Studio Design Director - Microsoft Corporation

Microsoft Casual Games is looking for a **Studio Design Director** to lead the creative vision for our suite of engaging, player-centric classic evergreen casual games. In this role, you will spearhead the design efforts, ensuring our games are not only fun and accessible but also innovative and aligned with our core values. You'll collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to create experiences that delight players and stand out in the casual gaming market. You will be responsible for all aspects of design, including Game Design, UI/UX Design and Art Direction. Microsoft Casual Games is a leading casual games studio, with a focus on PC, Web and Mobile games in the Evergreen Casual market. Join us at Microsoft Casual Games and help us transform the casual gaming landscape with creativity, innovation, and a relentless focus on the player. Let's create games that bring joy to millions! Microsoft's mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond. **Responsibilities** + Lead and inspire a team of designers to create engaging and innovative casual gaming experiences. + Balance the Key Studio metrics for all titles, including Engagement, Retention, Monetization and Customer Satisfaction. + Develop and implement the design vision and strategy across the portfolio of Microsoft Casual Games. + Ensure a player-focused approach in all design aspects, focusing on accessibility, fun, and user engagement. + Collaborate with Product Management, Engineering, and Marketing to bring game concepts to life. + Oversee the design process from concept through to final production, ensuring high-quality outputs. + Align Design across all titles in the Microsoft Casual Games portfolio. + Mentor and provide professional development opportunities for design team members. + Stay current with industry trends and integrate best practices into the design process. + Drive continuous improvement in design methodologies, tools, and processes across the Microsoft Casual Games Studio. + Conduct design reviews and provide constructive feedback to team members. + Communicate design concepts and decisions effectively to stakeholders and team members. + Ensure that all design deliverables meet business goals and player needs. + Ensure that the player voice is heard, and customer needs are met with our product offerings. + Advocate for a positive, honest, and inclusive culture within the design team. **Qualifications** **Required/Minimum Qualifications:** + Associate's Degree in Computer Science, Art, Writing, Behavioral Science, Game Design, or related field AND 8+ years experience in game development and design, systems design, content production, or related field + OR Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Art, Writing, Behavioral Science, Data Science, Game Design, or related field AND 6+ years experience in game development and design, systems design, content production, or related field + OR equivalent experience. + Have shipped at least 2 title released to consumers/shipped game. + 5+ years people management experience. **Preferred Qualifications:** + 5+ years experience in a Senior Design or Studio Design role within the casual gaming industry. + Experience in publishing games for a wide audience. + Track record of shipping titles on Windows PC's and mobile platforms, with an emphasis on PC. + Portfolio showcasing innovative and player-centric game designs. + Effective leadership, communication, and team management skills. + Experience managing 1 _st_ and 3 _rd_ party design teams. + Proficient in design software, including Figma, and tools relevant to game design. + Deep understanding of casual game mechanics, player behavior, and engagement strategies. + Ability to think strategically and translate business goals into compelling design solutions. + Data driven problem-solving skills + Passion for creating fun and engaging casual gaming experiences. + Commitment to fostering an honest and player-focused culture. + Customer focus, product focus, and UI focus. + Experience with incorporating digital advertising within design decisions. + Experience designing classic single and multiplayer casual games. + Experience designing games with digital rewards and social features. + Designing for a broad consumer range, across ages and identities. + Focus on inclusivity in designs. Game Design M6 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $137,600 - $286,200 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $180,400 - $314,400 per year. Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here: https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay Microsoft will accept applications for the role until November 12, 2024. Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with applicable law, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations (https://careers.microsoft.com/v2/global/en/accessibility.html) .