Game Designer (Progression & Systems)

The Donovan’s Venom is a 501c3 nonprofit organization focused on curating universal accessibility to fine arts and music education for all. We are passionately dedicated to ensuring that everyone, regardless of financial circumstances, has access to high-quality music education, performance opportunities, and fine art. We aim to inspire, empower, and uplift communities by fostering a love for music and the arts through our commitment to education, inclusivity, diversity, and social impact, which drives us to expand our reach continually and enrich the lives of those we serve.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Game Designer specializing in Progression and Systems to help shape the foundational mechanics that drive player engagement in our upcoming project(s). This volunteer will collaborate with designers, developers, writers, and subject-matter experts to create systems that feel intuitive, motivating, and aligned with the organization’s purpose.

Key Responsibilities

• • Design, document, and maintain core game systems, including progression flow, in-game economy logic, incentives, and long-term player goals.
  • Research and apply models of player motivation, rewards, pacing, and retention.
  • Build clear system documentation (design specs, diagrams, balance sheets, etc.) for team understanding and implementation.
  • Continuously evaluate and iterate on progression systems to ensure they remain meaningful, fair, and engaging.
  • Collaborate with the broader development team to ensure all systems support the game’s educational and/or social-impact objectives.
  • Gather playtest feedback and make recommendations to optimize overall game flow and player satisfaction.
  • Requires 15-20 hours/week

Qualifications

• • Passion for mission-driven or educational games.
  • Experience or interest in systems design, game mechanics, player progression, or economy balancing (professional or hobbyist).
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to clearly document and communicate design decisions.
  • Collaborative mindset and willingness to work with a remote, volunteer-based team.

What You’ll Gain

• • Hands-on experience shaping core systems for a real game project within a non-profit environment.
  • Opportunities to build a portfolio, expand your design skills, and contribute to work that creates social or educational impact.
  • Collaboration with a supportive team of creatives, developers, strategists, and mission-focused volunteers.
  • Networking opportunities with fellow designers and non-profit professionals.
  • A chance to directly contribute to a project that benefits players and communities.

Watch our video to learn more: The Donovans Piano Room