Director, Narrative & Strategy
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Storyline: Who We Are

We create research-driven narratives that transform. Harnessing unparalleled creativity and uncompromising precision, we provide storytelling research, insights, and strategy for the most influential and ascendant companies in tech, entertainment, non-profit, and public policy. From messaging architectures to brand platforms, policy to product, our team of strategy, messaging, design, and research experts hone communications insights to craft stories that help our clients confidently tell their own. At the heart of our organization is our mission to be an indispensable strategic partner with diverse, innovative and global capabilities.

We’re seeking a Director, Narrative & Strategy to join us in continuously raising the bar to do just that.

The Opportunity & Role

As Director, Narrative & Strategy, you own client outcomes across a portfolio of high‑visibility engagements. You lead end‑to‑end delivery from scoping and research design to insight synthesis and executive‑ready narratives, and you build deep, trusted client relationships that drive account growth. You coach and elevate a team of advisors and strategists, set quality bars, and ensure every touchpoint reflects operational excellence and strategic clarity. You are equally comfortable in the weeds with methods and in the boardroom with decision‑makers.

What You’ll Do

  • Lead a portfolio of concurrent client projects across qualitative, quantitative, and mixed‑method programs; set scope, milestones, and operating rhythms; manage risks and decisions.
  • Own client relationships, serving as strategic advisor from pitch to delivery; model proactive communication, expectation‑setting, and constructive pushback to protect quality and outcomes.
  • Design research plans with cross‑functional partners; ensure instruments and discussion guides align to decisions, audiences, and hypotheses.
  • Direct synthesis and storytelling: identify patterns, tensions, and drivers; build crisp narratives, messaging architectures, and decision frameworks tied to client objectives.
  • Review and elevate client deliverables (briefs, memos, decks); drive cohesion in argument, evidence, and visual communication.
  • Facilitate qualitative research through focus group + interview moderation, guiding participants through questions engineered to provoke compelling and revealing discussions.
  • Drive account growth in partnership with Client Leads: spot expansion opportunities, shape statements of work, and contribute to pricing and resourcing strategies.
  • Coach and mentor junior and mid‑level talent; set competencies and ladders; provide actionable feedback, model thinking, and create opportunities for stretch work.
  • Establish and maintain best‑practice libraries, templates, and SOPs for research inputs, synthesis, and storytelling; uphold QA standards.
  • Apply AI tools responsibly to accelerate analysis and narrative development, with human‑in‑the‑loop validation for accuracy, tone, and bias control.
  • Partner with Project Operations on staffing, timeline integrity, and cross‑project prioritization; ensure efficient collaboration with Design and Analytics.

What You’ll Need

  • B.A. or M.A. in a field emphasizing communication, social science, policy, business, or a data‑informed discipline; advanced degree a plus.
  • 6–9+ years in insights, strategy, communications, or consulting, including proven ownership of client projects and relationships in agency or consulting settings.
  • Track record of contributing to meaningful account revenue growth through repeat work, cross‑sell, or up‑sell.
  • Demonstrated mastery of qualitative and comfort with quantitative or mixed‑method research; strong synthesis and executive storytelling skills.
  • Proven ability to manage a portfolio of projects at varying phases and complexity while maintaining quality and momentum.
  • Experience coaching, mentoring, and developing junior talent; creates clarity, raises standards, and builds confidence.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication; presence with senior stakeholders and ability to translate complexity into clear decisions.
  • Strong collaboration skills and judgment in fast‑moving, deadline‑driven environments.
  • Thoughtful use of AI tools to accelerate workflows while safeguarding accuracy and confidentiality.
  • Ability to work outside of traditional business hours to support global clients and projects when necessary.

Our Benefits

We offer a competitive benefits package. Storyline Strategies is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. EOE/AA/M/F/V/D/SO.

In order to comply with equal pay and salary transparency laws in various locations, we believe the target range of base compensation in all locations within the United States for this role is $115,000 – $145,000 USD. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, and location.

Location

US-based, remote position with work-from-home flexibility 4–5 days per week. Strong preference for candidates in the Washington, DC or New York, NY metropolitan areas. Those based in DC or NYC meet in person for one full work week per month in a co-working office for strategic and collaborative work.

How to Apply

Please submit a resume and cover letter to careers@storylinestrategies.com.

The Storyline Team

We’re trailblazers. We believe “good enough” is neither good nor enough. We’re energized by new challenges, and motivated by the pursuit of innovative ideas that produce results.

We’re invested in what we do. The work is endlessly stimulating. The clients are among the world’s most influential brands and decision-makers. And the team is continuously inspiring. There’s no better motivation to bring your best to everything you do.

We’re driven by a passion for storytelling. Nothing excites us more than uncovering a game‑changing insight, crafting an effective solution, and creating an unforgettable narrative.