📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Content Author Lead
🔹 Company: Critical Mass
🔹 Location: San Jose, California, United States
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid (On-site 3 days a week)
🔹 Category: Advertising Services
🔹 Date Posted: April 29, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site preferred, hybrid work arrangement
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Technical leadership and mentoring for content authoring teams
- Collaboration with clients, developers, and other stakeholders
- Content release management and quality assurance
- Root cause analysis and troubleshooting of web platform issues
- Implementation of SEO guidelines and best practices
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of technical expertise and experience in content management systems, with a focus on Adobe Experience Manager (AEM). Strong communication and leadership skills are also crucial for success in this position.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Consult on creative designs based on existing templates and components
✅ Coordinate content launches and provide technical guidance
✅ Perform peer reviews and develop technical documentation
✅ Gather user and business requirements and map them to technical solutions
✅ Present solutions and justifications to clients and stakeholders
✅ Ensure concise and clear documentation is maintained by all peers
✅ Create training programs for technologies within fields of expertise
✅ Actively participate in Capability activities and initiatives
✅ Participate in the interview process for new content authoring openings
ASSUMPTION: The role may require occasional overtime or weekend work to meet project deadlines or support client needs.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: BS in Computer Science or related technical discipline
Experience: 6+ years of experience working with content management systems, with a focus on Adobe Experience Manager (AEM)
Required Skills:
- Advanced English level (B2+)
- Proficiency with data transfer formats and protocols popular in web applications (e.g., JSON, XML, HTTP)
- Solid knowledge of Front-End technologies (HTML/CSS/JavaScript)
- Experience implementing SEO guidelines and best practices for CMS pages
- Experience troubleshooting, debugging, and doing root cause analysis of web platform issues
- Capable of actively participating in the quality assurance process
- Knowledge of recent development patterns and practices (Mobile First, MVC, Object-Oriented development)
- Experience implementing Marketing Science guidelines
- Experience with popular JavaScript frameworks and cross-browser compatibility
- Experience configuring, using, and troubleshooting tools such as process automation and pre-processing tools
- Experience implementing automation for processes utilizing AI tools
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in Digital Agencies projects, Web development projects, and SCRUM/Agile software projects
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in digital marketing agencies or similar environments may have an advantage in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000 per year (Based on industry standards for the role, experience level, and location)
Benefits:
- Maternity and parental leave extra days
- Competitive benefits packages
- Vacation, compassionate leave, sick days, and flex days
- Access to online services for families and new parents
- Diversity and Inclusion Board with 12 affinity groups
- Internal learning and development programs
- Enterprise-wide employee discounts
Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with flexible scheduling options
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Critical Mass operates in the advertising services industry, working with prominent global brands to create connected digital ecosystems and unparalleled experiences.
Company Size: With over 1,000 employees, Critical Mass offers a large, diverse work environment with ample opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Founded: Critical Mass was founded in Canada and has since expanded to 12 global offices, providing full-service digital capabilities for its clients.
Company Description:
- Critical Mass is a team of 1,800 inspired individuals based in 12 offices around the world
- The company provides full-service digital capabilities for the greatest brands on Earth
- Critical Mass helps its clients gain deep insight into their consumers and orchestrate data, AI, design, media, and tech stacks around human stories
Company Specialties:
- Digital Marketing
- Brand Launch & Experience
- User Experience & Interaction
- Design
- Insight & Planning
- Digital Campaign Management
- Social Media
- Mobile
- Technology Services
- Experience Design
- Experience Distribution
- Marketing Science
- and eCommerce
Company Website: http://www.criticalmass.com
ASSUMPTION: Critical Mass is a dynamic, global agency with a strong focus on design, customer experience, and data-driven insights.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is a senior-level position, requiring significant experience and expertise in content management systems and related technologies.
Reporting Structure: The Content Author Lead will report directly to the Content Management team lead and work closely with clients, developers, system administrators, project managers, business analysts, and end users.
Work Arrangement: This role follows a hybrid work arrangement, with employees expected to work on-site for a minimum of 3 days per week.
Growth Opportunities:
- Mentoring and coaching opportunities for junior team members
- Potential to take on additional responsibilities or lead projects as the team grows
- Internal learning and development programs to enhance skills and advance career growth
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to mentor others, take on additional responsibilities, and advance their career within the company.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Critical Mass' San Jose office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster creativity and innovation.
Office Location(s): 1011 9th Avenue SE, Suite 300, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Ste. 2050, Chicago, IL, USA; 77 Kingsway, Holborn, London, WC2B 6SR, UK; 312 Adelaide St. West, 6th Floor, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; 300 metros al oeste de CENADA, Metro Park, zona franca metropolitana, Barreal, Heredia Edificio 5b-B, CR; 200 Varick St, New York, NY 10014, USA
Geographic Context:
- The San Jose office is located in the heart of the Silicon Valley tech hub, offering ample opportunities for networking and professional growth
- The office is conveniently located near major transportation links and amenities
- The San Francisco Bay Area offers a diverse range of cultural, recreational, and culinary experiences
Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with flexible scheduling options to accommodate employee needs and preferences
ASSUMPTION: The San Jose office provides a dynamic, collaborative work environment that encourages creativity, innovation, and professional growth.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume submission
- Phone or video screening with the Talent Acquisition team
- Technical assessment or case study presentation
- On-site or virtual interview with the hiring manager and team members
- Final interview with the department head or director
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Technical expertise in content management systems and related technologies
- Problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
- Communication and leadership skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with Critical Mass' values and work style
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Demonstrate your understanding of Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) and related technologies in your application materials
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills
- Research Critical Mass' clients, industry, and company culture to show your enthusiasm and fit for the role
ATS Keywords: Adobe Experience Manager, AEM, content management, technical leadership, mentoring, SEO, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, quality assurance, troubleshooting, root cause analysis
ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate's technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit with Critical Mass' values and work style.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Adobe Experience Manager (AEM)
- HTML/CSS/JavaScript
- JSON/XML/HTTP
- SEO tools and best practices
- Quality assurance tools and methodologies
- Process automation and scripting tools (e.g., Webpack or Gulp)
- Pre-processing tools (e.g., SASS, LESS)
- AI tools for process automation
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may evolve over time as the company adopts new technologies and best practices.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Inspired: We are driven by a passion for our work and a commitment to excellence
- Motivated: We take initiative and ownership for our actions and their impact on our colleagues and clients
- Experienced: We leverage our deep understanding of our industry and clients to deliver innovative solutions
Work Style:
- Collaborative: We work closely with our colleagues and clients to achieve our goals
- Agile: We embrace change and adapt our approach as needed to meet the evolving needs of our clients and industry
- Data-driven: We use data and insights to inform our decisions and guide our strategies
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with Critical Mass' value of being inspired, and how do you demonstrate this in your work?
- How comfortable are you working in a hybrid work environment, with a minimum of 3 days on-site per week?
- How do you approach mentoring and coaching junior team members, and what specific skills or experiences do you bring to this role?
ASSUMPTION: Critical Mass values candidates who are passionate, motivated, and experienced, with a strong commitment to collaboration, agility, and data-driven decision-making.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The role may require occasional overtime or weekend work to meet project deadlines or support client needs
- The hybrid work arrangement may present challenges for candidates who prefer a fully remote or fully on-site work environment
- The role may require travel to client sites or other Critical Mass offices for meetings, training, or project work
- The fast-paced nature of the digital marketing industry may present challenges for candidates who prefer a more stable or predictable work environment
ASSUMPTION: The Content Author Lead role may present unique challenges related to work-life balance, work arrangement preferences, and the dynamic nature of the digital marketing industry.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role differs from related positions in its focus on technical leadership, mentoring, and content release management, rather than day-to-day content authoring tasks
- Critical Mass' industry-specific context and global client base offer unique opportunities for growth and exposure to diverse projects and challenges
- Career paths within Critical Mass may include progression to senior content management roles, team leadership positions, or specialized expertise tracks
ASSUMPTION: The Content Author Lead role at Critical Mass offers a unique blend of technical leadership, mentoring, and content management responsibilities, with ample opportunities for growth and career advancement within the company.
📝 Sample Projects
- Leading a team to migrate content from an outdated CMS to Adobe Experience Manager (AEM)
- Developing and implementing SEO best practices for a high-traffic e-commerce website
- Collaborating with a cross-functional team to launch a new marketing campaign, including content creation, QA, and deployment
ASSUMPTION: The specific projects and responsibilities for this role may vary depending on the team's priorities, client needs, and the company's ongoing initiatives.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics for the Content Authoring team?
- How does the company support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What are the key priorities and challenges for the Content Authoring team in the coming months?
- How does the company approach work-life balance and employee well-being?
- What are the most rewarding aspects of working at Critical Mass, according to current employees?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and commitment to success.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Prepare for technical assessments or case study presentations, focusing on your expertise in Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) and related technologies
- Research Critical Mass' clients, industry, and company culture to show your enthusiasm and fit for the role
- Follow up with the Talent Acquisition team within one week of submitting your application, if you have not heard back
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
