"Game Studio Manager - Information Sciences & Technology - University at Albany"

Job Description

The Game Studio Manager supports the Game Design & Development (GDD) program by overseeing daily operations, scheduling, maintenance, and strategic utilization of the College's game studio facilities and supports the UAlbany's Game Center's public programming and community events. This includes a multifunction media production room, computer workstation studio, VoiceOver/vocal recording booth, small recording/mastering studio, and "gamehub" area used for playtesting, research, and creative exploration. The Manager ensures that all spaces operate safely, efficiently, and in alignment with curricular, research, and cocurricular activities. The position serves as the primary technical and operational resource for faculty, staff, and students engaged in game design, development, multimedia production, and collaborative studio work.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Facilities & Technology Operations Management
  • Oversee day to day operations of all GDD studio spaces to ensure safe, accessible, and effective use.
  • Maintain and troubleshoot hardware/software including game development workstations, multimedia displays, audio gear, consoles, VR/AR systems, and specialized production equipment.
  • Coordinate equipment lifecycle planning, upgrades, repairs, and replacements.
  • Ensure all spaces comply with University safety, security, and accessibility standards.
• Instructional, Technical, and Production Support
  • Provide hands-on technical support for faculty and students during classes, workshops, and labs.
  • Assist with audio recording, and small scale postproduction tasks in the recording/mastering studio.
  • Support student projects including prototyping, playtesting sessions, and capstone productions.
  • Create user guides, training materials, and onboarding resources for studio equipment and workflows.
• Scheduling, Coordination, and Program Support
  • Manage scheduling, reservations, and workflow coordination across all GDD studio facilities.
  • Collaborate with faculty on space planning for courses, game jams, research activities, and events.
  • Support external partnerships and special events such as showcases, exhibitions, and guest workshops.
  • Maintain inventory and oversee check-in/check-out procedures for equipment.
• Supervision & Student Staffing
  • Recruit, train, and supervise student assistants supporting the studio environment.
  • Provide leadership, oversight, and direction to ensure alignment with University goals and excellent service for all studio users.
  • Conduct performance feedback and maintain required documentation in accordance with University policy.
• Other reasonable duties as assigned.

Functional and Supervisory Relationships:

• Reports to Director of Game Design & Development
• Supervises the following positions: Student employees
• May supervise employees as assigned (if no direct reports at time of filling position)
• Collaborates with: College faculty and staff, ITS, Facilities Management, and other academic units.

Job Requirements:

• Strong technical knowledge of game development software (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine), digital content creation tools, and multimedia production environments.
• Familiarity with game consoles, controllers, VR/AR hardware, and physical playtesting setups.
• Knowledge of audio recording, digital audio workstations (DAWs), and basic post-production workflows.
• Ability to manage multiple facility functions, complex scheduling, and equipment inventories.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work collaboratively with faculty, students, and external partners.
• Ability to train others on equipment and studio processes in clear, accessible ways.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Applicants must demonstrate an ability to develop inclusive and equitable relationships within our diverse campus community
• Applicants must demonstrate an ability to support diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and belonging relative to their role

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from a college or University accredited by the US Department of Education or internationally recognized accrediting organization.
• 2 to 4 years of experience in game development, studio operations, multimedia production, digital lab management, or related technical environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Game Design, Game Development, Multimedia Production, Computer Science, Digital Media or related field from a college or University accredited by the US Department of Education or internationally recognized accrediting organization.
• 3 to 5 years of experience supporting game development workflows, multimedia production, or academic/creative studio environments.
• Experience supervising student or staff employees.
• Experience with audio engineering, motion capture, or interactive media technologies.
• Experience supporting instructional environments in higher education.

Working Environment:

• Typical office and studio environment; includes work with computers, audio/video equipment, and game hardware.
• Requires some evening/weekend availability depending on events or academic needs.
• May involve moving equipment, setting up studio spaces, or troubleshooting in technical environments.

Additional Information:

This is a promotional opportunity for current UAlbany employees.
Eligibility for Consideration:

• You must be employed at the University at Albany campus.
• You must be in a State-funded UUP professional position (MC employees are not eligible).
• You must have a permanent, term, or probationary appointment. Only temporary employees employed by UAlbany for three or more consecutive years can be considered eligible.

For details concerning the University's Promotion Policy for Professional Employees, please see HR Memorandum 88-4.
Professional Rank and Salary Grade: Senior Staff Assistant, SL3, $65,000