How To Hire Part-Time Storytellers For Your Nonprofit

Storytelling | May 2019 | From: TwoG Marketing

The art of digital storytelling requires skills that your organization may or may not have in abundance.  That doesn’t excuse you from the need to tell effective stories because the growth and sustainability of your organization depends on it.  So it’s important to know the basics.  Once you understand the basics (what effective storytelling looks like, what types of stories you should tell, etc) it’s now time to step out on faith and start the creation process.  

If you consider yourself a novice in the skills necessary to bring a story to life, the tips below will help you hire a team of interns or part-time contractors to help you fulfill your vision.

WRITING THE STORYTELLER JOB DESCRIPTION

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    Values

Express the values of your organization and explain that candidates must be in alignment with these values to be considered for the job.

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    Preferred Skills (Candidates must be proficient in at least one)
  • Digital Photography
  • Digital Videography: Video Recording, Audio Recording, Use of Stock Media
  • Adobe Photoshop (photo editing software)
  • Adobe Premier (video editing software)
  • Adobe Illustrator (graphic design software)
  • Canva or Adobe InDesign (graphic layout software)
  • WordPress Web-Design
  • Copywriting
  • Comedy Writing
  • Digital Content Distribution (social media, email, live-broadcast, etc)
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    Intangibles
  • Places a high priority on timeliness
  • Has a system of organizing projects
  • Is coachable but also demonstrates the ability to take initiative when appropriate
  • Demonstrates “confident humility”
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    Expectations
  • Be on time
  • Maintain Integrity (DWYSYD)
  • Add 1-3 original suggestions per project
  • Volunteer outside of story projects
  • Share your work with your networks
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    Benefits
  • Stipend or Project-Based Wages (FYI…Good work isn’t free and free work isn’t good)
  • Connections (Be intentional about introducing your interns to good opportunities)
  • Entertainment Perks if you have them (Teens love to be entertained…and fed)
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    Summary Statement

Your summary statement should read something like this: “Visual Storyteller needed to help grow our organization. Calling all Photographers, Videographers, Designers, Writers”

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    Application

Application should include a resume, cover letter specific to your organization, three professional references, and most importantly; access to completed work. Any certifications are also welcomed.

CONDUCTING THE INTERVIEW

Be natural but make sure you ask the following questions:

  1. Why do you care about this cause/organization?
  2. Can you describe your favorite project so far and why it’s your favorite?
  3. If we gave you complete autonomy to develop a story idea and execute, can you give us a brief synopsis on what it would look like?

COMPLETING THE PROCESS

Don’t stop at the application and the interview. This last phase is just as important.

  1. Call references
  2. Get multiple opinions on the quality of completed work
  3. Have candidate complete a small assignment
    • Give the candidate the autonomy to develop and create a short video clip or photo/graphic series that’s relevant to the organization.

Last note: Don’t settle for one intern even if you can hire a super-intern with all the necessary skills and experience. When you hire a team of 3-5 interns, you can create a healthy competitive atmosphere while benefiting from unique perspectives.  You’re also less exposed to a dud hire because s/he will get weeded out by the work and attitudes of the group.

For more information about Nonprofit Storytelling:

Check out this infographic

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