📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Content Writer
🔹 Company: Propel
🔹 Location: Brooklyn, New York, United States (Remote OK)
🔹 Job Type: Full-time
🔹 Category: Marketing & Communications
🔹 Date Posted: April 25, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: Remote OK (Accepting applications from specific states)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Creating and updating high-quality content about benefits programs
- Meeting weekly content deadlines and maintaining content accuracy
- Implementing SEO best practices and tracking content performance
- Collaborating with internal and external experts to fact-check content
- Identifying content gaps and pitching new page ideas
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong writer with SEO experience who can work independently and meet deadlines. Familiarity with public benefits programs is a plus but not required.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Write and edit 3-4 pages per week about benefits programs, meeting set deadlines
✅ Ensure content meets Propel's standards for accuracy, voice, and clarity
✅ Implement SEO best practices and report on content performance metrics
✅ Collaborate with internal and external policy experts to fact-check content
✅ Plan successful updates of existing pages to improve or maintain rankings
✅ Identify existing content gaps and pitch new page ideas
✅ Review and edit freelancers’ work as needed
✅ Partner with brand, acquisition, and LCM teams to repurpose content for different mediums and audiences
ASSUMPTION: The role requires strong writing skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in English, Journalism, Communications, or a related field
Experience: 2+ years of writing or editing content for search, preferably in a full-time role
Required Skills:
- Expertise with SEO best practices and tools like SEMRush or Ahrefs
- Proven track record of working independently and meeting deadlines
- Familiarity with a Content Management System (CMS) (Sanity, Contentful, WordPress)
- Experience using project management tools like Airtable and Notion
- Experience using AI tools and interest in integrating AI into editorial workflows
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with or a proven interest in public benefits programs and policy
- Experience managing freelancers
- Ability to report out on performance metrics like traffic and rankings
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong portfolio demonstrating their writing and SEO skills. Familiarity with public benefits programs is a plus but not required.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $75,000 - $82,000 per year (Based on Propel's internal leveling guide and 75th percentile for similar companies)
Benefits:
- 20 days of PTO
- Unlimited sick days
- 4% 401K match
- $10k lifetime spend towards Carrot Fertility
- Excellent Medical, Dental, and Vision options
- Other health and mental health-focused benefits and perks
Working Hours: Full-time, with a flexible work schedule
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is based on Propel's internal leveling guide and the 75th percentile for similar companies. Actual compensation may vary based on candidate qualifications and experience.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Propel operates in the Fintech and Social Good sectors, focusing on financial services and products for low-income Americans.
Company Size: Propel is a mid-sized company with 51-200 employees, offering a collaborative and mission-driven work environment.
Founded: Propel was founded in 2014 through a fellowship at Blue Ridge Labs @Robin Hood Foundation.
Company Description:
- Propel's mission is to enable Americans with low income to improve their financial health.
- The Propel app (formerly Providers, Fresh EBT) is used by over five million Americans each month to check their EBT balance, stay up-to-date on benefits information, and more.
- Propel is a for-profit company with a social mission at its core, supported by a blend of nonprofits, impact investors, and world-class investors.
Company Specialties:
- Social good
- Fintech
- Social enterprise
- Debit and financial services
Company Website: https://www.propel.app/
ASSUMPTION: Propel's mission-driven approach and focus on low-income Americans set it apart in the Fintech industry.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is suitable for early to mid-career content writers looking to make an impact in a mission-driven organization.
Reporting Structure: The Content Writer will report directly to the Editorial Lead within the marketing team.
Work Arrangement: This role is remote-friendly, with the option to work from Propel's office in Downtown Brooklyn or remotely from one of the accepted states.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to grow into a senior role or take on more responsibilities as the team expands
- Opportunity to work on high-impact projects that directly affect low-income Americans
- Chance to learn from and collaborate with experienced team members in various departments
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within a dynamic and mission-driven organization.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Propel has a dog-friendly office in Downtown Brooklyn, with a remote-friendly work environment.
Office Location(s): 235 Duffield Street, Suite 1700, Brooklyn, New York 11201, US
Geographic Context:
- Brooklyn, New York, is a vibrant and diverse neighborhood with a thriving tech scene.
- The accepted remote states offer a mix of urban and rural environments, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements.
- The East Coast time zone may be required for some meetings and collaboration.
Work Schedule: Full-time, with a flexible work schedule and the option to work remotely.
ASSUMPTION: The remote-friendly work environment and flexible hours allow for a better work-life balance and cater to diverse employee needs.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- Take-home writing assignment
- Final interview with the marketing team
Key Assessment Areas:
- Writing and editing skills
- SEO knowledge and experience
- Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
- Cultural fit and alignment with Propel's mission
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your writing and SEO skills, as well as any experience with public benefits programs or policy.
- Include relevant keywords from the job description in your resume to help it pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
- Prepare for the take-home writing assignment by familiarizing yourself with Propel's content style and voice.
- Research Propel's mission and values to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role and alignment with the company's goals.
ATS Keywords: Content Writer, SEO, Benefits Programs, Public Policy, CMS, Project Management, AI Tools
ASSUMPTION: The interview process is designed to assess candidates' skills, cultural fit, and alignment with Propel's mission and values.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Content Management System (CMS) - Sanity, Contentful, or WordPress
- SEO tools - SEMRush, Ahrefs, or similar
- Project management tools - Airtable, Notion, or similar
- AI tools - Various AI writing and editing tools
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools is required for the role, and candidates should be comfortable learning and using new technologies as needed.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Mission-driven: Propel is committed to improving the financial health of low-income Americans.
- Inclusive: Propel values diversity and aims to create an inclusive work environment.
- Collaborative: Propel encourages teamwork and collaboration across departments.
Work Style:
- Independent: Candidates should be able to work independently and manage their time effectively.
- Adaptable: Propel's mission and focus on low-income Americans may require candidates to adapt their writing style and approach.
- Collaborative: Candidates should be comfortable working with various teams and stakeholders to create high-quality content.
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you share Propel's commitment to improving the financial health of low-income Americans?
- Are you comfortable working independently and managing your time effectively?
- Do you thrive in a collaborative work environment and enjoy working with diverse teams?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with Propel's mission and values and possess the required skills and work style will be most successful in this role.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Working with sensitive and sometimes complex public benefits information
- Meeting weekly content deadlines while maintaining high standards for accuracy and clarity
- Adapting to a remote or hybrid work environment, if applicable
- Navigating Propel's unique mission and focus on low-income Americans
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong writing skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to Propel's mission and values.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike traditional content writing roles, this position focuses on benefits programs and public policy, requiring candidates to adapt their writing style and approach.
- Propel's mission-driven approach and focus on low-income Americans set it apart in the Fintech industry, offering a unique opportunity for impactful work.
- Career growth opportunities may differ from traditional content writing roles, with a focus on professional development within a mission-driven organization.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should consider their interest in public benefits programs and policy, as well as their alignment with Propel's mission and values, when comparing this role to similar positions.
📝 Sample Projects
- Updating an existing page on SNAP benefits to improve SEO rankings and user engagement
- Creating a new page on WIC benefits, incorporating relevant keywords and best practices for search engine optimization
- Editing and fact-checking a freelancer's work on Medicaid benefits, ensuring accuracy and adherence to Propel's content standards
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and required skills for the Content Writer role at Propel.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the typical content calendar and how my work would fit into it?
- How does Propel support and collaborate with its content writers to ensure success?
- What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within the marketing team and Propel as a whole?
- How does Propel measure the success and impact of its content, and how would my role contribute to these metrics?
- What is the work environment like, and how does Propel support its employees in a remote or hybrid setting?
ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to help candidates better understand the role, the team, and Propel's mission and values, as well as assess their fit for the position.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your writing and SEO skills, as well as any experience with public benefits programs or policy.
- Prepare for the take-home writing assignment by familiarizing yourself with Propel's content style and voice.
- Research Propel's mission and values to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role and alignment with the company's goals.
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest in the role and inquire about next steps.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
