Open World Staff - Event / Summer Instructor, Su25

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, Computer Engineering, 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 - Event / Summer Instructor, Su25

Reports to: Danny Samuels, Director of Curriculum and Instruction

Open World is looking for full-time, temporary Event and Summer Instructors to lead our event and summer workshops, working with a co-teacher to introduce students to STEAM fields and create an engaging, supportive, and fun learning environment. We are looking for enthusiastic, kind, and professional candidates who enjoy working with kids.

Open World 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: Our program allows students to explore new fields and dive deep into subjects they are passionate about.
• Fun: Our program experience is focused on fun and exposure, rather than academic outcomes that must be achieved.
• Industry connection: Our students will experience a direct connection to the interactive media industry, via our instructors and industry guests.
• Problem solving: Through our workshops’ fun and engaging activities, our students will learn problem solving skills that can be applied outside of our program.
• Care: Every student who attends our workshops will feel seen and cared for.

Who’s on the team?

In addition to summer staff, there are five year-round Open World team members:

• Emily Kirby, VP of Open World
• Danny Samuels, Director of Curriculum and Instruction
• David Robson, Curriculum Developer
• Brittan Wilkey, Assistant Director of Marketing
• Emily Collins, Operations Manager

Before you apply, please review the following information:

• Summer staff must be available from June 9-August 15, 2025
• Staff training: June 9 – 20, 2025 (Hours may fluctuate between 30 - 40 hours a week during training so financially plan accordingly)
• Workshops: June 23 – August 15, 2025 for all staff
• Workshops: August 18 - August 22 for a smaller crew (this will be offered out during the hiring process based on need and fit)
• Locations: DigiPen Institute of Technology (Redmond, WA), Cascadia College (Bothell, WA)
• Hours fall between 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., but schedules may vary depending on specific responsibilities and location (40 hours max)
• Must a pass a criminal background check and 5-panel (non-THC) drug screen
• Workshops are held on-site at DigiPen and off-site at Cascadia College. You may be asked to work at either location. Transportation will be provided when necessary.

Essential Functions

• Work with a co-teacher to lead one- to two-week workshops for K-12 students
• Engage all students in active learning
• Maintain a safe, productive, caring, fun environment for all
• Communicate with parents, students, and teammates clearly and professionally
• Help answer questions from students and parents
• Other duties as assigned
• Accountable for tracking and reporting the amount of time worked

Qualifications

Required Skills:

• Knowledge in any of the fields of computer science, art and animation, game design, robotics, music and sound design, or other relevant experience
• Ability to work collaboratively with a co-teacher and other team members
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Ability to engage students; enjoys working with children and teens
• Ability to provide a supportive experience to all students and adapt to changing student support needs
• Strong attention to detail
• Must have completed high school

Bonus Skills/Attributes:

• Previous experience with K-12 students
• Has current CPR/first aid certification
• Leadership or presentation experience
• Previous teaching experience
• Experience planning and leading events, clubs, or group activities
• Strong attention to detail

Additional Knowledge

The following knowledge and skills are highly recommended but not required:

Art and Animation

• Art fundamentals (perspective, shading, form, and color theory)
• 2D and/or 3D animation production experience

Game Design

• Understanding of basic game design principles and concepts
• Unity Development
• Unreal Engine Development
• Basic programming concepts including -variables, iteration, conditionals, and functions in any high-level language such as C , C#, Java, and JavaScript
• Frequent and enthusiastic player of tabletop and video games

Music & Sound Design

• Basic understanding of music theory
• Intermediate knowledge and skill with composing music and sound design
• Experience working with digital audio workstation software

Programming

• Foundational knowledge and experience programming with high-level programming, including such as C , C#, Java, and JavaScript
• Experience applying fundamental software engineering processes and practices to write a variety of software, including simple games

Robotics

• Experience working with robotic kits made by Lego or Vexx
• Experience programming basic robotic elements, including motors and sensors

Compensation

• $20 – $40 per hour
• Returning staff who have previously worked in K12 summer programs at DigiPen may qualify for up to $40 per hour

Not benefits eligible.

Application requirements

• Applicants need to provide a resume and cover letter
• Artists need to supply a link to a portfolio or PDF

Working Conditions

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands:

• Some lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling
• Some stooping, kneeling, or crouching
• Able to lift up to 25 lbs.

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.