Screenwriter job description.
A Screenwriter writes original or adapted scripts for film, television, or streaming projects, developing story structure, dialogue, and character arcs that meet a production's creative and commercial goals. The role often involves close collaboration with producers, directors, and script editors through multiple rounds of notes and revisions before a script is greenlit.
The Screenwriter job description · $29
The full editable .docx — role summary, 8 worked responsibilities, qualifications, and skills, formatted for your letterhead. Delivered to your inbox within 24 hours — usually instantly.
Role: Screenwriter Reports to: Producer, Showrunner, or Head of Development
A Screenwriter writes original or adapted scripts for film, television, or streaming projects, developing story structure, dialogue, and character arcs that meet a production's creative and commercial goals. The role often involves close collaboration with producers, directors, and script editors through multiple rounds of notes and revisions before a script is greenlit.
- Develop original story concepts, loglines, and treatments
- Write and revise full scripts to meet format and length standards
- Incorporate notes from producers, directors, and script editors
What's inside the document.
One-paragraph plain-English explanation of the role's outcome and scope.
8 responsibilities phrased the way the work is actually done.
4 qualifications a candidate must have to perform on day 30.
3 qualifications that would make a candidate excellent in year two.
5 skill chips you can copy directly into your ATS.
Producer, Showrunner, or Head of Development
A complete document set.
- Word document (.docx) — fully editable
- PDF — signature-ready
- Google Docs — one-click copy to your Drive
- 12 months of updates to this document
- Commercial-use licence for internal and client work
The work, not the title.
- Develop original story concepts, loglines, and treatments
- Write and revise full scripts to meet format and length standards
- Incorporate notes from producers, directors, and script editors
- Research subject matter, settings, and characters for authenticity
- Pitch story ideas and scripts to producers or studios
- Collaborate with development teams on tone, pacing, and structure
- Adapt existing source material (books, articles, true events) into scripts
- Track drafts and maintain version control across revisions
Required — and what would make a candidate excellent.
- Portfolio or produced credits demonstrating screenwriting ability
- Strong command of script formatting standards and story structure
- Ability to take and incorporate creative notes
- Excellent narrative, dialogue, and pacing skills
- Membership in a screenwriters' guild
- Experience writing for a specific genre or format (feature, series, streaming)
- Prior sale or option of an original script
Eight steps from download to publish.
- 01Open the Screenwriter job description in Word or your one-click Google Docs copy.
- 02Replace placeholders for company name, reporting line, and location with your specifics.
- 03Tighten the summary to one paragraph that names the team's outcome, not just the role.
- 04Edit the responsibilities to match the actual scope of the seat — aim for 6 to 8 items, not 12.
- 05Separate required qualifications from preferred. Required is what a candidate must have to do the work on day 30; preferred is what would make them excellent in year two.
- 06Add salary range guidance using BLS, Payscale, or your own band data — do not copy generic figures.
- 07Have the hiring manager and one peer read it. Cut anything that wouldn't survive a candidate question.
- 08Publish to your ATS, intranet, and external careers page.
The right document at the right moment.
Use this Screenwriter job description any time you are opening or reopening a seat at this level. The mid band sets the calibration — copy the document, tighten it to your specific scope, and circulate to the hiring panel before the first interview.
The reporting line (Producer, Showrunner, or Head of Development) and skills list are starting points. Override either if your org structure or stack differs from the norm — the template is a draft, not a contract.
Honest answers before you download.
- Do screenwriters work as employees or freelancers?
- Most screenwriters work on a freelance or per-project contract basis, though writers' rooms for television series may hire staff writers as employees.
- What should a screenwriter job posting ask for?
- Ask for a writing sample or produced credits, a brief pitch of relevant experience, and clarity on genre or format so applicants can self-select appropriately.
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This Screenwriter job description is a professionally drafted starting point for your hiring process and is not legal advice. Hiring practice varies by jurisdiction (e.g. pay-transparency laws differ across US states and AU jurisdictions). Adapt this document for your specific location and have employment counsel review any clauses you add before publishing. Salary varies by region, employer type, and experience. Reference BLS or current industry surveys for ranges. Full disclaimer.