Sports
Derek Funkhouser
Game Design & Development
Mattoon,IL
Summary
Compassionate and creative game designer/developer with 6 years of experience and well versed in handling multiple project timelines. A critical thinker with the ability to find solutions to complex problems while maintaining flexibility and calm demeanor in adverse situations. Team player with dedication to workplace success and team growth. Expertise includes leading small team operations, brand building, managing crowdfunding campaigns from start to finish, managing reporting, inventory, fulfillment, and production of games from start to finish, and enhancing systems to maintain responsiveness with production partners. Experience as a Liaison with diverse language partners. Social Media outreach and influencer management with a keen sense of understanding current industry landscape. Experience in creating and managing over 10+ Crowdfunding games with a combined gross pledge total of over $7,000,000. Successful at gathering, reviewing and presenting information to align operations with current situations and future forecasts. Excellent judgment with critical eye for detail and understanding of strategy. Dedicated Tabletop professional with history of meeting company goals utilizing consistent and organized practices. Skilled in working under pressure and adapting to new situations and challenges to best enhance the organizational brand. Highly proficient Game Developer bringing proven history of successfully utilizing game theory to create exciting, innovative, and fun games. Thorough understanding of gaming trends combined with expertise in game theory.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
4
4
Certificates
Work History
Director of Game Development and Production
Wise Wizard Games
Sudbury, MA
03.2022 - Current
- Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
- Demonstrated leadership skills in managing projects from concept to completion.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Proven ability to develop and implement creative solutions to complex problems.
Game Development Manager
Skybound LLC
Los Angeles, CA
04.2019 - 02.2022
- Contributed to the design and development on multiple games to include Tidal Blades,
- Wonderlands War, Valor and Villainy: Lludwik's Labyrinth, Sorcerer City, Trial by Trolley that collectively made 5.7 million USD
- Created a dedicated virtual playtesting network of 100+ testers, a to increase development and data driven processes on game feedback weekly
- Collaborated with outside partners to develop multiple game projects, to include Trial by
- Rolley, Wonderlands, and Kim Joy's Magic Bakery
- Provided daily community support during multiple crowd-funding campaigns to help manage community engagement
- Traveled and organized convention operations plans to more than 10+ conventions across the USA
- Built trusted relationships with clients and co-workers by getting to know them on a personal level
- Played an integral role in finding, and signing more than 10 game submissions
- Board Game Spotlight
Content Creator and Social Media Manager
Los Angeles, CA
05.2017 - Current
- Built a board game community of over 24,000 people in the span of 4 years
- Released over 100+ livestream, review, and preview videos across social media
- Worked with over 100 unique publishers and creators over the course of 4 years
- Created, funded, and fulfilled a crowdfunding campaign for Board Game Spotlight that raised over $90,000
- Organized weekly content plans to increase viewership and channel growth over the course of 4 years.
Headquarters Company Commander
US Army National Guard
, IL
12.2021 - Current
- Commanding more than 80 troops
- Signed for and liable for over $10,000,000 in property.
- Previously worked in Operations Planning.
Military Advisor
US Army
04.2020 - 05.2021
- Deployed with the Illinois National Guard in support of advisor mission to Ukraine as a small team leader
- Led a team of 12 soldiers on multiple missions to advise Ukraine military on operations
- Created mission oriented operation planning throughout deployment
- Played an integral part in finding unique solutions to mission requirements and contraints
- Provided support and advisory feedback to more than 1,000 Ukrainian Soldiers.
Aide De Camp
U.S. Army
Fort Irwin, CA
12.2015 - 01.2017
- Worked to manage two, 2 Star General Officers on their daily tasks and schedules
- Assisted the Commanding General on routine daily operations and scheduling
- Planned, coordinated, and executed over 15 trips around the USA for the Commanding
- Eneral
- Planned, coordinated, and executed over 15 missions at the National Training Center which is the premiere training facility for US Army Land Operations
- Maintained a detailed daily, weekly, and monthly calendar to synchronize over 12 different staff members across the Headquarters.
Childrens Study Intern
Paris Public Library
Paris, IL
- Assisted and developed Summer Reading Program for over 50 children every year
- Managed the Children's library section and collaborated with school programs in the city
- Played an integral part in patron satisfaction and curriculum suggestions in growing the library
- Built trusted relationships with residents and co-workers by getting to know them on a personal level.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Literature, History, And Organizational Leadership
Maranatha Baptist Bible College
Watertown WI 08.2009 - 05.2013
Logistics - Logistics And Materials Management
US Army Logistics Captain Career Course
Fort Lee, VA 01.2022 - 01.2022
Armor Basic Officer Leaders Course - Organizational Leadership
US Army Armor School
Fort Benning, GA 05.2013 - 01.2014
Skills
Teambuilding
Flexible and Adaptable
Problem-Solving
Virtual Game Implementation / Mods
Game Design
Game Development
Proofreading and Editing
Technical, and Creative Writing
Inventory Logistics
Production Management
Convention Operations
Small Team Operations
Long Range Forecasting
Certification
Basic Officer Leadership Course
Interests
Literature
Traveling
Timeline
Director of Game Development and Production
Wise Wizard Games
03.2022 - Current
Logistics - Logistics And Materials Management
US Army Logistics Captain Career Course
01.2022 - 01.2022
Captain Career Course Logistics
01-2022
Headquarters Company Commander
US Army National Guard
12.2021 - Current
Military Advisor
US Army
04.2020 - 05.2021
Game Development Manager
Skybound LLC
04.2019 - 02.2022
Content Creator and Social Media Manager
05.2017 - Current
Aide De Camp
U.S. Army
12.2015 - 01.2017
Basic Officer Leadership Course
02-2014
Armor Basic Officer Leaders Course - Organizational Leadership
US Army Armor School
05.2013 - 01.2014
Organizational Leadership
05-2013
Bachelor of Arts - Literature, History, And Organizational Leadership
Maranatha Baptist Bible College
08.2009 - 05.2013
Childrens Study Intern
Paris Public Library