Tabletop Game Master

Job description

Job Description Job Title: Tabletop Game Master Division: Gaming Department: Tabletop Gaming Reports to: Tabletop Gaming Manager Position Type: Unpaid Volunteer Location: Remote with occasional in-person meetings (location-dependent), may be expected to be on-site during convention dates, including the day before and the day after for setup and teardown. About Anthro SoCal Anthro SoCal is a community-driven convention celebrating furry fandom through art, performance, gaming, and social connection. Our success depends on the dedication and enthusiasm of our volunteer team. Anthro SoCal was formally known as Another Furry Con in 2024-2025. Position Overview The Tabletop Game Master is an interactive staff member responsible for hosting, teaching, and running scheduled tabletop gaming sessions including role-playing games (RPGs), complex board games, or miniature war games. Operating under the Tabletop Gaming Manager, you will serve as the definitive subject-matter expert for your approved games. In this role, you get to curate your own gaming sessions, guide players through immersive experiences, and act as a welcoming ambassador for the convention floor. If you are an enthusiastic storyteller, a patient teacher, and a fair rules arbiter who wants to craft unforgettable gaming memories for our attendees, this position is your calling. Time Commitment Year-round: None As convention approaches: Attend online staff meetings and trainings when requested Convention weekend: On-site presence is required with flexible hours Pre and post-convention: On-site presence may be required to assist with setup and teardown activities the day before and the day after the event Key Responsibilities Your shift will center around game session preparation, rule instruction, narrative facilitation, and attendee hospitality: Session Facilitation & Storytelling: Prepare, set up, and run specific, pre-scheduled tabletop gaming sessions at designated times throughout the convention. You are expected to manage the pacing, materials, and overall player experience for your table Game Instruction & Fair Adjudication: Act as the ultimate subject-matter expert for your selected game. You will clearly teach mechanics to players of all skill levels, answer complex rules questions, and objectively arbitrate any in-game rules disputes with absolute fairness and impartiality Campaign & Game Curation: Select and propose the specific titles, modules, or campaigns you wish to run. You will coordinate with leadership to ensure your events are formally reviewed and approved by both the Tabletop Gaming Manager and the Gaming Director before they are published in the official ASC conbook and schedule. Informed Guest Services & Decorum: Act as a welcoming ambassador for the convention. You will answer reasonable attendee questions with friendly, informed responses, and guide more complex or specialized questions to the appropriate leadership. At all times, you are expected to carry yourself with the high standard of decorum, warmth, and professionalism that befits Anthro SoCal's promise to host an excellent event Collaborative Team Support: Actively assist other gaming team members to help manage room flow, keep gaming areas clean, and ensure the entire tabletop space functions smoothly Qualifications Required: Outstanding Decorum & Hospitality: A genuinely friendly, patient, and personable attitude. You must be eager to interact with players from diverse backgrounds and maintain an inclusive, welcoming environment at your table Deep Game Expertise: Mastery of the rules, mechanics, and flow of the specific tabletop games, systems, or RPGs you propose to run Strong Communication & Teaching Skills: The ability to explain complex game rules, lore, and systems to beginners in a clear, concise, and highly engaging manner Punctuality & Reliability: Strict adherence to your scheduled event start and end times. Attendees arrive for game events based on a published schedule which makes timely setups essential Preferred: Experienced Game Master or Storyteller: Prior experience running public gaming sessions at local game stores, other conventions, or online communities (e.g., as a D&D Dungeon Master or board game tournament organizer) Improv & Public Speaking Confidence: Strong improvisational skills to handle unexpected player choices, keep games moving smoothly, and entertain an audience Conflict Resolution Skills: The ability to gently manage table dynamics, handle over-competitive behavior, and ensure all players feel safe, respected, and included What We Offer While this is an unpaid volunteer position, we provide: Free convention membership and staff perks Staff hospitality (meals/snacks during your shifts at-con) Exclusive staff events and social opportunities Recognition in convention materials Experience in event management and team leadership A supportive, creative community environment References and recommendation letters upon request Anthro SoCal is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, experiences, and skill levels. All volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.