π Core Information
πΉ Job Title: Copywriter - Freelance
πΉ Company: AKQA
πΉ Location: San Francisco
πΉ Job Type: Freelance
πΉ Category: Advertising & Marketing
πΉ Date Posted: June 5, 2025
πΉ Experience Level: 5+ years
πΉ Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)
π Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Crafting exceptional copy and storytelling with some direction
- Collaborating with clients and various teams within AKQA
- Creating and managing original, persuasive, conceptually compelling work for digital campaigns, content, and experiences
- Inspiring and embracing challenges and new ways of thinking
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of creativity, strategic thinking, and collaboration to deliver effective digital campaigns.
π Key Responsibilities
β
Implement a combination of strategic, conceptual, and copywriting skills
β
Create and manage original, persuasive, conceptually compelling work for digital campaigns, content, and experiences with some supervision
β
Collaborate with the client and various teams within AKQA
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Ability to generate clever, conceptual headlines and well-written body copy for websites, e-mails, and mobile content
ASSUMPTION: The role may involve working on multiple projects simultaneously, requiring strong organizational skills and the ability to manage time effectively.
π― Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in English, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field
Experience: 5+ years of experience writing advertising copy within an ad agency
Required Skills:
- Excellent writing skills with a strong portfolio demonstrating high-quality copywriting, clever headlines, and concepting experience within a variety of digital platforms
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Creative Suite
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with content management systems (CMS)
- Knowledge of SEO best practices
- Fluency in additional languages
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office Suite is likely required for this role.
π° Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $2100 - $2400 per week
Benefits:
- Required in-office days for collaboration and connection
- Equal opportunity employer with a culture of respect and inclusion
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week) with flexible hours
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is for the 3-month freelance contract. Benefits may vary depending on the length of the contract and the employee's status.
π Applicant Insights
π Company Context
Industry: AKQA is a design and innovation company specializing in advertising, marketing, and digital services. They employ over 5,500 professionals across 30 countries.
Company Size: AKQA has 1,001-5,000 employees, making it a mid-sized to large company. This size allows for diverse opportunities and a well-established infrastructure.
Founded: AKQA was founded in 1995 and has since grown into a global leader in its industry.
Company Description:
- Named Digital Agency Global Network of the Year in Campaignβs 2023 Global Agency of the Year Awards
- Recognized as a top 10 Most Loved Workplace in 2023 by Newsweek
- Won 22 Cannes Lions, including Grand Prix for Design and Glass in 2024
Company Specialties:
- Design and Innovation
- Customer and Brand Experience
- E-commerce Optimization
- Community and Influencer Engagement
- Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence
- Data Science
- Media Planning and Buying
- Search Marketing
Company Website: AKQA Showreel
ASSUMPTION: AKQA's extensive experience and global presence indicate a strong commitment to quality and innovation in their work.
π Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level to senior, depending on the candidate's experience and skills
Reporting Structure: The Copywriter will report to the Creative Director and collaborate with various teams within AKQA, including Art Directors, Designers, and Strategists.
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (required in-office days for collaboration and connection)
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential full-time employment after the completion of the 3-month freelance contract
- Opportunities to work on diverse projects and campaigns
- Chance to learn from and collaborate with experienced professionals in the industry
ASSUMPTION: The 3-month freelance contract may lead to full-time employment, depending on the candidate's performance and AKQA's needs.
π Location & Work Environment
Office Type: AKQA's San Francisco office is a collaborative workspace designed to foster creativity, connection, and innovation.
Office Location(s): 5th floor, 360 Third St, San Francisco, CA 94107, US
Geographic Context:
- San Francisco is a major hub for the tech and advertising industries
- The city offers a diverse cultural scene, vibrant neighborhoods, and numerous outdoor activities
- AKQA's office is centrally located, providing easy access to public transportation and amenities
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week) with flexible hours
ASSUMPTION: The work environment at AKQA's San Francisco office is likely dynamic, collaborative, and fast-paced, reflecting the company's global presence and commitment to innovation.
πΌ Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- In-person or virtual interview with the Creative Director and/or other team members
- Portfolio review and writing test
- Final decision and offer
Key Assessment Areas:
- Writing skills and portfolio quality
- Creativity and conceptual thinking
- Collaboration and communication skills
- Alignment with AKQA's company values and culture
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight your relevant skills and experience for this role
- Prepare a cover letter that demonstrates your enthusiasm for the position and understanding of AKQA's work
- Be ready to discuss your portfolio and writing samples in detail during the interview
- Research AKQA's company values and be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs
ATS Keywords: Copywriting, Advertising, Digital Campaigns, Conceptual Thinking, Collaboration, Storytelling, Headlines, Body Copy, Portfolio
ASSUMPTION: The application process may vary depending on the specific needs of the hiring team and the number of applicants.
π οΈ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Content Management Systems (CMS)
- SEO tools
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required may vary depending on the projects and campaigns the Copywriter works on.
π Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Creativity and innovation
- Collaboration and connection
- Respect and inclusion
Work Style:
- Dynamic and fast-paced
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Focused on delivering high-quality work
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment?
- Are you comfortable working with diverse teams and stakeholders?
- Do you have a strong portfolio that demonstrates your creativity and writing skills?
ASSUMPTION: AKQA values candidates who are creative, collaborative, and committed to delivering high-quality work.
β οΈ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
- Working with diverse teams and stakeholders, each with their own priorities and expectations
- Adapting to a hybrid work environment with required in-office days
- Competing with other experienced copywriters for the same role
ASSUMPTION: The role may present challenges related to time management, collaboration, and adaptation to a hybrid work environment.
π Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike in-house copywriter roles, this position is a 3-month freelance contract with the potential for full-time employment
- AKQA's global presence and extensive experience set it apart from smaller, local agencies
- This role offers the opportunity to work on diverse projects and campaigns, providing a broad range of experience
ASSUMPTION: While this role shares similarities with in-house copywriter positions, its freelance nature and AKQA's global presence make it unique.
π Sample Projects
- Developing a comprehensive advertising campaign for a new product launch, including headlines, body copy, and calls-to-action
- Creating engaging and persuasive content for a company's website, blog, and social media channels
- Writing and designing email marketing campaigns to promote products, services, or events
ASSUMPTION: The specific projects the Copywriter works on will depend on AKQA's current client roster and campaign needs.
β Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe a typical day or week in this role?
- How does AKQA support the professional growth and development of its copywriters?
- What is the team structure and dynamic like within AKQA?
- How does AKQA approach collaboration and connection in its hybrid work environment?
- What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of working at AKQA?
ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to provide insight into the day-to-day responsibilities, company culture, and growth opportunities for the Copywriter role at AKQA.
π Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight your relevant skills and experience for this role
- Prepare a cover letter that demonstrates your enthusiasm for the position and understanding of AKQA's work
- Be ready to discuss your portfolio and writing samples in detail during the interview
- Follow up with the hiring team one week after submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications
β οΈ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.