Tabletop Game Master

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.