๐ Core Information
๐น Job Title: Content Writer
๐น Company: UpGuard
๐น Location: Johannesburg, Durban, Soweto, Cape Town
๐น Job Type: Full-time
๐น Category: IT Services and IT Consulting
๐น Date Posted: June 6, 2025
๐น Experience Level: 2-5 years
๐น Remote Status: Remote (with office locations in Johannesburg, Durban, Soweto, Cape Town)
๐ Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Creating engaging and informative content for diverse audiences
- Collaborating with internal teams to ensure content accuracy and strategic alignment
- Translating complex cybersecurity concepts into clear, concise language
- Optimizing content for search engines (SEO) using relevant keywords
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of cybersecurity concepts and the ability to communicate them effectively to non-technical audiences. The ideal candidate will have experience in technical or content writing, preferably within the cybersecurity domain.
๐ Key Responsibilities
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Researching complex cybersecurity topics, threats, and technologies
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Writing and editing various content formats, including blog posts, articles, white papers, case studies, website copy, social media updates, and technical documentation
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Translating technical cybersecurity jargon into clear, concise, and engaging language for different audiences
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Ensuring the accuracy, relevance, and adherence to industry standards and brand guidelines in all content
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Optimising content for search engines (SEO) using relevant keywords
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Contributing to the development of content strategies and planning content calendars
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Interviewing cybersecurity experts and collaborating with product, engineering, and marketing teams
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Reviewing and updating existing content to ensure accuracy and relevance
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Collecting data, composing reports, and potentially contributing to developing or improving cybersecurity policies
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Understanding and addressing the information needs of end-users
ASSUMPTION: The responsibilities listed above are subject to change based on the specific needs of the company and the team. The ideal candidate will be adaptable and able to take on new tasks as they arise.
๐ฏ Required Qualifications
Education: A Bachelor's degree in IT, Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Communications, Journalism, English, or a related field is preferred
Experience: Proven experience in technical writing or content writing, ideally within the technology or cybersecurity domain
Required Skills:
- Strong understanding of common cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities, and attack vectors (e.g., malware, phishing, ransomware)
- Knowledge of cybersecurity technologies, tools, and best practices (e.g., firewalls, encryption, multi-factor authentication)
- Familiarity with relevant cybersecurity frameworks, standards, and compliance regulations, including South Africa's POPIA
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with impeccable grammar, punctuation, and spelling
- Ability to tailor writing style and tone to suit different target audiences
- Strong research and analytical skills with the ability to synthesize complex information
- Familiarity with SEO principles and content optimization techniques
- Proficiency in word processing tools (e.g., Google Docs, Microsoft Word)
- Experience with technical writing software or content management systems is desirable
- Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team remote environment
Preferred Skills:
- Deep understanding or interest in the cybersecurity landscape
- Demonstrating a proven track record in translating highly technical cybersecurity jargon into clear, accessible language for various audiences
- Solid grasp of SEO principles and the ability to contribute to content strategy
ASSUMPTION: While the preferred skills listed above are not required for the role, candidates who possess them may have an advantage in the application process.
๐ฐ Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: The base salary for this role is between 300,000 and 420,000 (ZAR). Compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Benefits:
- Monthly Lifestyle subsidy
- WFH set-up allowance
- $1,500 USD annual Learning & Development allowance
- Generous Annual Leave/PTO allowances
- 18 weeks paid Parental Leave
- Personal Leave Allowance
- Fully remote working environment
- Top-spec hardware
- Generative AI subsidy
Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with flexible scheduling to accommodate remote work
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles in South Africa. The actual salary offered may vary depending on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and other factors.
๐ Applicant Insights
๐ Company Context
Industry: UpGuard operates in the IT Services and IT Consulting industry, focusing on cybersecurity and risk management solutions
Company Size: UpGuard has 201-500 employees, providing a mid-sized company environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration
Founded: UpGuard was founded in 2012 and has since grown to become a leading global technology employer, certified as a Great Place to Workยฎ in multiple regions
Company Description:
- UpGuard's mission is to protect the world's data by providing elegant, robust ways to enable customers to find, acknowledge, and remediate cyber risk
- The company offers a comprehensive cyber risk solution that combines third-party security ratings, vendor questionnaires, and threat intelligence capabilities
- UpGuard is used by some of the world's largest, fastest-growing, and most innovative companies to manage and improve their security posture
Company Specialties:
- IT Management
- Cyber Insurance
- Cyber Resilience
- Cyber Risk
- Vendor Risk Management
- Risk Scoring
- Vulnerability Management
- IT Compliance
- Vendor Risk
- Supply Chain Risk
- Attack Surface Management
- Attack Surface Monitoring
- Vendor Risk Scoring
- Security Risk Ratings
- Vendor Risk Monitoring
- Third-Party Risk Management
- Attack Surface Management
- Cyber VRM
- VRM
- Vendor Questionnaires
- and Fourth-Party Risk Management
Company Website: https://www.upguard.com
ASSUMPTION: UpGuard's focus on cybersecurity and risk management makes it an attractive employer for candidates interested in these fields. The company's commitment to being a great place to work suggests a positive work environment and culture.
๐ Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is suitable for candidates with 2-5 years of experience in technical or content writing, seeking to advance their careers in the cybersecurity industry
Reporting Structure: The Content Writer will report directly to the Marketing team and collaborate with various internal teams, including Product Marketing, Demand Gen, Marketing Ops, SEO, Community, Design, and Video
Work Arrangement: This role is remote, with office locations in Johannesburg, Durban, Soweto, and Cape Town. Candidates can choose to work remotely or from one of the office locations
Growth Opportunities:
- As UpGuard continues to grow, there may be opportunities for the Content Writer to take on additional responsibilities or move into a management role
- The company's focus on employee development and learning provides opportunities for professional growth and skill development
- Working closely with various internal teams offers the chance to gain exposure to different aspects of the business and expand one's knowledge and skillset
ASSUMPTION: The growth opportunities listed above are subject to change based on the company's needs and the candidate's performance. UpGuard's commitment to employee development suggests that there may be additional growth opportunities not listed here.
๐ Location & Work Environment
Office Type: UpGuard has office locations in Johannesburg, Durban, Soweto, and Cape Town, with a fully remote working environment available
Office Location(s): 650 Castro St, Ste 120-387, Mountain View, California, 338 Pitt Street, Suite 15.01, Sydney CBD, New South Wales 2000, AU, 64-68 Liverpool St, Hobart CBD, Tasmania 7000, AU
Geographic Context:
- Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa and the economic hub of the country
- Durban is the third-largest city in South Africa and a major port city on the Indian Ocean
- Soweto is a large residential and commercial area southwest of Johannesburg
- Cape Town is the second-most populous city in South Africa and the legislative capital of the country
Work Schedule: The Content Writer will work 40 hours per week, with flexible scheduling to accommodate remote work
ASSUMPTION: The office locations listed above are subject to change based on the company's needs. The fully remote working environment offers flexibility and convenience for candidates who prefer to work from home or a location of their choice.
๐ผ Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume screening
- Phone or video screening with the hiring manager
- In-depth interview with the marketing team
- Final interview with the marketing director
- Background check and reference check
Key Assessment Areas:
- Writing and editing skills
- Understanding of cybersecurity concepts and ability to communicate them effectively
- Research and analytical skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team remote environment
- Cultural fit and alignment with UpGuard's values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Provide examples of your writing and editing work, preferably in the cybersecurity domain
- Demonstrate your understanding of SEO principles and content optimization techniques
- Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview process to show your interest in the role and the company
ATS Keywords: Content Writer, Technical Writing, Cybersecurity, SEO, Marketing, Communication, Collaboration, Remote Work
ASSUMPTION: The interview process and key assessment areas listed above are subject to change based on the company's needs. UpGuard's commitment to being a great place to work suggests a fair and transparent interview process.
๐ ๏ธ Tools & Technologies
- Word processing tools (e.g., Google Docs, Microsoft Word)
- Technical writing software or content management systems (e.g., Adobe FrameMaker, MadCap Flare)
- SEO tools (e.g., Google Search Console, SEMrush, Ahrefs)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)
- Communication and collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace)
ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies listed above are subject to change based on the company's needs. UpGuard's commitment to providing top-spec hardware suggests that the company will provide the necessary tools and resources for the Content Writer to succeed in their role.
๐ Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Customer-centric
- Data-driven
- Innovative
- Collaborative
- Adaptable
- Inclusive
Work Style:
- Remote-friendly
- Flexible
- Results-driven
- Team-oriented
- Continuously learning
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a proven track record of translating highly technical cybersecurity jargon into clear, accessible language for various audiences?
- Are you comfortable working in a remote or hybrid work environment?
- Do you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and collaborative work environment?
ASSUMPTION: UpGuard's commitment to being a great place to work suggests a positive work environment and culture. The company's values and work style provide insight into the type of candidate who would be a good fit for the Content Writer role.
โ ๏ธ Potential Challenges
- The Content Writer may need to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously, requiring strong organizational and time management skills
- The role may require working with complex and technical cybersecurity concepts, which can be challenging to communicate effectively to non-technical audiences
- The Content Writer may need to adapt to changes in the company's needs and priorities, requiring flexibility and adaptability
- The role may require working with various internal teams, which can present challenges in terms of communication and collaboration
- The Content Writer may need to work with tight deadlines and quick turnaround times, requiring strong time management and prioritization skills
ASSUMPTION: The potential challenges listed above are subject to change based on the company's needs and the candidate's performance. UpGuard's commitment to being a great place to work suggests that the company will provide the necessary support and resources to help the Content Writer succeed in their role.
๐ Similar Roles Comparison
- The Content Writer role at UpGuard is similar to other content writing or technical writing roles in the cybersecurity industry, but with a focus on creating engaging and informative content for diverse audiences
- UpGuard's commitment to being a great place to work suggests a positive work environment and culture, compared to other companies in the industry
- The Content Writer role at UpGuard offers opportunities for professional growth and development, compared to entry-level or junior content writing roles
ASSUMPTION: The comparison points listed above are subject to change based on the company's needs and the candidate's performance. UpGuard's commitment to being a great place to work suggests that the company offers competitive compensation and benefits packages compared to other companies in the industry.
๐ Sample Projects
- Creating a blog post series on common cybersecurity threats and how to protect against them
- Developing a white paper on the importance of vendor risk management and how UpGuard's solution can help organizations manage and mitigate third-party risk
- Writing and editing product materials, such as user guides and technical documentation, to ensure accuracy and clarity
ASSUMPTION: The sample projects listed above are subject to change based on the company's needs and the candidate's performance. UpGuard's commitment to providing top-spec hardware suggests that the company will provide the necessary resources for the Content Writer to succeed in their role.
โ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the most common cybersecurity threats facing organizations today, and how can UpGuard's solution help protect against them?
- How does UpGuard's content strategy align with the company's overall marketing and business goals?
- What are the key priorities for the Content Writer role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does UpGuard support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What is the company's approach to work-life balance and employee well-being?
ASSUMPTION: The key questions listed above are subject to change based on the company's needs and the candidate's performance. UpGuard's commitment to being a great place to work suggests that the company values transparency and open communication, encouraging candidates to ask thoughtful questions during the interview process.
๐ 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
- Provide examples of your writing and editing work, preferably in the cybersecurity domain
- Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview process to show your interest in the role and the company
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest in the role
โ ๏ธ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.