month/year format (e.g., 6/88 to 8/94), job title, job duties and name of employer for each position. Resume should clearly illustrate how prior knowledge and experience meets the Minimum and Desired qualifications of this position. NOTE: GA and Intern positions are counted as .5 for job experience (ie. 1 year equals 6 months experience equivalency). Only electronic applications are accepted for this position.

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ASU Statement:

Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions inclusive excellence, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.

ASU is a tobacco-free university. For details visit https://wellness.asu.edu/explore-wellness/body/alcohol-and-drugs/tobacco

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

Notice of Availability of the ASU Annual Security and Fire Safety Report:

In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf. You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at 480-965-3456.

Relocation Assistance - For information about schools, housing child resources, neighborhoods, hospitals, community events, and taxes, visit https://cfo.asu.edu/az-resources.

Employment Verification Statement:

ASU conducts pre-employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.

Background Check Statement:

ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check.

Fingerprint Check Statement:This position is considered safety/security sensitive and will include a fingerprint check. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the fingerprint check.

Original Job Description