Instructional Assistant (Part-Time), Professional and Continuing Education – Game Design

University of Washington; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

University of Washington Continuum College is seeking a part-time Instructional Assistant for the non-credit Game Design certificate program. The position supports the instructor, engages with students, and helps grade work, with assignments lasting around 10 weeks aligned to UW quarter terms.

Applicants should have at least one year of experience in game mechanics and design, and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum one year of professional experience in game mechanics and systems design.
• Familiarity with game study roles and game development.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Ability and desire to work with individuals from various cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Support instructor in facilitating remote class sessions, if relevant (e.g., helping to manage Zoom).
• Respond to student inquiries with timely answers (24h online, 72h grading).
• Monitor student engagement with online course materials and peers.
• Check in with students to support progress in the course.
• Coordinate with the course instructor to ensure curriculum continuity.
• Provide grading support as directed by the instructor.
• Collaborate with program manager and instructional team on feedback.
• Observe privacy laws and policies (FERPA, HIPAA).

Skills

Game mechanics

Game design

Communication

Mentoring

Job description

Instructional Assistant (Part-Time), Professional and Continuing Education – Game Design

Position Overview

Title: Instructional Assistant (Part-Time), Professional and Continuing Education – Game Design

Position Description

UW Continuum College expands the reach of the University of Washington by delivering educational programs that meet the needs of learners at all phases of their lives. We’re focused on removing obstacles to relevant educational opportunities by addressing geographic, financial, length of commitment, and time constraints, increasing access to knowledge for more people. By looking ahead and experimenting with new approaches, we’re creating new educational opportunities to help people thrive in a world of change.

UW Continuum College (UWC2) has an outstanding opportunity for a part-time instructional assistant in Professional & Continuing Education (PCE) Game Design non-credit Certificate program . Instructional assistants serve in a key role in Certificate programs, engaging with students, collaborating with the instructor, grading student work, and monitoring student progress. Applicants will be considered for the program beginning October 2026.

The pay range for this position is $22 - 25 per hour, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Length of assignments and shifts vary depending on specific staffing needs of individual courses and programs.

Professional and Continuing Education Instructional Assistants…

• Support instructor in facilitating remote class sessions, if relevant (e.g., helping to manage Zoom).
• Serve as the primary responder to student inquiries such as content questions, assignment questions, policies, etc. Use discretion on when to elevate questions to the instructor or the appropriate administrative staff. Timely response is 24 hours for email and discussion board posts and 72 hours to grade assignments.
• Monitor student engagement with the online course materials and and with peers, including online discussion forums.
• Check in with students as needed to support their progress in the course.
• Coordinate with the course instructor to ensure curriculum continuity.
• Provide grading support as directed by the instructor.
• Collaborate with program manager, instructor, and the rest of the instructional team to address student course evaluation feedback.
• Work collaboratively with the course instructor, adapting an approach based on feedback and sound pedagogical practices.
• Maintain high standards of professionalism, timeliness, and content relevance for adult students from different backgrounds.
• Complete instructor onboarding process and relevant learning technology training.
• Observe FERPA, HIPAA, and other privacy laws and policies.

PCE courses are generally 10 weeks in duration and align with the UW academic quarter calendar. PCE offers courses in a variety of formats – see the course webpage to find out about the available formats. Information on the Game Design program may be found at https://www.pce.uw.edu/certificates/game-design .

UWC2 Extension Lecturers / Instructional Assistants are Academic Staff, not faculty. These are part‑time, temporary positions.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum one year of professional experience in game mechanics and systems design.
• Familiarity with game study roles and game development.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Ability and desire to successfully work with individuals from various cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Legal authorization to work and receive compensation in the United States. These positions are not eligible for visa sponsorship.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior teaching or mentoring experience, particularly with adult learners.
• Prior experience with online learning.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81 .

Benefits Information

The University is committed to providing excellent benefits to our faculty. For a summary of available benefits, please see UWHR benefits information .

Privacy Notice

Your application materials may be used for employment consideration and shared in accordance with UW’s Privacy Policy.

Disability Services

The University of Washington is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [e-mail].

The University of Washington is using Interfolio's Faculty Search to conduct this search. Applicants to this position receive a free Dossier account and can send all application materials, including confidential letters of recommendation, free of charge.

For help signing up, accessing your account, or submitting your application, please check out Interfolio's help and support section or get in touch via email at [e-mail] or phone at [phone].

Title IX Notice

The University of Washington does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination and sex-based harassment in its education programs and activities, including in admission and employment. Refer to the UW policies page on the Title IX website to review (1) the University’s policies prohibiting sex- and gender-based violence, harassment, and discrimination and (2) the related procedures for addressing complaints.

To report information or make a complaint about conduct that may constitute sex discrimination or sex-based harassment, submit an online Title IX report or email or call the Office of the Title IX Coordinator.

Office of the Title IX Coordinator

Valery Richardson, Title IX Coordinator
4311 11th Ave NE Seattle, WA 98105
206-221-7932
[e-mail]