Content Author (Temporary contract)

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Content Author (Temporary contract)

🔹 Company: Critical Mass

🔹 Location: San Jose, California, United States

🔹 Job Type: Temporary

🔹 Category: Advertising Services

🔹 Date Posted: 2025-06-12

🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in-office minimum)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Creating and updating content within a CMS environment
• Collaborating with various teams to ensure quality web development
• Implementing technical solutions following the company's best practices
• Debugging and troubleshooting simple issues in existing web applications
• Providing feedback on policies and procedures

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of technical skills and strong communication abilities to work effectively with multiple teams.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Create or update content in the CMS (AEM, Sitecore, TeamSite) using basic HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to ensure pages accurately reflect client requirements.

✅ Work closely with Creative, Business, Technology, and QA teams to ensure quality and punctual web development.

✅ Implement technical solutions following the Capability’s best practices.

✅ Debug or troubleshoot simple issues in existing web applications.

✅ Provide feedback on policies and procedures when an opportunity for improvement exists.

ASSUMPTION: The role may involve occasional on-call duties to address urgent content issues.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience

Experience: At least 2+ years of experience working with content management systems (WordPress, AEM, Sitecore, TeamSite)

Required Skills:

• Knowledge of Cross-browser and Responsive development
• Familiarity with basic front-end technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
• Experience manipulating and administering website content
• Familiarity with JIRA or similar issue tracking tool
• Knowledge and notions of HTML Semantic Elements and ADA

Preferred Skills:

• Experience and/or knowledge of GraphQL
• Knowledge in Agile methodologies
• Familiarity with data transfer formats popular in web applications (e.g., JSON, XML)

ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, proficiency in English is likely required for this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $60,000 - $80,000 per year (based on industry standards for a Content Author with 2-5 years of experience in the San Jose area)

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

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's specific experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Critical Mass operates in the advertising services industry, focusing on digital marketing, brand launch and experience, user experience and interaction, design, insight and planning, digital campaign management, social media, mobile, technology services, experience design, experience distribution, marketing science, and eCommerce.

Company Size: Critical Mass is a mid-sized company with 1,001-5,000 employees globally, providing full-service digital capabilities for some of the world's greatest brands.

Founded: The company was founded in Canada and has since expanded to 12 offices worldwide.

Company Description:

• Critical Mass is a team of 1,800 inspired folks based in 12 offices around the world, providing full-service digital capabilities for the greatest brands on Earth.
• Their secret sauce is uncompromising design standards, a relentless focus on customers, and an ability to put powerful new technologies to work for their clients.
• They work with top-tier brands such as Apple, Nike, Mars Wrigley, Nissan, Diageo, Airbnb, BMW, BNY Mellon, and Johnson & Johnson.

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
• eCommerce

Company Website: http://www.criticalmass.com

ASSUMPTION: Critical Mass is a global agency with a strong focus on digital capabilities and a commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is suitable for an intermediate-level professional with 2-5 years of experience in content management systems and related technologies.

Reporting Structure: The Content Author will work closely with Creative, Business, Technology, and QA teams, reporting directly to the Content Management team.

Work Arrangement: This is a hybrid role, requiring employees to work from an office a minimum of 3 days a week to strengthen learning opportunities, improve collaboration, and increase employee engagement.

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to a Senior Content Author or similar role with increased responsibilities and leadership opportunities
• Expansion into related fields such as user experience, design, or digital campaign management
• Potential to work on high-profile client projects and contribute to the company's growth and success

ASSUMPTION: Critical Mass values employee growth and offers opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Critical Mass' San Jose office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster creativity and productivity.

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, Costa Rica; 200 Varick St, New York, NY, USA

Geographic Context:

• The San Jose office is located in the heart of Silicon Valley, providing ample opportunities for networking and professional growth.
• The area offers a diverse range of cultural attractions, outdoor activities, and a vibrant tech industry.
• San Jose has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm, dry summers.

Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week) with flexible scheduling and a minimum of 3 days in the office per week

ASSUMPTION: The work environment at Critical Mass is collaborative, creative, and focused on delivering exceptional customer experiences.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening with the Talent Acquisition team
• Technical assessment or case study presentation
• In-person or video interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
• Final decision and offer extension

Key Assessment Areas:

• Technical skills and proficiency with content management systems
• Communication and collaboration abilities
li>Problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
• Alignment with Critical Mass' values and company culture

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Be prepared to discuss your portfolio or examples of your content management work
• Research Critical Mass' clients and industry to demonstrate your understanding of the company's focus and priorities
• Prepare questions to ask during the interview to showcase your interest in the role and company

ATS Keywords: Content Management Systems, CMS, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Cross-browser Development, Responsive Development, Website Content Administration, JIRA, Agile Methodologies, JSON, XML, HTML Semantic Elements, ADA, GraphQL

ASSUMPTION: Critical Mass uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage job applications, and including relevant keywords in your resume can help improve your chances of being selected for an interview.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Content Management Systems: AEM, Sitecore, TeamSite
• Front-end technologies: HTML, CSS, JavaScript
• Issue tracking tool: JIRA
• Data transfer formats: JSON, XML
• GraphQL (preferred)

ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may vary depending on the client projects and internal systems used by Critical Mass.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Uncompromising design standards
• Relentless focus on customers
• Ability to put powerful new technologies to work for clients
• Big talent, tiny egos
• Driven, relentless, and living company values

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Focused on delivering exceptional customer experiences
• Adaptable and open to learning new technologies and approaches
• Comfortable working in a hybrid office environment

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a strong commitment to uncompromising design standards and a relentless focus on customers?
• Are you comfortable working in a hybrid office environment, with a minimum of 3 days in the office per week?
• Do you thrive in a collaborative, team-oriented work environment and enjoy working with diverse teams to deliver exceptional customer experiences?

ASSUMPTION: Critical Mass values employees who align with their company values and work styles, fostering a positive and productive work environment.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• The role may require occasional on-call duties to address urgent content issues
• Working with multiple teams and stakeholders may present communication and collaboration challenges
• The hybrid work arrangement may not be suitable for candidates who prefer fully remote or fully on-site work
• The role may require working with legacy systems and technologies, presenting technical challenges

ASSUMPTION: While these challenges exist, Critical Mass offers a supportive work environment and opportunities for professional growth to help employees overcome them.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Content Strategist: Focuses more on content planning and strategy, while Content Author is more focused on day-to-day content creation and management
• Content Manager: Oversees content strategy, creation, and distribution across multiple channels, while Content Author is responsible for day-to-day content creation and management within a CMS environment
• Junior Web Developer: Focuses on front-end development and may involve some content management, while Content Author is primarily responsible for content creation and management

ASSUMPTION: Each role within the content and digital marketing fields has its unique focus and responsibilities, requiring different skills and experience levels.

📝 Sample Projects

• Creating and managing content for a high-profile client's eCommerce website, ensuring brand consistency and optimal user experience
• Developing and implementing a content strategy for a mobile app, improving user engagement and driving downloads
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to create and publish blog posts, articles, and other content pieces for a corporate website, driving SEO and thought leadership

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the variety of content management tasks and responsibilities that a Content Author at Critical Mass may encounter.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the team structure and dynamics for this role?
• How does Critical Mass support the professional development and growth of its employees?
• What are the most challenging aspects of working in a hybrid office environment, and how does Critical Mass address them?
• What opportunities exist for growth and advancement within the Content Author role and related positions at Critical Mass?
• How does Critical Mass ensure a positive and inclusive work environment for all employees?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and relevant questions during the interview demonstrates your interest in the role and company, and provides valuable insights into the work environment and culture.

📌 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 experience and skills for this role
• Prepare a portfolio or examples of your content management work to showcase your abilities
• Research Critical Mass' clients and industry to demonstrate your understanding of the company's focus and priorities
• Prepare questions to ask during the interview to showcase your interest in the role and company
• Follow up with the hiring manager or talent acquisition team within 24 hours after your interview to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the position

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.