Narratives and Storytelling Lead

The role  

The Narratives and Storytelling Lead uncovers, shapes and shares stories that connect community experience, emerging need and philanthropic impact. It develops compelling, human-centred stories that build awareness, deepen understanding of the issues impacting Greater Melbourne, and celebrate community-led change and the joy of giving. 

The role brings Strategy 2030 to life through storytelling, making community need and lived experience visible. It strengthens connection between supporters, communities and the Foundation, and helps position the Foundation as a trusted, credible voice for Greater Melbourne, known for effective philanthropy and social justice. The role works closely with the Impact Team and the Philanthropy Engagement Manager to source and shape stories, and it also supports the CEO with op-eds and thought leadership pieces.   

Key responsibilities 

• Develop and deliver compelling, human-centred stories that reflect community need and experience, the joy of giving, and impact across Greater Melbourne 

• Lead the development of the Foundation’s core stories and narrative to ensure a consistent storytelling approach and messaging 

• Develop long-form content to position the Foundation as a trusted, credible voice for Greater Melbourne and social justice and equity, and support the CEO with op-eds and thought leadership pieces for public audiences  

• Work closely with the Impact Team to identify, source and shape stories that demonstrate the Foundation’s approach to effective philanthropy and community-led change 

• Engage directly with community members, supporters and stakeholders through interviews, conversations and site visits to gather and shape authentic lived experience (for storytelling purposes) 

• Maintain a steady flow of storytelling content aligned to organisational priorities, campaigns and key moments, and identify new story opportunities to strengthen awareness, relevance and engagement 

• Work closely with the Communications and External Affairs Manager to ensure storytelling supports public messaging and external communications, strengthening the Foundation’s reputation and relevance 

Key selection criteria  

• Experience in storytelling, journalism, communications or content development in a purpose-driven environment, with strong creative capability 

• Strong ability to write clear, engaging and human-centred stories across multiple formats  

• Demonstrated experience engaging directly with community members, supporters or stakeholders to gather and shape authentic stories and lived experience 

• Strong editorial judgement with the ability to shape accurate, engaging and audience-appropriate content  

• Experience working with impact and subject-matter teams to source stories and insights  

• Understanding of community issues, philanthropy and/or social impact, and the role of storytelling in shifting narratives 

• Strong collaboration skills and ability to work across teams in a fast-paced environment  

• Commitment to ethical storytelling and representing both community and supporter voice with care and accuracy 

How to apply 

View the position description.

Please send a copy of your CV and a cover letter addressing the selection criteria to [email protected] by 5:00pm Monday 1 June 2026. 

For more information related to this role, please contact Caroline Sheehan, Business Consultant.  

P: 0466 354 357 

E: [email protected]