Product Storyteller

Substack•San Francisco, CA

1d•$120,000 - $165,000

About The Position

Substack is seeking a Product Storyteller to help writers and creators understand what they can do on the platform and how to use its tools. The role works closely with product, communications, creator partnerships, and editorial teams to turn product developments into compelling stories and useful resources, including launch announcements, creator features, practical guides, and short videos. The position is part of the editorial team within Brand & Communications and reports directly to the editor of On Substack. The Product Storyteller owns product storytelling for On Substack, develops creator resources, manages editorial production for Product Lab and the Bestseller publication, and works directly with creators to report and tell stories about how they use Substack. The role also helps determine coverage and timing for product updates, coordinates projects through publication, and produces work quickly while maintaining editorial quality and integrity. The ideal candidate is an exceptional writer and editor with sharp editorial judgment, curiosity about products, and enthusiasm for creator education. They can explain what is changing, why it matters, and how creators might use a feature, choosing the appropriate story and format. Substack offers a competitive compensation package that includes salary, equity, and benefits. The salary range is $120,000–$165,000, with final offers based on experience and expertise.

Requirements

At least 5 years of relevant experience.
Background in communications, journalism, or editorial; experience in tech is preferred.
Exceptional writing and editing ability, demonstrated by a portfolio showing clarity, voice, and strong editorial judgment.
Ability to translate complicated product features into clear explanations without losing important details.
Strong storytelling instincts, including the ability to find compelling creator examples, develop strong angles, and explain why a story matters.
Strong project management skills; organized, proactive, self-directed, and able to manage multiple projects and communicate across teams in a fast-moving environment.
Ability to create simple video and visual explainers, record walkthroughs, and make basic edits.
Understanding of Substack’s voice and interest in the needs of writers, podcasters, and other independent creators, including helping them use the platform in practical ways.
Willingness to collaborate with any writer or creator on the platform, regardless of their views.

Nice To Haves

Experience in tech.
Relevant experience in journalism, product storytelling, service journalism, or creator education.
Advanced video or visual production skills.

Responsibilities

Write launch stories and creator-facing features for On Substack, using reporting, examples, and framing to show why product developments matter to publishers.
Connect product launches to Substack’s broader story of creative independence, ownership, and direct relationships with audiences.
Create clear, useful guides that help creators get started, try new tools, and build their publications; audit and update existing materials as the product changes.
Own editorial production for Product Lab and the Bestseller publication, collaborating with contributors and product experts on ideas, editing drafts, and maintaining a useful publishing rhythm.
Build relationships with product teams, ask questions early, and test tools firsthand.
Gather creator examples, data, screenshots, and other materials to ensure stories are accurate and ready for publication.
Collaborate with writers and creators to conduct interviews, gather testimonials, and surface stories about how people use the platform.
Recommend the right editorial treatment for product updates, including standalone stories or thematic roundups.
Work with social colleagues on material they can adapt for their channels, considering audience interest and publishing cadence.
Coordinate drafts, factual reviews, assets, and approvals; keep collaborators informed about requirements and timelines and adapt as launch plans change.
Write quickly and execute with urgency while maintaining editorial quality and integrity.
Create simple, useful video and visual explainers, including recording walkthroughs and making basic edits.