Professional Storyteller Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the digital age, the magic of professional storytelling has never been more captivating.

As culture evolves, so does the demand for imaginative minds who can craft, enrich, and preserve our narrative traditions.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a professional storyteller?

Whether you are:

• An aspiring storyteller seeking to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager drafting the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply fascinated by the art of storytelling,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a versatile professional storyteller job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Professional Storyteller Duties and Responsibilities

Professional Storytellers are experts in engaging audiences with captivating narratives, often using unique performance techniques to bring stories to life.

They can work in various settings, including libraries, schools, festivals, and corporate events, and may work with written material or improvise stories orally.

Professional Storytellers are responsible for the following duties and responsibilities:

• Create and develop original stories or adapt existing narratives
• Perform stories live to a variety of audiences, using engaging vocal and physical techniques
• Research and learn about different cultures, myths, and legends to incorporate into stories
• Collaborate with other professionals such as directors, writers, and other performers
• Develop, plan, and conduct storytelling workshops and training sessions
• Use props, music, or multimedia elements to enhance the storytelling performance
• Maintain a repertoire of stories suitable for different age groups and occasions
• Engage with the audience before, during, and after the performance to encourage participation and feedback
• Market and promote storytelling performances to attract audiences
• Work with schools, libraries, businesses, and other organizations to promote the benefits of storytelling and literacy

 

Professional Storyteller Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dynamic, creative, and engaging Professional Storyteller to join our team.

The primary role will be to develop and deliver compelling stories that captivate and engage audiences, effectively communicating our brand messages.

The ideal candidate should have proven experience in storytelling, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and a talent for crafting narratives that engage and entertain.

You should also be comfortable performing in front of both small and large audiences.

 

Responsibilities

• Create, develop, and deliver engaging and compelling narratives for various audiences
• Use storytelling to effectively communicate the mission, vision, and values of our organization
• Work closely with marketing and creative teams to incorporate storytelling into brand strategies
• Adapt stories to suit different platforms and audience demographics
• Perform in front of both small and large audiences in various settings
• Prepare scripts and outlines for storytelling performances
• Use creative narrative and performance techniques to keep audiences engaged
• Collaborate with other departments to ensure consistency in brand messaging

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a professional storyteller, writer, or related role
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to create and deliver engaging narratives
• Experience performing in front of audiences
• A creative mind with strong storytelling skills
• Ability to adapt storytelling style and content to suit various platforms and audiences
• Degree in literature, journalism, communications, or related field is a plus

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Professional Storyteller
• Work Environment: This position may require travel to perform at various events and locations. Remote work is also possible depending on the situation.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Communications or Marketing Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $70,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and a sample of your storytelling work to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Professional Storyteller Do?

A Professional Storyteller is an expert in the art of conveying narratives to diverse audiences.

They can work in various settings such as schools, libraries, festivals, corporate events, or as part of theatre groups.

They carefully craft and adapt stories to suit their audience, which can range from children to adults.

These stories can be traditional tales, myths, fables, or even personal anecdotes.

They use their skills in rhetoric, timing, and voice modulation to captivate and engage their listeners.

Professional Storytellers also utilize body language, facial expressions, and sometimes props or musical instruments to enhance their storytelling performance.

In some cases, they may even involve audience participation to create an immersive storytelling experience.

They often work closely with educators, providing workshops on storytelling techniques and its benefits, such as improving language skills, encouraging creativity, and building empathy.

Moreover, some Professional Storytellers are also authors who write their own stories, while others may specialize in oral storytelling traditions.

Regardless of the medium, their primary responsibility is to narrate stories in a way that entertains, educates, and inspires their audience.

 

Professional Storyteller Qualifications and Skills

A Professional Storyteller must have a unique set of skills and qualifications that align with the dynamic requirements of the job, including:

• Strong verbal communication and public speaking skills to engage with various audiences and bring stories to life.
• Creative thinking skills to develop and adapt stories that appeal to a range of ages and interests.
• Excellent memory to recall and accurately convey a wide variety of stories, characters, and details.
• Empathy and emotional intelligence to connect with the audience and evoke the intended emotional responses.
• Interpersonal skills to interact with audience members, respond to reactions, and encourage participation when needed.
• Improvisation skills to make on-the-spot changes to the story or delivery based on the audience’s response.
• Cultural sensitivity and knowledge to tell stories from a variety of cultures and traditions in an appropriate and respectful manner.
• Physical stamina and vocal health to perform for extended periods of time, often with expressive body movements and vocal inflection.

 

Professional Storyteller Experience Requirements

Professional Storytellers typically start their journey with a passion for stories and an innate ability to captivate audiences.

This passion can be honed through formal education in fields like Literature, Drama, Performing Arts, or Communications.

Internships or part-time roles at theaters, drama clubs, community organizations, or radio stations can provide valuable hands-on experience.

This can also help in building a repertoire, improving their narrative skills, and gaining confidence in front of an audience.

Storytellers with 1 to 3 years of experience generally have a grasp on crafting and delivering engaging narratives.

They may have experience with various forms of storytelling such as oral, written, multimedia, or digital storytelling.

For those with more than 3 years of storytelling experience, they often have a developed personal style and may have expertise in specific types of storytelling or genres.

They may have gained this experience through working as a children’s book author, a scriptwriter for television or film, a radio presenter, a voice-over artist, or a live performer.

Storytellers with over 5 years of experience are often seasoned performers who have mastered the art of audience engagement.

They may have worked in various settings such as schools, festivals, corporate events, cultural institutions, or even as personal coaches.

This level of experience may qualify them for leadership roles, such as directing a storytelling troupe, leading a community outreach program, or teaching storytelling workshops.

 

Professional Storyteller Education and Training Requirements

While there are no strict educational requirements to become a professional storyteller, having a bachelor’s degree in English, Literature, Theatre, Creative Writing, or a related field can be beneficial.

Many professional storytellers learn their craft through workshops, seminars, and courses offered by storytelling guilds, associations, and organizations.

These programs focus on the art of storytelling, narrative techniques, voice modulation, and audience engagement.

Some universities and colleges offer master’s degrees or certifications in storytelling or related fields.

These advanced programs can help storytellers to further refine their skills, learn about various storytelling techniques, and understand cultural, historical, or social contexts of different types of stories.

Professional storytellers may also benefit from training in public speaking to improve their stage presence, delivery style, and audience interaction.

In addition, experience in theatre, stand-up comedy, teaching, or any field that involves public speaking and engagement can be advantageous.

Continued learning and improvement are crucial for a professional storyteller.

They often attend storytelling festivals, workshops, and events to learn new styles, stories, and techniques.

Volunteering to tell stories at community events, libraries, schools, or cultural festivals can provide valuable experience and enhance storytelling skills.

Lastly, joining professional storytelling associations can offer networking opportunities, resources, and support to aspiring storytellers.

 

Professional Storyteller Salary Expectations

A Professional Storyteller earns an average salary of $45,000 (USD) per year.

However, the salary can vary based on several factors such as the storyteller’s experience, the medium in which they work (such as live performance, radio, or online), and their geographical location.

As with any creative profession, income can greatly fluctuate and may also include royalties from books or other published works.

 

Professional Storyteller Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Professional Storyteller need?

Professional Storytellers need exceptional oral communication skills and a strong command of language to effectively convey stories.

They should have excellent memory skills to remember the details and sequences of various narratives.

Creativity and imagination are also essential for creating engaging and captivating stories.

They should be adept at audience engagement, have strong presentation skills, and a good understanding of pacing and timing.

 

Do Professional Storytellers need a degree?

While a degree is not mandatory to become a Professional Storyteller, having a bachelor’s degree in subjects like literature, creative writing, theater, or communication can be beneficial.

However, the most significant aspect of this profession is the ability to captivate an audience through storytelling.

Many Professional Storytellers gain experience and refine their skills through practice, workshops, and storytelling festivals.

 

What should you look for in a Professional Storyteller’s resume?

A Professional Storyteller’s resume should highlight their experience in different settings, such as museums, libraries, schools, festivals, or corporate events.

It may include any specific storytelling techniques they are familiar with, such as digital storytelling or traditional oral narratives.

Any workshops or courses they have attended to improve their storytelling skills should also be mentioned.

Finally, any positive feedback or testimonials from previous audiences or employers can be a good sign of their skills and abilities.

 

What qualities make a good Professional Storyteller?

A good Professional Storyteller is engaging, creative, and able to adapt their stories to various audiences.

They should have a strong presence and be comfortable performing in front of large crowds.

Patience, empathy, and a good sense of humor are also beneficial.

A good Storyteller should also have a broad knowledge of different types of stories from various cultures and genres.

 

Is it difficult to hire Professional Storytellers?

The challenge in hiring Professional Storytellers often lies in finding individuals who not only tell stories well but can also engage and captivate diverse audiences.

The demand for storytelling in various industries like education, corporate training, marketing, and entertainment is growing, so finding skilled Professional Storytellers may require a thorough search and selection process.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the fascinating realm of being a professional storyteller.

And here’s a surprise!

It’s not just about telling tales.

It’s about breathing life into narratives, one story at a time.

With our ready-to-use professional storyteller job description template and authentic examples, you’re prepared to take the next step.

But why stop at that?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your stepping stone to meticulously constructed listings or refining your resume to excellence.

Remember:

Every story is a piece of a larger narrative tapestry.

Let’s weave that tapestry. Together.