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Lead Narrative Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$80K - $100K/yr

As a Senior Creative, Brand Narrative Copywriter, you will define how our brands speak across the ... to lead ideas from concept through execution, collaborating with designers, producers, account ...

$80K - $100K/yr

As a Senior Creative, Brand Narrative Copywriter, you will define how our brands speak across the ... to lead ideas from concept through execution, collaborating with designers, producers, account ...

$80K - $100K/yr

As a Senior Creative, Brand Narrative Copywriter, you will define how our brands speak across the ... to lead ideas from concept through execution, collaborating with designers, producers, account ...

$80K - $100K/yr

As a Senior Creative, Brand Narrative Copywriter, you will define how our brands speak across the ... to lead ideas from concept through execution, collaborating with designers, producers, account ...

$80K - $100K/yr

As a Senior Creative, Brand Narrative Copywriter, you will define how our brands speak across the ... to lead ideas from concept through execution, collaborating with designers, producers, account ...

$80K - $100K/yr

As a Senior Creative, Brand Narrative Copywriter, you will define how our brands speak across the ... to lead ideas from concept through execution, collaborating with designers, producers, account ...

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 ...

$80K - $100K/yr

As a Senior Creative, Brand Narrative Copywriter, you will define how our brands speak across the ... to lead ideas from concept through execution, collaborating with designers, producers, account ...

$80K - $100K/yr

As a Senior Creative, Brand Narrative Copywriter, you will define how our brands speak across the ... to lead ideas from concept through execution, collaborating with designers, producers, account ...

$80K - $100K/yr

As a Senior Creative, Brand Narrative Copywriter, you will define how our brands speak across the ... to lead ideas from concept through execution, collaborating with designers, producers, account ...

$80K - $100K/yr

As a Senior Creative, Brand Narrative Copywriter, you will define how our brands speak across the ... to lead ideas from concept through execution, collaborating with designers, producers, account ...

$80K - $100K/yr

As a Senior Creative, Brand Narrative Copywriter, you will define how our brands speak across the ... to lead ideas from concept through execution, collaborating with designers, producers, account ...

$80K - $100K/yr

As a Senior Creative, Brand Narrative Copywriter, you will define how our brands speak across the ... to lead ideas from concept through execution, collaborating with designers, producers, account ...

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 ...

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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 Jul 23, 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:
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.
Senior Creative, Brand Narrative Copywriter

Senior Creative, Brand Narrative Copywriter

Vail Resorts

Broomfield, CO • On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 25 days ago


Vail Resorts rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 157 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 51 rated entertainment


Job description

Our mission is to create the Experience of a Lifetime for our employees, so they can, in turn, create the Experience of a Lifetime for our guests. We own and operate the most renowned destination resorts in the world as well as regional and local ski areas outside major cities, and connect them all through one unrivaled network. We are looking for ambitious leaders, innovators and creators to join our talented team. If you’re ready to pursue your fullest potential, we want to get to know you!

Candidates for year-round positions are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications will be accepted up to 90 days after the posting date, or until the position is filled (whichever is first).

Job Summary:

As a Senior Creative, Brand Narrative Copywriter, you will define how our brands speak across the Vail Resorts portfolio. Copy is how our brands come to life. We care deeply about craft, voice, and the power of language to shape how people feel, remember, and return. This is not a production‑only writing role. In addition to writing campaign copy, you will lead brand voice, shape narrative systems, and connect strategy to storytelling across channels, seasons, and guest touchpoints. 


You are a conceptual writer and systems thinker who understands how modern brands live in the world. You know when to lead with emotion, when to be clear and direct, and how words work alongside design, media, and experience to create impact. 

Job Specifications:

  • Starting Wage: $80,000 - $100,000 + Annual Bonus 
  • Employment Type: Year Round 
  • Shift Type: Full Time hours available
  • Minimum Age: At least 18 years of age  
  • Housing Availability: No

Job Requirements:

  • Lead brand voice and narrative direction, concept development, and execution across Brand Centers of Excellence.  

  • Define and evolve brand narrative frameworks and language systems that scale across channels. 

  • Concept and write original, on strategy creative across digital, email, paid media, OOH, social, video, and experiential. 

  • Translate business objectives and briefs into clear creative and brand narrative direction. 

  • Bring perspective to the work by connecting audience insight, culture, and performance learnings. 

  • Help shape both long-term and seasonal narrative direction in partnership with creative leadership. 

  • Work in close partnership with an Art Director and Associate Creative Director to lead ideas from concept through execution, collaborating with designers, producers, account teams, and external partners along the way. 

  • Present work with conviction, clarity, and a strong strategic point of view. 

  • Guide freelance writers to ensure consistency, quality, and tone. 

  • Contribute to a high bar, collaborative creative culture. 

  • And, of course, find inspiration in the mountains. 

What You’ll Bring 

  • Strong conceptual thinking and the ability to shape brand narratives, not just individual assets. 

  • Ability to deliver storytelling ranging from high-level narrative and campaign concepts to precise, channel‑specific execution. 

  • Mastery of voice and tone, with sound judgment on how and when language elevates the work. 

  • Clear understanding of holistic, multi‑channel marketing and integrated storytelling. 

  • Strong cultural fluency and judgment around relevance, tone, and audience context. 

  • Ability to bridge strategy and execution with confidence. 

  • Comfort navigating complexity, feedback, and multiple projects at once. 

  • Collaborative mindset and a sharp point of view on creative quality. 

Qualifications:

  • 7+ years of experience in copywriting, brand creative, agency and/or in-house environments. 

  • Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to craft distinctive, high-quality copy. 

  • Experience working across integrated campaigns and brand systems. 

  • Ability to use or learn project management tools, creative tools, and AI tools. 

  • Portfolio demonstrating narrative thinking, conceptual strength, and range. 

Must include a link to an online portfolio of work to be considered.

The expected Total Compensation for this role is $80,000 - $100,000 + Annual Bonus. Individual compensation decisions are based on a variety of factors.
 

Job Benefits

  • Ski/Mountain Perks! Free passes for employees, employee discounted lift tickets for friends and family AND free ski lessons
  • MORE employee discounts on lodging, food, gear, and mountain shuttles
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Excellent training and professional development

Full Time roles are eligible for the above, plus:

  • Health Insurance; Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, and Vision Insurance plans (for eligible seasonal employees after working 500 hours)
  • Free ski passes for dependents
  • Critical Illness and Accident plans

Vail Resorts offers a ‘Hybrid’ work environment where employees living within 50 miles of the Broomfield office work on-site Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and have flexibility to work off-site on Mondays and Fridays.  Employees living outside of a commutable distance can work remotely from British Columbia, Washington D.C., and the 16 U.S. states* in which we currently operate. This includes: California, Colorado, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Utah, Vermont, Washington State, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Please note that the ability to work in person or off-site, and the particulars related to such work, are subject to change at any time; and, accordingly, the Company reserves the right to change its policies and/or require in-person/in-office work or off-site work at any time in its sole discretion. 

In completing this application, and when submitting related documentation, applicants may redact information that identifies their age, date of birth, and/or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution. 

We follow all federal, state, and local laws including restrictions on child/minor labor. Minors hired into this position will not be asked or permitted to engage in any activities restricted to adult workers.

Vail Resorts is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law.

Requisition ID  515019
Reference Date: 01/14/2026 
Job Code Function: Creative & Design Services
  


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