2026 SMASH Academy - Game Design Workshop Facilitator (Northeastern)

2026 SMASH Academy - Design Thinking Workshop Facilitator (Northeastern)

Join to apply for the 2026 SMASH Academy - Design Thinking Workshop Facilitator (Northeastern) role at SMASH.

About SMASH

At SMASH, we aim to build a strong STEM workforce through academic learning and experiential engagement for high school and college students. We empower dedicated students in STEM fields through intensive education, rigorous coursework, and access to resources, aiming to cultivate success in college and careers. Our vision is to create a STEM ecosystem where every student can thrive in the global economy and enrich communities with well‑prepared, competitive leaders.

This is a pivotal time for SMASH as we build on the success of our programs. Working at SMASH is about rapid growth, grit, personal commitment, accountability, and the courage to challenge the status quo. If you have what it takes to change the STEM landscape, we want to hear from you. SMASH is a 502(c)(3) not‑for‑profit organization operating under the Kapor Center umbrella.

Position Description

Reporting to the Program Director, the Design Thinking Workshop Facilitator will play an integral role in delivering and sustaining the transformative learning experience that SMASH Scholars need to pursue, persist, and succeed in STEM. Game Design Workshop Facilitators co‑facilitate with one other facilitator, guiding a group of around 25 scholars through project‑based learning.

The facilitator will lead scholars through an engaging, hands‑on exploration of game design and development, teaching key concepts in gameplay mechanics, storytelling, and game aesthetics while creating their own playable games. Facilitators will support scholars in both whole‑group and small‑group settings, fostering a collaborative learning environment centered on the pedagogy of Play, Create, Share, and Reflect.

The ideal facilitator will empower scholars to take ownership of their learning journey, encouraging discovery and problem‑solving rather than providing direct answers. In addition to supporting technical skill development, facilitators will help scholars build project management abilities, strengthen creative agency, and develop collaborative skills through activities like playtesting and peer feedback.

Strong Game Design Workshop Facilitators Will

• Create an inclusive, engaging learning environment where scholars feel comfortable experimenting and taking creative risks
• Balance constructive feedback with positive encouragement
• Guide scholars through the complete game development process, from initial concept to finished product
• Support scholars in developing game design documents and pitch presentations
• Foster discussions about inclusivity and diversity in game design
• Implement effective classroom management strategies while maintaining a fun, collaborative atmosphere

Facilitators do not need to be game designers to teach the workshop. Training, detailed session guides, and game design resources are available to support facilitators and learners. The most important qualities are a passion for supporting young learners, curiosity about game design, and willingness to problem‑solve alongside scholars.

Summer learning culminates in a final project presentation and the chance to win a national competition consisting of competitors from all regions.

This is a 3‑week assignment, with an additional commitment of training prior to launch, and a virtual close‑out after SMASH Academy (see chart below for dates). Facilitators will be working with scholars both in person and virtually and must embrace flexibility, adaptability, and a solution‑oriented mindset.

As this role has a virtual component, staff must provide their own personal computer (desktop or laptop) with webcam, speaker, microphone for video conferencing (Zoom, Google Hangouts, Cisco Webex), reliable Internet (≥25 Mbps), and quiet workspace. If you cannot provide your own equipment, speak with your Program Director.

Key Responsibilities

• Attend Training (see dates below)
• Adhere to the structure of the curriculum provided by SMASH
• Facilitate Game Design Workshop Sessions
• 1.5‑hour sessions 5 days/week
• Alternate between whole group, small group, and individual facilitation
• Facilitate learning through inquiry
• Adequately prep for sessions by reviewing material
• Take attendance and communicate absences with Program Director and/or Program Coordinator
• Guide conversation between participants, ensuring all voices are heard
• Manage the space to ensure outcomes are met for the day and that the group stays on track relative to larger outcomes and goals for the summer
• Continuously assess scholar learning, provide feedback, and pivot as needed
• Communicate and reflect with co‑facilitators to ensure activities are aligned and outcomes are met
• Log student achievement data on a weekly basis
• Attend Weekly Staff Meetings (1 hr/week)
• Attend Staff Closeout
• Ensure completion of deliverables (e.g., log pre‑ and post‑ assessment scores, attendance, staff surveys, final inventory, etc.)

Required Attributes

• Collaboration: Exceptional listening, communication, and presentation skills; excellent time management and organization; timeliness and dependability; candid when facing difficult conversations
• Relationship Building: Welcome and embrace individual differences; humility; patience; ability to listen to multiple perspectives; restorative approach to conflict resolution
• Problem Solving: Remain curious, innovative, iterative, and quickly pivot as needed; keep activities on track, think creatively, and act swiftly in the face of unanticipated events; make data‑based decisions
• Resilience: Approach situations with a growth mindset, adapt, and reflect to ensure desired outcomes are met

What You Bring

• Commitment to SMASH’s mission; willingness to embrace goals and values
• Demonstrated experience and success co‑facilitating workshops with 15–25 participants (preferably at high school level)
• A belief that all scholars are capable of growing and achieving as learners
• Previous experience adopting and adapting new technologies through self‑guidance and video tutorials
• Results‑driven; work around potential obstacles to ensure all goals are met and deliverables are completed by the end of the program
• Knowledge of 21st‑century skills
• Demonstrated effectiveness working with low‑income, first‑generation college youth of color in diverse fields
• Desire to teach with technology and improve technological skills as needed
• Willingness to be self‑reflective and reflect on your teaching philosophy and practice
• Excellent management skills; openness to various or new pedagogical and facilitation approaches
• Flexibility in your availability for training dates and event dates
• Virtual learning experience a plus

Application Information

Apply below and ensure you can make the training and program dates. If applying to multiple sites, please rank your site preference in the application.

The application includes a place to upload your resume and cover letter and to provide written responses to specific prompts. This position will close when filled.

If you have been selected for this position by your Program Director (PD), an application is required (you do not need to submit a cover letter) and your PD will send you the link to apply. Please also submit the recommitment form provided by your PD, and SMASH will send you your updated offer letter.

Compensation

This is a non‑exempt position. The hourly compensation for this position is estimated to be $30.00. Compensations are adjusted if hours or days of work are missed, and may vary with part‑time or full‑time phases of the program. These policies are subject to variation based on specific circumstances.

Statement Of Non‑Discrimination

In keeping with our beliefs and goals, no employee or applicant will face discrimination/harassment based on race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, or veteran status. SMASH also strives to prevent subtler forms of inappropriate behavior (e.g., stereotyping). Whether blatant or hidden, barriers to success have no place at SMASH.

We value a diverse workforce; people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

Job Details

• Seniority level: Entry level
• Employment type: Contract
• Job function: Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing
• Industry: Education Management