The Full-time Storyteller will work under the direction of the Senior Program Manager, and in collaboration with the whole storytelling team. They will lead a range of creative writing workshops with students in upper primary (stages 2 and 3) and high school. Some of these will be creative writing programs we have already developed, and they may also work with the team to develop new and innovative creative writing programs responding to students’ needs and interests. Professional development and support will be provided, if needed.

The ideal candidate will be an exceptional, experienced teacher with a passion for nurturing creativity in young people, and the drive to deliver innovative creative writing programs that become a benchmark in the field.

They may be involved in the management of volunteers within workshops, and occasionally interns. They will also be responsible for keeping accurate records of each workshop, including attendance registers for students and volunteers, and reporting back on all workshops to the storytelling team. We are a community-based organisation, so they will also be expected to engage with diverse members of our community and build strong and respectful relationships.

Most programs will be delivered in schools in Sydney and across Western Sydney, with some programs at the Story Factory’s centres in Redfern or Parramatta.

Story Factory is a child safe organisation, and they will be expected to follow our charters and code of conduct at all times, and be a role model for the Story Factory community in all matters of child safety.

Key Position Priorities and Duties:

• High quality delivery of Story Factory’s (SF’s) range of already developed writing and storytelling programs, to young people aged 7 to 17 from a wide range of backgrounds.
• Keep detailed and up-to-date records of all classes, including lesson plans and rolls (for volunteers and students), to be entered in a timely fashion into SF systems.
• Collect, curate and edit student work for publication at the end of each program, and ensure these publications are handed back to students.
• Assist with the refinement and improvement of existing SF programs, and the creation of new programs that respond to students’ interests and the SF’s goals.
• Ensure all SF programs are culturally appropriate and relevant.
• Directly supervise volunteers and interns within workshops. Appropriately encourage and thank all unpaid staff, so they know their contribution is valued.
• Comply with, and ensure that all volunteers comply with, the guidelines regarding appropriate interactions with children outlined by the NSW Commission for Children and Young People; immediately report any infractions to the Senior Program Manager.
• Work co-operatively with evaluators who may from time to time be involved in workshops.
• Ensure that SF workshops are places where students and families from all backgrounds are welcome, and actively encouraged to participate.
• Develop strong relationships with teachers, parents and community members whenever you are running a workshop.
• Deal with any behavioural problems with students in accordance with SF policies.
• Report on a regular basis to the Senior Program Manager about the progress of workshops and attend weekly staff and storyteller meetings.
• Ensure compliance with organisational polices and practices.
• Optional participation in staff development and training activities.

Selection Criteria:

Candidates are asked to reply to each of the following criteria outlining their relevant experience and qualifications.

Essential

• A love of creative writing and a strong desire to improve outcomes for young people;
• A completed or nearly completed education degree and significant education experience;
• A gift for storytelling and the ability to nurture creativity in others;
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse people in an educational setting;
• A creative mind and the ability to develop programs responding to students’
• needs and interests, with or without support from others;
• Strong organisational and administrative skills.

Desirable

• Current NSW Driver Licence.

For more information, visit www.storyfactory.org.au

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

At Story Factory, we embrace differences in gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural background, disability, religion and sexual orientation. We know that diversity and inclusion helps us to attract, recruit, engage and retain a team of talented people.

We encourage people from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and culturally diverse backgrounds to apply. Residents of Greater Western Sydney are particularly encouraged to apply.

If you require specific support to apply for this position, please advise the recruiting manager whose contact details are listed in the advertisement. We will work with you to identify the best way to assist you.

A job pack is attached.