Learning Lead - Middle East Region

Location: Candidate should be based in or able to relocate to Abu Dhabi or nearby commute

Type: Full Time

About Endless Studios:

Endless Studios is a youth-centered global game-making studio where the next generation of creators apprentice with professionals to create worlds and develop games. Inspired by the collective culture of open-source software communities and the creative culture of game modding communities, Endless Studios operates as a globally distributed, massively open youth-focused game making studio and learning community utilizing custom-built technology platforms. Our mission is to use games and game-making as a catalyst to help light up emerging markets, spur global creativity and a wider diversity of voices in the games and media sector, and help youth become the digital creators of tomorrow in a wide variety of sectors, with a focus on creativity and entrepreneurship. Through prior products like Minecraft.Edu, Gamestar Mechanic, The Endless Mission, Terminal Two, and XPrize Connect Code Games Challenge, the founding team at Endless Studios has touched the lives of millions over the past 10 years.

About the Opportunity :

Endless Studios is currently engaged in several ongoing learning programs in the UAE, based locally in Abu Dhabi, but with program reach throughout the Emirates with current programs in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai, and other emerging opportunities, as well as proposed activities in KSA and other regionally adjacent areas in the Middle-East. While Endless is active globally, this opportunity is to act as the regional leader for Endless in this area of the world, providing daily leadership and managing regional personnel, mentors, and overseeing all aspects of program design and delivery in concert with operations and development staff, serving as the main point of contact with the global team in every area of the company. The UAE is a unique and vital testbed for programs that will scale internationally.

Reports To :

Chief Learning Officer, Endless Studios

Key Responsibilities:

• Leading and managing a team of game design and development mentors (both full and part-time, both in-and-out-of-region) in delivering quality educational programs, experiences, and activities to schools and organizations in the region, as well as on a direct-to-consumer basis and just-in-time learning;
• Providing training, support and guidance to mentors to ensure consistent delivery of educational programs;
• Mentoring, developing, and running in-person and online programs;
• Providing evaluation and quality assurance for both programs and personnel running these programs, and constantly improving outcomes for the learners;
• Serving as a chief point of contact, building relationships with schools, government, organizations, and other stakeholders to increase engagement and participation and expand the company's reach;
• Leading curriculum design in game making in concert with the global team under the direction of the Chief Learning Officer, engaging with and operationalizing program assessment activities, and preparing and delivering reports on regional programs;
• Ensuring that all educational programs are aligned with the company's mission and values, and meet the needs of our learners, our partners, and our program sponsors;
• Collaborating with the internal team to ensure seamless integration of educational programs with the company's products and services.

Requirements:

• A bachelor's degree in a relevant field to the position. Graduate education in the field is a strong plus.
• 5+ years of experience in a senior education leadership role, especially with online learning communities or platforms, a game design or production role, or a combination of the two: industry experience is a plus, educational experience is a plus, recognizing that throughout Endless Studios we all have different backgrounds and experiences transcending both games and education in varying proportion;
• A personal passion for games, as well as a literacy of gaming history, genres, etc.;
• A personal passion for learning, empowering the next generation, and seeing technology as a platform for creativity;
• Ability to design and implement curriculum in in the disciplines of game-making in a team-based, collaborative setting, and to manage iteration and continual improvement of same;
• Strong track record of successfully leading and managing teams in delivering education and design programs;
• Proven experience in building and managing relationships with schools, governments, funding agencies, organizations and other stakeholders relative to both in-person and on-line modalities and operations;
• Strong understanding of 21st century computing and creative skills and the ability to translate this into educational programs at multiple levels from beginners through pre-professional;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with a diverse range of stakeholders;
• Excitement at the prospect of working in a rapidly-evolving environment, start-up experience a plus;
• Experience in the Middle East is a strong preference.

Travel :

International travel is required, both within the region and occasionally to meetings and retreats globally.

Salary and Compensation :

Compensation will be commensurate with experience and background, and competitive in the region. Please include expectations and requirements in your application.

Relocation Package :

For applicants not currently in-region, a relocation package will be negotiated in terms of reasonable costs for moving, family travel, corporate housing during an initial start-up phase, realtor recommendations and staff advice on regional communities, and visa application and processing support. We are committed to bringing the right talent to the region to succeed.

In Conclusion:

This is a unique opportunity to join a small, ambitious, and growing team with a mission to bring youth in the region into one of the fastest growing global youth game making companies. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the future of education in the region and define a global platform that has the potential to educate millions of young creators in the skills of tomorrow.

Endless Studios values diverse perspectives and voices on our teams. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.