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Lead Narrative Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

RS Mannino

Architectural Designer

Rutherford, NJ · On-site

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

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 ...

Vail Resorts

$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 ...

RS Mannino

Architectural Designer

Rutherford, NJ · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

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 ...

Vail Resorts

$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 ...

Vail Resorts

$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 ...

Vail Resorts

$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 ...

Vail Resorts

$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 ...

Vail Resorts

$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 ...

Vail Resorts

$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 ...

Vail Resorts

$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 ...

Vail Resorts

$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 ...

Vail Resorts Corporate

$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 ...

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All JobsLead Narrative Designer Jobs

Lead Narrative Designer information

See salary details

$42K

$91.2K

$157K

How much do lead narrative designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $91,161 per year, or $43.8 per hour.

Architectural Designer

RS Mannino

Rutherford, NJ • On-site

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Salary: $90,000 - $110,000.00

Job Title: Architectural Designer & Design Lead

Role Overview

We are looking for a versatile, vision-driven Architectural Designer to join our firm. This is a high-visibility role focused on the "front-end" of our projectsfrom the first site visit through Pre-Design, Schematic Design, and into Design Development.

You will be the primary bridge between internal conceptualization and external communication. On a daily basis, you will collaborate with the Project Manager on technical feasibility and report to the Principal for design vision. Crucially, you will be the "voice" of the project, leading client presentations and articulating the design narrative from the first sketch to the final DD set.



The "Pencil-First" Philosophy

In our firm, the computer is a tool for refinement, but the pen is the tool for thought. Hand sketching is a mandatory skill for this position. We need a designer who:

  • Can stand at a drafting board or over a roll of trace paper and solve spatial problems in real-time.
  • Uses sketching to "think out loud" during internal charrettes with the Principal.
  • Produces evocative, hand-drawn vignettes that capture the soul of a project in a way a digital render cannot.



Key Responsibilities

  • Client Leadership: Lead formal presentations and informal work sessions. You must be able to read a room, handle client feedback with grace, and defend design intent while remaining collaborative.
  • Conceptual Design (SD): Ownership of the early creative phases for High-End Residential and Hospitality projects. This includes site analysis, massing studies, and programmatic layouts.
  • Design Development (DD): Translate schematic visions into detailed architectural packages, ensuring the "big idea" is preserved as technical details are added.
  • Project Synergy: Report to the Project Manager regarding schedules and technical coordination; report to the Principal for aesthetic direction and design reviews.
  • Narrative Building: Create cohesive presentation decks that tell a story, utilizing a mix of hand sketches, 3D models, and material palettes.



Required Skills & Qualifications

Category

Requirements

The "Must-Have"

Mastery of Hand Sketching. The ability to produce rapid, legible, and beautiful conceptual drawings is essential.

Presentation

Exceptional public speaking and "storytelling" skills. Ability to lead high-stakes client meetings with confidence.

Experience

47 years in an architectural design role, with a portfolio showcasing both luxury residential and hospitality/commercial work.

Education

B.Arch or M.Arch from an accredited university.

Technical Stack

Proficiency in Revit (for DD), Rhino/SketchUp (for massing), and Adobe Creative Suite (for presentations).

Adaptability

Comfortable switching gears between the intimacy of a custom home and the complexity of a boutique hotel.



Portfolio Requirements

Your portfolio will be evaluated equally on technical skill and communication style. Please include:

  1. Process Sketches: We want to see the "messy" workthe sketches, trace overlays, and diagrams that led to the final solution.
  2. Presentation Samples: Examples of client-facing decks or boards that demonstrate your ability to curate a design narrative.
  3. Project Range: Clear examples of your work in the single-family and hospitality sectors.



Note to Candidates: This is a role for a designer who loves the "start" of a projectthe uncertainty of a blank page and the excitement of winning over a client. If you are as comfortable with a felt-tip pen as you are in front of a boardroom, we want to hear from you.