Careers

Game Developer and Producer - GameHead

GameHead is a new tabletop games publishing imprint from Pastimes and Gamermats, a pair of established retail, event, and accessory brands. Its mandate is to publish a catalog of small- to midsize card and board games.

The person we hire for this job will manage the development and production of the games in our pipeline, as well as coordinating contract contributors like game designers, artists, and graphic designers. 

The person in this position will report to the company’s owner and work with our in-house design and sales team.

Key Skills

  • Tabletop game development experience, including an expert understanding of different tabletop game styles and audience preferences.
  • A detailed understanding of the tabletop game publishing production pipeline.
  • The ability to work independently and keep projects moving under loose and sporadic supervision.
  • Experience managing contact contributors.
  • At least some experience working with the Adobe Creative Suite.

Job Responsibilities

  • Create and manage development and production timelines.
  • Work with outside game designers and internal collaborators to develop game prototypes into high-quality products that can be profitably manufactured and sold.
  • Draft art and graphic design requirements, identify artists and graphic designers, commission illustrations and graphics, provide feedback about work in progress, and oversee the creation and submission of final assets.
  • Manage all aspects of production processes including the creation of RFQs, analysis of quotes, assembly and submission of accurate production files, review of digital and physical proofs, and delivery of high-quality and on-time manufactured games.
  • Collaborate with sales and marketing staff to create and prepare sales collateral like in-store displays, convention signage, digital ads, and print ads.

Things You'll Want to Know

GameHead is a new imprint of an existing company with 6 full-time employees who work closely with our retail and events company, Pastimes, an established company of over 30 years with 16+ great team members. You will have partners and collaborators, but at the same time will be developing new processes and spearheading new endeavors.

Full Time
Salary will be commensurate with experience and skills. In practice, we expect a $35,000–$65,000 salary range for this position.

Applicants for this full-time position must be able to legally work in the United States from our office near O’Hare airport in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. 

Part Time

There may be opportunities for Part Time/Contract positions for this same role but at a smaller work load.

Remote

There may be an opportunity for this to be a contract position for an individual or company in a remote location. 

To Apply

To apply, contact Alan Hochman by email: [email protected]. Attach exactly one PDF to your email. It should contain both your cover letter and your resume. Please make the file’s name “lastname_firstname.pdf”.

We look forward to hearing from you!

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Web Manager (Social & Sales) - Pastimes 

Pastimes is looking for a Web Manager to join our growing team to help with Social Media and other online sales platforms. The ideal candidate will have experience engaging online communities across a variety of platforms for social (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram,etc) as well as engaging in sales and promotions through our online sales platforms. This role will focus on online engagement for the Pastimes companies (Pastimes Comics & Games, Pastimes Events and GamerMats)

Primary Duties and Responsibilities (including, but not limited to): 

  • Work with Merchandise and Event teams to execute media strategy, plans and programs
  • Create, monitor and engage with in-house and user-created content or feedback on social media platforms
  • Identify, build and maintain relationships with the Pastimes, GamerMats and Pastimes Event community members
  • Work with the Event and Merchandise teams to keep customers informed about the latest news, messaging and updates

Desired Skills and Experience (including but not limited to):  

  • 2+ years of experience positively engaging with online communities
  • Experience with online platforms such as Wordpress, Shopify and CrystalCommerce
  • Graphic experience with programs such as Corel, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator or similar
  • Great written and verbal communication skills (will be writing in communications channels and may also create content)
  • Experience working and coordinating with a variety of internal and external cross-functional partners
  • Ability to prioritize a high number of tasks in a self directed environment
  • Some direct experience in managing a gaming community and brand social channels

Job Type: Part and/or Full Time

Compensation:  $15.00 - $25.00 per hour based on experience

Location: On Site at our retail location and offices in Niles and Elk Grove Village, Illinois. Ability to work some days remotely.

Schedule: Flexible

About Pastimes & GamerMats

Established in 1992, Pastimes has been servicing the hobby community with great service, products and events for over 30 years. Today Pastimes is a leader in the tabletop gaming market, and one of the largest organizers of hobby game events in the USA. Pastimes is an equal opportunity employer.

GamerMats, a division of Pastimes, serves hobbyists and art fans of game mats and lifestyle items through online, retail and convention sales. GamerMats also sells to corporations such as Pokemon, NASA, Wizards of the Coast and many others desiring high quality products to represent their brands.

Why Pastimes Incorporated?

We value our in-store and online customers and work hard to bring them the hobbies, events and products they love. Providing excellent service to our customers provides growth opportunities to those Team Members who excel in their work. We offer a challenging, but fun, work environment surrounded by the items, characters, and concepts you enjoy, making it easy to engage with your work and our clients. 

How to apply

If you wish to apply please send us a letter telling us why you want this position. We select candidates to interview on the content of their resume and letters. 

Please include an up-to-date resume to support your application.

Respond with cover letter and resume to – [email protected]