Impact Storytelling Lead

OSU Rec Sports - Sport. Leadership. Wellness.; Corvallis (OR); On-site; USD 58,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

OSU Story Lab at Oregon State University seeks an Impact Storytelling Lead, a full-time professional faculty position within the College of Liberal Arts. The role guides projects from client intake to publication and audience engagement, ensuring maximum impact and compelling storytelling.

Ideal candidates hold a graduate degree in science communication or related field, 5+ years of impact storytelling experience, and a strong portfolio.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in field relevant to science communication and/or storytelling.
• 5+ years of professional experience in impact storytelling.
• Strong portfolio of distributed/published media work.
• Commitment to working with diverse, inclusive, high-performing media professionals.

Responsibilities

• Integrate impact considerations throughout the creative process, from project selection to distribution and audience engagement.
• Develop systems, templates, and best practices for Story Lab’s processes.
• Provide editorial feedback with emphasis on audience, impact, and narrative effectiveness.
• Assess projects for publication opportunities, audience engagement, and impact potential.
• Develop strategies to maximize public engagement for Story Lab projects.

Skills

Impact storytelling

Portfolio development

Team leadership

Diversity & inclusion

Editorial feedback

Education

Graduate degree in science communication or related field

Job description

Department:

College of Liberal Arts

Job Summary:

The College of Liberal Arts, School of Writing, Literature & Film, is seeking an Impact Storytelling Lead. This is a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, professional faculty position.

The OSU Story Lab advances research impact through compelling, richly told stories. We partner with researchers at OSU and beyond, as well asnonprofits, Tribal partners and government agencies, creating powerful communications that achieve outreach goals while training the next generation of science communicators.

The Impact Storytelling Lead position collaborates with Story Lab leadership to ensure projects are optimized for impact. From client intake to publication and audience engagement, this position will help build a sustainable, mission-driven program.

Key Responsibilities:

• Integrate impact considerations throughout the creative process, from project selection and story development through distribution and audience engagement.
• Develop systems, templates, and best practices that strengthen Story Lab’s creative and operational processes.
• Provide editorial feedback throughout the storytelling process, with an emphasis on audience, impact, and narrative effectiveness.
• Assess projects for publication opportunities, audience engagement, and overall impact potential.
• Develop strategies that help Story Lab projects reach intended audiences and maximize public engagement.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

• Graduate degree in field relevant to science communication, science methodologies, and/or storytelling.
• 5+ years of professional experience in the field of impact storytelling
• Strong record of impact storytelling development, evidenced by a portfolio of distributed/published media work
• Evident commitment to working with and building teams of diverse, inclusive, and high-performing media professionals

This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver’s license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with diverse clients and subjects, especially in remote settings or challenging conditions
• Experience with science communication and research storytelling, translating specialized research into compelling narratives for non-specialist audiences
• Evidenceof dedication to effective mentorship of aspiring storytellers

Working Conditions/Schedule:

This position requires routine on-campus presence. Periodically, the incumbent will be expected to participate in Story Lab projects conducted in diverse and often remote areas, both on land and water. The Impact Storytelling Lead may be expected to help transport media equipment, at times weighing more than 50 lbs., and may be expected to work extended periods outdoors, including in inclement weather and/or challenging conditions (e.g., filming on watercraft). Schedule is flexible and aligned with Story Lab needs and priorities.

Salary Range:

$58,000-$75,000

Anticipated Start Date:

2026-09-01

Anticipated End Date:

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.

OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.

OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. If this position has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities and/or driving duties and you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our Background Checks website including the for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU’s Employee and Labor Relations team at [e-mail].

For additional information please contact:

Tim Jensen

[e-mail]

541-737-1634