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Lead Narrative Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Jam City

Narrative Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$55K - $78K/yr

Communicate the narrative vision of the game's Lead Designers verbally and in writing, across internal departments and with external brand partners * Help shape high-level overarching stories for ...

Absurd Ventures

Lead Open World Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site +1

$150K - $175K/yr

Summary As the Lead Open World Designer, you will be the primary vision holder for the open world ... Work closely with the narrative team to develop ideas for new content. * Develop and execute the ...

Absurd Ventures

Lead Open World Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

Summary As the Lead Open World Designer, you will be the primary vision holder for the open world ... Work closely with the narrative team to develop ideas for new content. * Develop and execute the ...

Beyond

Lead Visual Designer

Austin, TX · On-site

We are looking for a Lead Visual Designer who loves pushing their thinking and taking it through to ... Craft the Narrative: Create compelling presentation decks and prototypes, communicating the ...

Hark

Lead Brand Designer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$150K - $300K/yr

... lead our brand design at Hark. Working with or multi-disciplinary group of designers to craft the ... You will help define the narrative of hark, while also ensuring that the execution of every detail ...

Hark

Lead Brand Designer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$150K - $300K/yr

... lead our brand design at Hark. Working with or multi-disciplinary group of designers to craft the ... You will help define the narrative of hark, while also ensuring that the execution of every detail ...

Persona Identities, Inc

Lead Web Designer

New York, NY · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

About the role As a Lead Web Designer at Persona, you'll join our growing Brand Studio to help ... A standout interactive portfolio reflecting a passion for narrative, craft, and technology ...

Patch

Lead Brand Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$175K - $210K/yr

About the role We're looking for a Lead Brand Designer to own Patch's visual brand and the design ... Design the sales narrative decks, pitch templates, and collateral our GTM team uses to win * Design ...

PlayStation Global

Senior Technical Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$114K - $122K/yr

Prototyping, implementing, and owning gameplay scenarios, narrative sequences, interactive objects ... Working with minimal supervision while keeping lead designers and directors well-informed. What ...

Naughty Dog

Senior Technical Designer

Santa Monica, CA

$114K - $122K/yr

Prototyping, implementing, and owning gameplay scenarios, narrative sequences, interactive objects ... Working with minimal supervision while keeping lead designers and directors well-informed. What ...

Cvent

Lead Content Designer (UX)

Tysons, VA · On-site

... more to craft a product narrative that guides users through our products and gets them the ... Mentor and guide junior designers and contribute to their career development plans * Lead workshops ...

Skydance

Character Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$2.9K - $4.0K/wk

... narrative and audience. Working closely with directors, art leads, and fellow creatives, the ... Partner closely with the Production Designer, Art Director, Lead Character Designer, and production ...

Squanch Games

Design Manager

$140K - $200K/yr

A designer with Lead experience , or a Senior/Principal designer who's ready to move into a ... Comfortable managing a mixed-discipline team - systems, level, content and narrative designers ...

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Lead Narrative Designer information

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$42K

$91.2K

$157K

How much do lead narrative designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead narrative designer in the United States is $91,161.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,500.00 and $109,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lead narrative designer?

Lead Narrative Designers are responsible for overseeing the story and dialogue elements in video game development or interactive media projects. They guide the narrative vision, coordinate with writers and other departments, and ensure that the story integrates seamlessly with gameplay. Their role often includes developing characters, world-building, and making sure the narrative experience is engaging and cohesive. Lead Narrative Designers may also mentor junior writers and help shape the overall tone and emotional impact of the project.

How does a lead narrative designer collaborate with other departments during game development?

A Lead Narrative Designer works closely with teams such as art, design, audio, and programming to ensure the story is seamlessly integrated into all aspects of the game. They often participate in cross-functional meetings, provide narrative feedback on level design, and help create dialogue or cutscenes that align with gameplay mechanics. Effective collaboration requires clear communication and adaptability, as narrative elements may need to evolve based on technical constraints or gameplay changes. This role is central to maintaining the tone and consistency of the game's world, making teamwork a key part of the daily workflow.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead narrative designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Narrative Designer, you need expertise in storytelling, interactive narrative development, and a background in creative writing or game design, often supported by a relevant degree or portfolio. Familiarity with industry-standard game engines (like Unity or Unreal), scripting languages, and narrative design tools such as Twine is typically required. Strong leadership, collaboration, and communication skills help manage narrative teams and align story vision with gameplay. These skills ensure compelling, cohesive narratives that elevate the overall player experience and integrate seamlessly with game mechanics.

What is the difference between Lead Narrative Designer vs Narrative Designer?

AspectLead Narrative DesignerNarrative Designer
ResponsibilitiesOversees story development, guides team, ensures narrative consistencyCreates story content, writes scripts, develops characters
ExperienceTypically 5+ years, leadership skills required2-4 years, strong writing skills needed
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with design, art, and production teamsFocuses on writing and story creation within development teams
CredentialsDegree in Creative Writing, Game Design, or related field; portfolioSimilar educational background; writing samples

The Lead Narrative Designer typically manages the story development process, guiding a team and ensuring narrative cohesion across the project. In contrast, the Narrative Designer focuses on creating and writing story content. Both roles require strong storytelling skills and relevant experience, but the Lead Narrative Designer has additional leadership responsibilities and oversight of the entire narrative process.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lead Narrative Designer jobs?

The most popular types of Lead Narrative Designer jobs are:

What job categories do people searching Lead Narrative Designer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Lead Narrative Designer jobs are:

Lead Narrative Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Narrative Designer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,161 per year, or $43.8 per hour.

Narrative Designer

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Jam City
PC Games • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Jam Cityexternal

$55K - $78K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

As a leading mobile games developer, Jam City is looking to "level up" our talent. We're on the hunt for innovators who consider themselves dynamic, collaborative and thrive in a fast-paced environment. 
 
PERKS & BENEFITS
Unlimited Vacation, Paid Sick Days, Kin Care & Holidays*
100% Covered Medical and Company-Sponsored Dental & Vision (Plans Vary)*
Life Insurance, 401k, Flexible Spending Accounts, & More*
Wellness Activities & Programs
12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave*
Happy Hours
Company Events
*Only applies to full-time positions.

We are looking for an experienced Narrative Designer to bring their expert writing and game design skills to our hit mobile game Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery. You'll have the opportunity to collaborate with top industry talent and take ownership in the narrative process from initial concept to final product. If you're a storytelling specialist looking for a role that offers fun creative challenges, we want to hear from you.
Qualified applicants will be asked to complete a Harry Potter Narrative Design/Writing test.
 
*Please note this role sits in our San Francisco office 5x week.  All applicants must be in the bay area, or willing to relocate. Thank you!
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Structure and write story pitches, outlines, character-driven scenes with substantial dialogue, and ancillary copy within tight deadlines, owning the process from concept to final product
  • Communicate the narrative vision of the game's Lead Designers verbally and in writing, across internal departments and with external brand partners
  • Help shape high-level overarching stories for upcoming features, events, and/or large content releases
  • Proactively contribute in brainstorming sessions by pitching ideas for researched on-brand story arcs and quests within limited art and design scopeIntegrate inventive writing with design to support both creative and monetization objectives
  • Work directly with Product, Design, Production, Art, and Animation to coordinate all facets of Narrative with F2P mobile business goalsInnovate with high accuracy across multiple iterations, addressing feedback, incorporating notes, and executing revisions from internal teams and external partners
QUALIFICATIONS
  • 3+ years Narrative Design and Game Writing experience, or equivalent
  • Experience scripting dialogue for large casts of original and canon characters
  • Experience structuring and tracking multiple branching storylines
  • General knowledge of F2P mobile game design pipelines and current market trends
  • Ability to efficiently juggle multiple responsibilities without compromising creative quality
  • Ability to self-prioritize assignments in a rapidly shifting, fast-paced creative environment
  • Exceptional proofreading and copyediting skills
  • Outstanding written and interpersonal communication skills 
NICE TO HAVE
  • Knowledge of Harry Potter brand and canon
  • Serialized storytelling and screenwriting experience
  • Live Ops experience
In compliance with local law, we are disclosing the compensation for this role.  The range listed is just one component of Jam City's total compensation package for employees, which may also include annual bonuses, short- and long-term incentives, and program-specific awards. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled.  Starting pay for the successful applicant will depend on a variety of job-related factors, which may include education, training, experience, certifications, location, business needs, or market demands. This range is based on a full-time position. This range may be modified in the future. In addition, Jam City provides a variety of benefits to employees, including but not limited to medical, dental, vision, parental leave, paid time off, a 401(k) plan, life, disability, and accident insurance.  Pay Range: $55,000 - $78,000 salary per year.

CHECK OUT LIFE AS A JAM CITIZEN:
- Company news and events on our LinkedIn
- Company Blog
- Employee Feedback on our Comparably page
- Find videos on our teams and games on our Youtube
 
OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUITY, DIVERSITY, & INCLUSION
We believe in creating games that unite people across the world and that showcase our commitment to providing an environment that is both inclusive and diverse for our players and employees. We strive to create a workforce that is reflective of our global player community as we know that we are stronger and better when we play together. To help promote an inclusive culture, we celebrate the visible and invisible diversity of our Jam Citizens through initiatives including Employee Resource Groups, cultural events, trainings, speaker series, and more. 
 
Jam City is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, age, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, religion, ethnicity, marital, or domestic partnerships status, disability, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, veteran status, domestic violence victim status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expressions, or any other classification protected by federal, state, and local laws. Our management is committed to following this policy with respect to hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, recruiting, pay, and other forms of compensation, training, and general treatment during employment.
 
ABOUT JAM CITY
Jam City is a leading entertainment studio with a proven track record of creating some of the world's most beloved casual puzzle and story-driven mobile games. As the creative force behind fan-favorite, award-winning titles such as Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Cookie Jam and Panda Pop, Jam City develops engaging and dynamic games that become an enduring part of our players' lives. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles with a global network of studios and talent. For more information, please visit www.jamcity.com.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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