Narrative Director
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Full-time
Legal agreement: Employment
Compensation
USD115k - 135k/year
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7 months ago
Responsibilities
POSITION SUMMARYThe Narrative Director leads UWD’s Narrative Department and is responsible for executing a bold and cohesive storytelling strategy across social media, earned media, and cultural initiatives. This role is charged with aligning messaging across platforms, uplifting the voices of our communities, and ensuring all external content reflects UWD’s values, strategy, and brand identity.A master storyteller and political strategist, the Narrative Director develops and leads a creative, integrated narrative plan that blends social media, earned media, and culture change to achieve UWD’s long-term goals. This includes rapid response strategies, identifying media moments to advance our mission, and managing partnerships with media outlets, influencers, and cultural figures.This role plays a central part in UWD’s long-term culture change strategy, helping to shift dominant narratives about immigrants, race, and justice. They understand how culture drives politics and power—and use storytelling, creative content, and media influence to affirmatively drive our narratives, challenge harmful stereotypes and combat disinformation, and spark new ways of imagining community, safety, and belonging. The Narrative Director will lead efforts that not only respond to current events but also proactively shape the public imagination through cultural storytelling, partnerships, and narrative interventions.They manage a team of strategists, content creators, and consultants, ensuring high standards in all external communication. This person is also an expert editor, a sharp political and cultural thinker, and someone excited about being a spokesperson for UWD and the progressive movement in key public moments.Reporting to the Program Director (who oversees all programmatic work), the Narrative Director works closely with organizing, training, and campaigns teams to ensure all storytelling supports the broader mission of UWD.RESPONSIBILITIESStrategic Narrative LeadershipLead the development and implementation of UWD’s overarching narrative strategy across all media and public-facing channels.Develop narrative strategies and tactics rooted in UWD’s long-term vision, grounded in cultural and political analysis.Develop and execute rapid response strategies that use key media moments to shift public narratives and build power.Design and oversee integrated plans that combine social media, earned media, and cultural tactics to advance UWD’s goals.Content & Messaging OversightServe as the final editor and quality control for all written external content including press materials, messaging guides, op-eds, and campaign content.Guide the direction and production of videos, toolkits, graphics, and social media content that are clear, bold, and values-driven.Ensure all content supports UWD’s campaigns, organizing needs, and political strategy timelines by reaching our core audiences.Leverage data and insights to test and optimize messaging, rapidly incorporating learnings and making strategic pivots to expand reach and ensure our content resonates with an ever-growing audience.Media Relations & Culture ChangeIdentify and lead new opportunities for media and cultural partnerships that drive long-term narrative and culture change.Cultivate and manage relationships with those who influence the creation and direction of culture and public narrative – media institutions, journalists, influencers, and celebrities.Represent UWD publicly as a spokesperson during key media and cultural moments.Lead on ideation, planning and execution of culture change events for UWD, creating cultural experiences for our members that advance our overall narrative goals.Team Leadership & CultureResponsible for leading the Narrative Department, including ensuring the department’s success, effectiveness and sustainabilityManages a diverse team of employees, including but not limited to managers, creatives, and associates, providing clear direction, coaching, and consistent feedback.Foster a collaborative, accountable, and inclusive team culture that aligns with UWD’s values.Lead and navigate complex or difficult conversations with clarity and care.Serve as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), contributing to overall organizational strategy and leading internal communications to ensure alignment across all departments.Cross-Team CollaborationCollaborate with the Program Director, as well as cross departmentally, to ensure narrative work is integrated into all areas of the organization.Set and manage content timelines based on campaign cycles, mobilization needs, and external opportunities.Brand & Message ConsistencyLead the strategy around UWD’s brand identity, tone, and strategic narrativeEnsure all messaging and content align with UWD’s brand identity, tone, and strategic narrative.Train and support spokespeople and staff on key messages and storytelling techniques.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIREDMust demonstrate exceptional adaptability, as responsibilities within this role are subject to evolution and program objectives may shift. This requires a proactive approach to learning new skills and embracing unforeseen challenges to ensure continuous contribution and success.6+ years of experience in narrative strategy, communications, media, or cultural work, ideally within advocacy, organizing, or social justice movements.An excellent writer and editor with strong political and cultural analysis.Deep understanding of the power of narrative in movement building and political change.Excited about being a visible spokesperson for UWD and the progressive movement during key public moments.Reliable and highly motivated team player who thrives in a fast-paced environment and meets deadlines while collaborating across teams.Proven leadership and management experience; skilled in providing feedback, setting expectations, and managing team dynamics with transparency and empathy.Experience building and sustaining media relationships, pitching stories, and securing earned media coverage.Track record of developing successful creative content and campaigns across digital and traditional platforms.Deep expertise in audience engagement, particularly with young people, and experience in countering disinformation targeted at immigrant and marginalized communities.Strategic thinker with the ability to turn complex issues into compelling messages.Bilingual (Spanish/English) is a strong plus.SALARY AND BENEFITSSalary Range$115,000 – $135,000 (commensurate with experience)Vacation Time10–22 days annually, based on years of servicePaid Holidays12 holidays + 2-week winter office closure (Dec–Jan)Retirement4% employer contribution to 403(b)Family Leave12 weeks paid family leave (after 1 year of service)InsuranceComprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life insuranceProfessional Development$2,000 annual stipendWork-from-Home Support$120/month utilities reimbursement + $500 annual office reimbursementLocationRemote (U.S.) with preference for employees in AZ, CA, CT, DC, FL, IL, LA, MD, NJ, NM, NY, TX, VA, WATo ApplyApplications will be accepted until the position is filled. Please submit a resume, cover letter, and writing sample to https://unitedwedream.org/about/careers/. Please do not send duplicate materials and incomplete applications will not be considered. No phone calls, please.UWD is an equal opportunity employer; people of color and individuals from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. UWD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic background, citizenship status, religion, political orientation, genetic information, sexual orientation, age, or disability