Program Manager, Studio Partnerships

Arizona State University • Los Angeles, CA

9d

About The Position

Arizona State University's GAME School is launching a Game Studio Production program based in Los Angeles and seeks a Program Manager, Studio Partnerships to help build it. The role supports the program's growth and sustainability through fundraising, resource development, and industry relationship-building that connects students with career pathways. The Program Manager identifies and cultivates funding for student projects, program events, and equipment, and develops internship pipelines with game studios in the Los Angeles area. The position works at the intersection of relationship-building, development, and program operations, contributing to the establishment of a new academic program in a major games-industry hub.

The GAME School, part of the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts, focuses on integrating human physical experience with computation and digital media. Its offerings include undergraduate and graduate degrees in media arts and sciences, an undergraduate degree in game design, and additional collaborative programs, minors, and certificates. The school's mission is to develop students' technofluency and prepare socially aware, critically thinking global citizens to contribute positively in a society increasingly shaped by new technologies.

The position is based off campus in Los Angeles. Its salary range is $70,304–$80,000 annually, depending on experience within the posted range. ASU describes its total compensation as including salary, a comprehensive benefits package, and access to discounted educational opportunities. Flexible work options may be available at the discretion of the school or unit; hybrid work, if approved, requires employees to spend at least 60% of their regular workweek at their primary ASU work location. Driving is not required.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and five years of experience appropriate to the area of assignment or field, or an equivalent combination of experience and/or training that provides comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Clearly communicate to perform essential functions.
• Ability to perform office-based activities, including extended periods of sitting, keyboarding, using a computer mouse, and using a telephone.
• Ability to stand for varying lengths of time and walk moderate distances to perform work.
• Ability to bend, reach, lift, push, and pull up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to quickly change priorities, including when resolving conflicts.

Nice To Haves

• Three to five years of experience working within or fundraising for the video game industry, entertainment industry, or related creative fields.
• Existing network of contacts within Los Angeles-area game studios or publishers.
• Experience developing internship or workforce pipeline programs.
• Experience in higher education advancement, development, or program management.
• Familiarity with game development processes and studio production pipelines.

Responsibilities

• Identify, cultivate, and secure funding from studios, publishers, industry partners, alumni, and foundations for student projects, program events, and equipment acquisition.
• Support recruitment efforts for GAME programs in Los Angeles as needed, in coordination with program leadership and admissions.
• Develop and maintain a pipeline of internship and job-shadow opportunities with game studios, publishers, and related companies in the Los Angeles area.
• Build and sustain industry relationships, serving as a primary liaison between the program and prospective partners and donors.
• Draft proposals, sponsorship packages, grant applications, and donor communications.
• Collaborate with faculty and program leadership to align fundraising priorities with curricular and student needs.
• Represent the program at industry events, conferences, and networking functions.
• Develop relationships with industry partners to ensure training programs align with employer needs and emerging technologies.
• Support strategic planning, special projects, and reporting efforts led by the Director and LA Faculty.

Benefits

• Comprehensive package of affordable benefit plans and programs.
• Access to educational opportunities at deeply discounted rates.
• Flexible work options, at school or unit discretion, potentially including alternative work schedules and hybrid work arrangements.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level