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Lead Narrative Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Luci

Lead Narrative Designer

Lincolnwood, IL · On-site

$80K - $115K/yr

As a Lead Narrative Designer, you'll shape the core storytelling and visitor journey of every project you touchthrough scholarly research, interpretive planning, and direct client partnership. This ...

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 ...

Apple

Narrative Designer, Apple Ads

Cupertino, CA · On-site

Apple Ads is looking for a Narrative Designer to lead the creation and production of strategic and innovative design and communication solutions for our internal communications and experiences.

Jam City

Narrative Designer

San Francisco, CA

$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 ...

Jam City

Narrative Designer

San Francisco, CA

$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 ...

Apple

Narrative Designer, Apple Ads

Cupertino, CA

$140K - $211K/yr

Apple Ads is looking for a Narrative Designer to lead the creation and production of strategic and innovative design and communication solutions for our internal communications and experiences.

University of Florida

Lead Designer

Gainesville, FL · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Lead Designer Job no: 540379 Work type: Staff Full-Time Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL ... Develop visually engaging animations, title sequences, and narrative-driven content that enhances ...

playstudios

Lead Game Designer

Austin, TX · On-site +1

As a Lead Game Designer , you will lead the design process, collaborating with the rest of the team ... Write copy, messaging, and narrative elements of the game * Create and maintain storyboards ...

Hark

Lead Brand Designer

San Jose, CA

$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 ...

RS Mannino

Architectural Designer

Rutherford, NJ · On-site

Job Title: Architectural Designer & Design Lead Role Overview We are looking for a versatile ... Narrative Building: Create cohesive presentation decks that tell a story, utilizing a mix of hand ...

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Lead Narrative Designer information

See salary details

$42K

$91.2K

$157K

How much do lead narrative designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 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 are Lead Narrative Designers?

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.

More about Lead Narrative Designer jobs
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 80% In-person, 11% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,161 per year, or $43.8 per hour.
Lead Narrative Designer

Lead Narrative Designer

Luci

Lincolnwood, IL • On-site

$80K - $115K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Reports to: Director of Narrative Design

Location: Chicago, New York City, or Seattle (in-studio 3+ days/week)

About the Role

At Luci, we take a story-first approach to designing experiences for museums, visitor centers, and brands. As a Lead Narrative Designer, you'll shape the core storytelling and visitor journey of every project you touchthrough scholarly research, interpretive planning, and direct client partnership. This is a senior, client-facing, deeply collaborative role for someone who loves both the craft of storytelling and the hands-on work of bringing exhibits to life.

We're looking for someone who knows the best practices of museology and experience designand has the curiosity and ambition to push them further.

What You'll Do
  • Serve as a primary client contact on interpretive and exhibit development; lead workshops, pitch ideas, and field feedback with clarity and confidence.
  • Research wide-ranging topics in depth and distill complex material into clear, compelling messaging for clients and the public.
  • Develop and refine storylines, interpretive plans, and content outlines aligned to each project's goals and audiences.
  • Champion the "voice of the visitor," ensuring experiences are accessible, inclusive, and meaningfulfor clients and the people they serve.
  • Collaborate with 2D/3D designers, developers, and media specialists to weave storytelling seamlessly into the overall experience.
  • Partner with Creative and Project leads to plan tasks, allocate resources, and meet budgets and deadlines.
  • Identify needs for freelancers or subject-matter experts and bring them to project leadership.
  • Mentor junior designersreviewing interpretive plans and content outlines, leading creative reviews, and sharing best practices in storytelling and interpretation.
What You Bring
  • 8+ years in exhibit development, museum content creation, or interpretive planning.
  • Bachelor's degree in Museum Studies, History, Education, Design, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
  • A confident public speaker who can articulate ideas to clients, stakeholders, and teammates in formal and informal settings.
  • Experience guiding junior team members with clear, constructive feedback.
  • A passion for audience-centered design, storytelling, and alternative learning methodsplus familiarity with Inclusive and Universal Design.
  • Adaptability and creative problem-solving when content, timelines, or resources shift.
Logistics
  • In-studio a minimum of 3 days/week at our Chicago, New York City, or Seattle office.
  • Some travel for client meetings, site visits, installations, and professional development.
Why Luci

You'll have a direct hand in the success of every exhibit and installation you touchworking alongside talented colleagues across disciplines, learning from industry experts, and sharpening your own leadership and interpretive craft along the way.