Forget fairy tales by the fireside. The world's oldest profession – storytelling – is undergoing a radical corporate makeover, becoming one of the hottest new job titles in boardrooms from Silicon Valley to the UK high street.
The Rise of the Corporate Bard
Major technology firms, retailers, and compliance companies are now actively recruiting for roles with the official title of 'Storyteller'. These aren't positions for children's authors, but strategic hires tasked with a critical mission: to 'own the narrative' for their brand. The trend, reported by publications like The Wall Street Journal, sees narrative control as a key business asset.
For instance, Google Cloud is seeking a Customer Storytelling Manager to craft tales of cloud adoption, focusing on how AI and data solutions drive innovation. Meanwhile, Microsoft's security division is recruiting a Senior Director to oversee narrative and storytelling. Even compliance technology firm Vanta is on the hunt for a Head of Storytelling, with the role commanding a salary of up to $274,000 (approximately £204,000).
What Does a Corporate Storyteller Actually Do?
This new breed of professional is far more than a copywriter. The role is a hybrid, blending skills from marketing, internal and external communications, and often deep technical knowledge. The Microsoft job, for example, is described as part cybersecurity technologist, part communicator, and part marketer.
In the UK, the trend is equally visible. Retail giant Marks & Spencer is advertising for a Food Brand Storyteller, a role focused on producing standout concepts across media. Productivity app Notion has consolidated its comms, social, and influencer teams into a unified storytelling unit. The core function is to shape and control the company's overarching story in a crowded market.
Data Behind the Trend
The surge in demand is quantifiable. According to data from LinkedIn, the term 'storyteller' appeared in twice as many US job listings in the year to 26 November compared to the previous 12-month period. This indicates a significant shift in how companies value strategic narrative.
While the title may evoke images of ancient bards, the modern corporate storyteller's toolkit is digital. As one industry observer wryly noted, it's also environmentally friendly: there's no need to gather round and light a physical fire to share these particular tales.
The message to job seekers is clear: the ability to weave a compelling, strategic narrative is now a premium, highly-paid skill. And for companies, the moral of the story is that in the digital age, whoever tells the best story wins the audience.
