About Department of Lore
Department of Lore is a storytelling studio founded by game designer Zain Memon (SHASN, AZADI) and filmmaker Anand Gandhi (Ship of Theseus, Tumbbad). Our work spans award-winning board games, films, and VR projects, distributed by Disney, Netflix, Prime Video, BBC, and Channel 4.
SHASN is India's highest-selling strategy board game, played in 70+ countries and honored at Games for Change and IndieCade.
Current Project: MAYA
We're now building MAYA, a vast narrative universe across films, novels, games, and more. Following the runaway Gamefound success of our debut novel (800% funded in its first week), we're preparing to launch Trials of Maya, a tactical, card-driven combat board game designed to stand among the most ambitious tabletop titles today.
Open Positions
Head of Business Development
Tabletop Industry
We are seeking a Head of Business Development to lead the retail and distribution strategy for Trials of Maya. This is a high-impact senior role focused on securing retail presence, forging publisher and distributor partnerships, and driving localization for key territories. Reporting directly to the Founder, you will work as an individual contributor and deal-closer, leveraging your industry experience and network to ensure Trials of Maya is Gamefound success and has a long-term presence in global markets. Your work will be instrumental in establishing the Department of Lore as a powerhouse in the tabletop publishing space.
Key Responsibilities
- Drive business development strategy for retail expansion and global distribution, starting pre-Gamefound and scaling post-launch
- Build and manage relationships with distributors, publishers, and retailers in North America and Europe
- Secure and oversee localization deals (French, Japanese, and additional languages)
- Negotiate agreements for territory rights, retail placement, and advanced copies
- Ensure delivery of preview copies to key reviewers, influencers, and retail partners
- Represent the Department of Lore at major industry conventions and trade shows (travel covered)
- Provide strategic market insights to guide international growth
Qualifications
- Proven track record in business development (manager/lead level) within the tabletop games industry
- Strong existing network of distributors, localizers, and publishers in US/EU markets
- Experience managing multi-region launches and multilingual localizations
- Demonstrated ability to negotiate, close deals, and secure retail distribution
- Excellent communication and organizational skills; thrives as an independent operator while reporting directly to leadership
Additional Details
- Timeline: Contract beginning immediately; long-term potential beyond Gamefound launch in February
- Compensation: Competitive base with commission, aligned to deal closures and growth outcomes
- Travel: Attendance at major conventions and trade shows expected (expenses covered)
Community, Partnerships and Outreach Consultant
Tabletop Industry
We are seeking a Community & Partnerships Consultant to activate Trials of Maya in the US tabletop community and ensure our visibility among industry leaders. This is a high-impact, short-term role focused on insider access, relationship building, and visibility partnerships. Reporting to the Game Producer, you will work independently while collaborating closely with our India-based HQ. Your work will help establish the Department of Lore as a recognized and respected name in the tabletop industry ahead of our upcoming launches.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as Department of Lore's industry connector in the US tabletop ecosystem
- Build and strengthen relationships with publishers, distributors, retailers, influencers, media outlets, podcasters, and community organizers
- Secure community activations (media, influencer, and event collaborations) that enhance brand visibility
- Ensure Trials of Maya is on the radar of tabletop industry stalwarts, positioning the game and studio at the center of relevant conversations
- Provide insider insight on industry movements, opportunities, and partnership pathways
- Represent the Department of Lore in professional networks and, if required, at tabletop conventions (travel covered)
- Collaborate with the Game Producer to align outreach with broader marketing and publishing strategies
Qualifications
- Extensive prior experience in community management, outreach, or partnership development within the tabletop games industry
- Existing network of relationships with publishers, distributors, creators, or influencers in the tabletop space
- Proven ability to activate communities through events, influencer collaborations, or media campaigns
- Skilled at relationship management and trusted by industry insiders
- Strong organizational and communication skills; able to work independently while aligning with cross-border teams
Additional Details
- Timeline: October–February (5 months), with the possibility of extension
- Commitment: 20 hours per week. Some overlap required with Indian HQ (12 PM–8 PM IST / morning EST hours)
- Compensation: $100 per hour
- Location: Remote, US-based candidates only. Travel to conventions covered if required
Don't see the perfect role?
We're always looking for exceptional talent. Send us your story and tell us how you'd like to contribute to our mission.