In-Game Specialist (DNA)

Posted 8 Hours Ago
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Dublin, IRL
Hybrid
Senior level
Gaming • Information Technology • Mobile • Software • Esports
2K develops and publishes interactive entertainment for video game consoles, personal computers, and mobile devices.
The Role
Lead operational and strategic execution of in-game messaging and storefront offers across DNA titles. Manage end-to-end setup, scheduling, QA coordination, and targeted campaign orchestration. Partner with Marketing, Product, Insights, Tech, and studios to scale DNA tech capabilities, optimize performance, mentor rotating graduates, and create standardized processes and playbooks for high-volume live-service activations.
Summary Generated by Built In

Who We Are

At 2K, we create some of the most iconic and culture-shaping video games in entertainment, including NBA® 2K, one of the top-selling franchises in the world, and legendary titles like BioShock®, Borderlands®, Mafia, Sid Meier’s Civilization®, and XCOM®, as well as fan favorites WWE® 2K, TopSpin®, and PGA TOUR® 2K. We build unforgettable experiences by pushing the boundaries of creativity, authenticity and innovation across every genre.

Our portfolio is brought to life by some of the most influential game development studios in the world. Visual Concepts, Firaxis Games, Hangar 13, Cat Daddy Games, 31st Union, Cloud Chamber, Gearbox, HB Studios, and 2K SportsLab create world-class experiences across platforms.

But what truly powers 2K is our people.

We believe the best ideas come from teams that feel empowered, supported, and inspired. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive workplace where people are encouraged to come as they are and do their best work.

What We Need

The In-Game Specialist is the operational and strategic lead for the in-game messaging lifecycle within DNA titles. The Specialist operationalizes the in-game weekly ad schedule and storefront offers. This role is responsible for the end-to-end orchestration of targeted marketing and lifecycle campaigns across messaging and commerce, including but not limited to upsell and player engagement journeys, partnership activations, and locker code delivery. Acting as a central hub between Marketing, Product, Insights, Joint Tech (T2/2KT) and Game Studios. In this remit, the specialist also plays an important role in the coordination of pre- and post-launch in-game QA testing to ensure successful delivery of in-game messaging and storefronts.  A critical component of this P4 role involves scaling in-game DNA tech capabilities in partnership with 2KT to unlock greater commercial levers as well as driving the continuous refinement of team processes to ensure successful delivery at scale. This individual provides functional mentorship to rotating graduates while driving operational excellence across the Owned Media team.

What You’ll Do

The In-Game Specialist is the operational and strategic lead for the in-game messaging lifecycle within DNA titles. The Specialist operationalizes the in-game weekly ad schedule and storefront offers. This role is responsible for the end-to-end orchestration of targeted marketing and lifecycle campaigns across messaging and commerce, including but not limited to upsell and player engagement journeys, partnership activations, and locker code delivery. Acting as a central hub between Marketing, Product, Insights, Joint Tech (T2/2KT) and Game Studios. In addition, the specialist plays an important role in the coordination of pre- and post-launch in-game QA testing and the scaling of in-game DNA tech capabilities. This individual provides functional mentorship to rotating graduates while driving operational excellence across the Owned Media team.

What Will Make You A Great Fit

Ad/Storefront Operations & Strategy

  • Strategy & Scheduling: Execute the weekly in-game messaging calendar and set up in-game storefront offers, as well as supporting a wide range of targeted upsell and engagement activations.
  • End-to-End Operationalization: Manage the technical setup, scheduling, and deployment of all in-game messaging and storefronts, ensuring 100% accuracy in a high-stakes, live-service environment.
  • Performance Optimization: Partner with the Insights team to understand impact of in-game interventions and refine in-game strategy.

Process Refinement & Scalability

  • Workflow Optimization: Evaluate and refine existing team processes to eliminate bottlenecks and ensure the successful delivery of activations as the portfolio and complexity scale.
  • Standardization: Develop and maintain standardized templates, documentation, and playbooks for in-game ad and storefront operations.
  • Scalability Initiatives: Identify and implement tools or automated solutions that increase the team’s capacity to manage high-volume activations.

DNA Tech Scalability

  • Strategy & Workflow Optimization: Identifying strategic opportunities to unlock commercial & engagement levers and streamline internal workstreams through DNA tech.
  • Tech Briefing: Submitting detailed tech briefs for new feature development & improvements to existing features and submitting bugs on an ongoing basis to develop DNA tech capabilities.
  • Scalability & Standardization: Ensure long term scalability of all tech requests and standardization across all DNA integrated titles.

Product/Marketing & Developer Collaboration

  • Product/Marketing Integration: Collaborate closely with the BU Product & Marketing teams to synchronize in-game activations with external campaigns, partnerships, and cross-sell initiatives.
  • Studio Developer Liaison: Act as the primary operational point of contact for studios such as HB Studios, Hangar 13, VC (WWE), and Firaxis.
  • Technical Troubleshooting: Work directly with developer studios on bug identification and the continuous optimization of in-game tech to improve the player experience.

Functional Leadership

  • Mentorship: Oversee the day-to-day work of rotating graduates, providing task-level guidance and ensuring operational excellence.
  • Functional Expert: Serve as the subject matter expert for in-game operations, advising internal stakeholders on feasibility and best practices.

Core Competencies

  • Behavioral: Strong sense of urgency and ownership; ability to maintain high precision under tight weekly deadlines.
  • Functional / Technical: Expert knowledge of in-game messaging & commerce technology (Technodrome), targeted campaign frameworks, and tech briefing.
  • Operational Excellence & Scalability: Proven ability to build scalable workflows and improve organizational efficiency.
  • Strategic Influence: Ability to align cross-functional stakeholders (Marketing, Product, Dev, Insights) toward a unified in-game strategy.
  • Collaboration: Proven ability to build strong working relationships with marketing, product, and technical teams alike.

Required Qualifications, Knowledge, and Job-Related Skills

  • Extensive experience in digital operations, live-service gaming, or in-game messaging management.
  • Proven experience in process improvement or operational scaling within a marketing or technical environment.
  • Track record of managing a high-volume, weekly operational cadence.
  • Experience in working with technical teams to deliver scalable UI & functionality product improvements
  • Understanding of video game launch & release management processes and experience working with Functional QA teams to validate player-facing product features
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data insights and pivot strategy accordingly
  • Excellent project management skills, specifically in coordinating between Marketing and Technical/Development teams.
  • Self-motivated with the ability to operate independently at a P4 seniority level.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Passion for our player’s experience in-game and an understanding of video games, as well as key marketing principles.
  • Experience working within a global publishing organization.

As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to ensuring that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform their essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us if you need reasonable accommodation.

Please note that 2K Games and its studios never uses instant messaging apps or personal email accounts to contact prospective employees or conduct interviews and when emailing, only use 2K.com accounts. 

#LI-Hybrid

 

Skills Required

  • Extensive experience in digital operations, live-service gaming, or in-game messaging management
  • Expert knowledge of in-game messaging and commerce technology (Technodrome) and targeted campaign frameworks
  • Proven experience in process improvement or operational scaling within a marketing or technical environment
  • Track record of managing a high-volume, weekly operational cadence
  • Experience working with technical teams to deliver scalable UI and functionality product improvements
  • Understanding of video game launch and release management processes and experience with Functional QA validation
  • Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret data insights and pivot strategy
  • Excellent project management skills coordinating Marketing and Technical/Development teams
  • Self-motivated with ability to operate independently at a P4 seniority level
  • Passion for player experience and understanding of video games and marketing principles
  • Experience working within a global publishing organization

What the Team is Saying

2K Compensation & Benefits Highlights

  • Retirement Support A 401(k) plan and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan are part of the standard package as presented on the careers site. Employer-verified listings also confirm these retirement programs.
  • Leave & Time Off Breadth Paid parental leave, generous compassionate leave, and a companywide end‑of‑year break are highlighted alongside paid holidays and PTO. These offerings indicate broad coverage for time away from work.
  • Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits Fitness reimbursements, on‑site/virtual classes, stocked kitchens, free or subsidized meals, commuter benefits, and dog‑friendly offices are widely cited, with some studios calling out mental‑wellness support like Headspace. These perks extend support beyond core insurance into day‑to‑day wellbeing.

2K Insights

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The Company
HQ: Novato, CA
4,200 Employees
Year Founded: 2005

What We Do

2K is headquartered in Novato, California and is a wholly owned label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO). Founded in 2005, 2K Games is a global video game company, publishing titles developed by some of the most influential game development studios in the world. Our studios responsible for developing 2K’s portfolio of world-class games across multiple platforms, include Visual Concepts, Firaxis, Hangar 13, CatDaddy, Cloud Chamber, 31st Union, and HB Studios. Our portfolio of titles is expanding due to our global strategic plan, building and acquiring exciting studios whose content continues to inspire all of us! 2K publishes titles in today’s most popular gaming genres, including sports, shooters, action, role-playing, strategy, casual, and family entertainment. Our team of engineers, marketers, artists, writers, data scientists, producers, thinkers and doers, are the professional publishing stewards of our growing library of critically-acclaimed franchises such as NBA 2K, 2K PGA, Battleborn, BioShock, Borderlands, The Quarry, The Darkness, Mafia, Sid Meier’s Civilization, Marvel’s Midnight Suns, WWE 2K, and XCOM. At 2K, we pride ourselves on creating an inclusive work environment, which means encouraging our teams to Come as You Are and do your best work! We encourage ALL applicants to explore our global positions, even if they don’t meet every requirement for the role. If you're interested in the job and think you have what it takes to work at 2K, we encourage you to apply!

Why Work With Us

We pride ourselves on creating an inclusive work environment, which means encouraging our teams to Come as You Are and do your best work! We push ourselves creatively to do the best work of our careers. We’re direct, open, and you’ll probably meet some new best friends – along with their dogs – sitting nearby. In short, it’s kinda awesome.

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2K Offices

Hybrid Workspace

Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.

We are a blend of onsite, hybrid, and remote roles. Please refer to individual job descriptions for more details on location.

Typical time on-site: Flexible
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