3 Biographer Job Description Templates and Examples

Biographers research and write detailed accounts of individuals' lives, capturing their achievements, challenges, and personal stories. They conduct interviews, analyze historical records, and craft compelling narratives to bring their subjects to life. Junior biographers may assist with research and writing, while senior and lead biographers often take on more complex projects and oversee the work of others in the field.

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1. Biographer Job Description Template

Company Overview

[$COMPANY_OVERVIEW]

Role Overview

We are looking for a talented Biographer to join our team, dedicated to capturing and narrating the life stories of influential figures across various domains. In this role, you will conduct in-depth interviews, engage in meticulous research, and synthesize information to create compelling biographical narratives that resonate with readers.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct extensive interviews with subjects, family members, and associates to gather personal anecdotes and insights.
  • Research historical context, events, and other relevant biographical details to enrich narratives.
  • Craft clear, engaging, and well-structured biographical texts that reflect the subject's life journey and impact.
  • Collaborate with editors and publishing teams to refine manuscripts and ensure high-quality publication standards.
  • Attend literary events and book signings to promote biographies and engage with the community.

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Required:

  • Bachelor's degree in English, Journalism, History, or a related field.
  • Proven experience in biographical writing or a similar role, showcasing a portfolio of published works.
  • Exceptional research skills and the ability to synthesize complex information into engaging narratives.
  • Strong interviewing skills, with a knack for building rapport and extracting meaningful stories from subjects.

Preferred:

  • Master's degree in a relevant field.
  • Experience working with literary agents and publishing houses.
  • Familiarity with various writing styles and formats, including digital storytelling.

Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies

  • Proficient in using research databases, archival resources, and digital tools for fact-checking.
  • Experience with content management systems or publishing software.
  • Familiarity with social media platforms for promoting works and engaging with audiences.

Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a keen eye for detail.
  • Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines.
  • Passion for storytelling and a deep appreciation for diverse life experiences.
  • Open-mindedness and respect for the subjects’ perspectives and narratives.

Benefits and Perks

Annual salary range: [$SALARY_RANGE]

Additional benefits may include:

  • Health and wellness programs
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Flexible work arrangements
  • Access to exclusive literary events and workshops

Equal Opportunity Statement

[$COMPANY_NAME] is committed to fostering an inclusive environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

Location

This role requires successful candidates to be based in [$COMPANY_LOCATION].

Note: We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply, even if you don’t meet all the listed qualifications.

2. Senior Biographer Job Description Template

Company Overview

[$COMPANY_OVERVIEW]

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Biographer to join our dynamic team at [$COMPANY_NAME]. In this role, you will leverage your extensive writing experience and historical research expertise to craft compelling, nuanced biographies that resonate with diverse audiences. You will be instrumental in shaping narratives that not only honor the subjects but also engage and educate readers.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct in-depth research, utilizing primary and secondary sources to uncover rich details and context about subjects' lives
  • Write, edit, and refine biographies, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and a captivating narrative style
  • Collaborate with historians, editors, and other stakeholders to ensure comprehensive and authentic representations
  • Develop relationships with subject matter experts, family members, and other relevant individuals for interviews and insights
  • Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring deadlines are met while maintaining high-quality standards
  • Mentor junior biographers and provide guidance on best practices in research and writing

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Required:

  • 7+ years of experience in biography writing, journalism, or a related field
  • Demonstrated ability to conduct thorough historical research and synthesize information into engaging narratives
  • Exceptional writing and editing skills, with a strong portfolio of published works
  • Familiarity with ethical considerations in biographical writing and commitment to integrity

Preferred:

  • Master's degree in History, English, Journalism, or a related field
  • Experience working on biographies that have received critical acclaim or notable recognition
  • Proficiency in digital research tools and databases

Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies

  • Expertise in narrative structure and storytelling techniques
  • Proficient in using research databases, archiving tools, and citation management software
  • Familiarity with content management systems and digital publishing platforms

Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

  • Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage diverse audiences
  • Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities to evaluate sources and interpret information
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment while also demonstrating self-direction
  • Passion for storytelling and a keen interest in historical narratives

Benefits and Perks

Salary range: [$SALARY_RANGE]

Additional benefits may include:

  • Flexible working hours and hybrid work arrangements
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Retirement savings plan with company match
  • Generous paid time off and holiday schedule
  • Professional development opportunities and funding for workshops or conferences

Equal Opportunity Statement

[$COMPANY_NAME] is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Location

This is a hybrid position, requiring in-office collaboration at least 3 days a week in [$COMPANY_LOCATION].

We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and experiences to apply, even if you don't meet every requirement listed above. Your unique perspective may be just what we need!

3. Lead Biographer Job Description Template

Company Overview

[$COMPANY_OVERVIEW]

Role Overview

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Lead Biographer to join our team. This role is integral to crafting compelling narratives that capture the essence of individuals' lives, focusing on a diverse range of subjects, including public figures, historical icons, and cultural influencers. You will leverage your exceptional storytelling skills to produce engaging biographical content that resonates with readers and preserves the legacies of those you write about.

Responsibilities

  • Research and conduct in-depth interviews to gather accurate and nuanced information about subjects.
  • Develop and outline biographical narratives, ensuring a captivating and cohesive storytelling arc.
  • Collaborate with editors, designers, and other creative professionals to produce high-quality publications.
  • Manage multiple biographical projects simultaneously, adhering to deadlines and maintaining high standards of accuracy and clarity.
  • Engage with subjects and their families to ensure respectful representation and authenticity in the narrative.
  • Continuously refine writing techniques based on feedback and best practices in biographical writing.

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Required:

  • 5+ years of experience in biographical writing, journalism, or a related field.
  • Proven track record of published works, demonstrating narrative skill and depth of research.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas simply and engagingly.
  • Strong organizational skills to manage timelines and project milestones effectively.

Preferred:

  • Experience with digital publishing platforms and multimedia storytelling.
  • Familiarity with legal aspects of biography writing, including copyright and privacy considerations.
  • Background in history, literature, or a related field.

Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies

  • Proficiency in content management systems (CMS) and digital publishing tools.
  • Familiarity with research databases and archival resources.
  • Ability to utilize social media platforms for outreach and audience engagement.

Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

  • Strong empathy and interpersonal skills to build rapport with subjects and collaborators.
  • Creative mindset with a passion for storytelling and preserving legacies.
  • Ability to adapt to feedback and embrace a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Self-motivated with a proactive approach to problem-solving and project management.

Benefits and Perks

Salary: [$SALARY_RANGE]

Full-time positions include:

  • Flexible working hours and remote work options.
  • Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • Generous paid time off (PTO) policy.
  • Professional development opportunities and mentorship programs.
  • Collaborative and inclusive work culture that values creativity and diversity.

Equal Opportunity Statement

[$COMPANY_NAME] is committed to diversity in its workforce and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sex, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation or any other basis protected by applicable law. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, even if they do not meet every qualification listed.

Location

This is a remote position within [$COMPANY_LOCATION].

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