Job Description

Located in Redmond, Washington, DigiPen Institute of Technology is a small college that offers undergraduate degree programs in Computer Science, Game Design, Digital Audio and Music, and Digital Art and Animation, as well as Master’s degree programs in Computer Science and Digital Art. DigiPen Institute of Technology has been ranked one of the top 5 game design schools in the country by the Princeton Review for more than a decade.To learn more, visit: https://www.digipen.edu/ .

DigiPen also provides learning opportunities for elementary and secondary-level students to learn, create, collaborate, and experience the digital world through curricula and instructors that meet DigiPen’s stringent requirements.

Job Title: Open World Staff – Instructor & Event Support

Reports to David Robson, Director of Curriculum and Instruction

Join the Open World team to lead engaging workshops, afterschool programs, and special events for students K–12. Instructors work alongside co-teachers to create a safe, supportive, and fun learning environment across subjects such as computer science, game design, art and animation, robotics, music and sound, and more.

About Open World

Our Philosophy: Every child who attends our workshops should come away feeling engaged by our instructors and industry guests, excited to share what they learned and created, empowered with the skills to continue creating, and cared for by every member of our team.

Open World Core Values

• Exploration – Students discover and dive deep into new fields.
• Problem Solving – Activities build skills that extend beyond our programs.
• Industry Connection – Students meet and learn from real industry professionals.
• Care – Every student feels seen and supported.
• Fun – Focus on enjoyable, inspiring experiences over rigid academic outcomes.

Who’s on the team?

In addition to student staff, there are four year-round Open World team members:

• Emily Kirby, VP of Open World

• David Robson, Director of Curriculum and Instruction

• Brittan Rosa, Assistant Director for Marketing

• Emily Collins, Operations Manager

Before you apply, please review the following information:

Schedule & Commitment

• Afterschool Programs – Up to 5 hours/week during the school year.
• Monthly Events – Up to 5 hours/month.
• Other Events – Additional hours as needed for community, outreach, or industry events.

Locations & Hours

• Locations: DigiPen Institute of Technology (Redmond, WA) and other nearby locations as scheduled
• Hours: Afternoon/evening schedules for afterschool programs and events.
• Hours vary based on program and event needs.

Essential Functions

• Work with a co-teacher for K12 afterschool sessions, monthly events, and special activities.
• Engage students through interactive, hands-on learning.
• Maintain a safe, productive, caring, and fun environment for all.
• Communicate professionally with parents, students, and team members.
• Help answer questions from students and parents.
• Adapt to changing student needs and support all learners.
• Assist in set-up, breakdown, and preparation of activities.
• Track and report time worked.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Skills:

• Knowledge in one or more: computer science, art/animation, game design, robotics, music/sound design, or related fields.
• Ability to work collaboratively with co-teachers and other team members.
• Strong communication and organization skills.
• Ability to engage and connect with children and teens.
• Ability to provide a supportive experience to all students and adapt to changing student support needs.
• Completed high school.

Bonus Skills/Attributes:

• Experience with K–12 students.
• CPR/First Aid certification.
• Leadership, teaching, or event-planning experience.
• Strong attention to detail.

Additional Knowledge (Highly Recommended)

• Art & Animation: fundamentals (perspective, shading, form, color theory), 2D/3D animation production.
• Game Design: principles, Unity, Unreal, core programming concepts and high-level languages (C#, Block-coding, JavaScript).
• Music & Sound Design: theory, composition, sound design, digital audio workstations.
• Programming: fundamentals, game/software development, competence with programming languages (C#, C++, JavaScript, Python)
• Robotics: Lego/VEX kits, motor/sensor programming, core engineering principles.

Compensation

• $20/hour starting rate.
• Returning staff with prior K–12 program experience at DigiPen: up to $30/hour.
• Not benefits-eligible.

Application requirements

• Applicants need to provide a resume and cover letter

Working Conditions

• May involve lifting, carrying, stooping, kneeling, pushing, and/or pulling.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs.
• Must pass criminal background check and 5-panel (non-THC) drug screen.

Expected dates of employment: August 25, 2025 – May 29, 2026

Expected number of hours per week: 5 - 10

Equal opportunity is a priority of DigiPen Institute of Technology, as the institution is committed to fostering a positive learning environment for all. The Institute's intent is to hire the most qualified individuals for faculty and staff, attracting candidates from diverse backgrounds of race and ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic status, veteran status, nationality, culture, religion, and physical abilities. We are committed to broadening our candidate pool to include more diverse individuals and ensuring fairness in hiring by avoiding bias and determining criteria to judge all candidates prior to posting each new position.