π Core Information
πΉ Job Title: Experienced Content Designer - Design
πΉ Company: Plaid
πΉ Location: San Francisco, California, United States
πΉ Job Type: Full-time
πΉ Category: Software Development
πΉ Date Posted: 2025-04-18
πΉ Experience Level: 5-10 years
πΉ Remote Status: On-site
π Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to create user-centered content experiences
- Developing content strategy, principles, and information architecture
- Contributing to the design system and coaching designers on content use
- Building trust with users by reinforcing privacy and control
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of strategic thinking and hands-on content creation. The ideal candidate will have experience working with diverse teams and be comfortable leading content initiatives.
π Key Responsibilities
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Working with PMs, Engineers, Product Designers, and Researchers to build best-in-class experiences for users
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Collaborating closely with Brand Designers and Marketing to develop a consistent voice and tone from external communications through product experiences
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Prioritizing high-impact content design opportunities and proactively proposing new ways to approach content in those areas
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Developing the strategy, principles, and information architecture to enable design teams to bring content-driven vision to life
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Bringing excellent craft and a unique voice to product writing
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Contributing to the content system and partnering closely with the Design Systems team
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Coaching Designers and cross-functional partners on how to use the content system
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Building trust with users and helping reinforce their feeling of being in control of their privacy
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, content creation, and collaboration with various teams. The ideal candidate will be comfortable wearing multiple hats and adapting to different priorities.
π― Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., English, Journalism, Communications, or a related discipline)
Experience: 6+ years' experience as a content designer, content strategist, or UX writer writing for digital-first consumer experiences
Required Skills:
- Proven experience leading complex, multi-phase content strategies to create customer- and user-centric product experiences
- Ability to work autonomously, making prioritization calls and proactively identifying opportunities for greater content and design impact
- Strong collaboration skills to work side by side with product designers, researchers, brand designers, and cross-functional partners
- Comfort using design software (e.g., Figma, InVision, Sketch) to present solutions visually, lead collaboration sessions, etc.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience building relationships and partnering with Marketing and Communications teams
- Strong visual design skills
- Experience working at an organization with a diverse set of products and users
- Experience working at a B2B2C company
- Skills in working with Research and Data Science to test copy and content effectiveness
- Previous roles as the only Content Strategist on the team
ASSUMPTION: While a degree in a relevant field is preferred, candidates with equivalent experience and a strong portfolio will also be considered.
π° Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $166,800 - $250,800 per year (based on location and experience)
Benefits:
- Medical, Dental, Vision, and 401(k)
Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (with flexibility)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a role of this level and location. Final compensation will be determined based on the candidate's experience and skills.
π Applicant Insights
π Company Context
Industry: Plaid operates in the Software Development industry, focusing on financial technology and data networking.
Company Size: Plaid has 501-1,000 employees, providing a mid-sized company environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Founded: Plaid was founded in 2013, giving it a solid history and established reputation in the industry.
Company Description:
- Plaid is a data network that powers the tools millions of people rely on to live a healthier financial life.
- It works with thousands of companies like Venmo, SoFi, and Betterment, as well as many of the largest banks, to make it easy for people to connect their financial accounts to the apps and services they want to use.
- Plaid's network covers more than 12,000 financial institutions across the US, Canada, UK, and Europe.
Company Specialties:
- Financial Technology
- Data Networking
- API Development
- Financial Services
Company Website: https://plaid.com
ASSUMPTION: Plaid's focus on financial technology and data networking makes it an attractive option for candidates interested in shaping the future of finance.
π Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the mid to senior level, requiring a strong background in content design and strategy.
Reporting Structure: The Content Strategist will report directly to the Design Manager and collaborate with various teams, including Product, Brand, Marketing, and Engineering.
Work Arrangement: This is an on-site role, with the opportunity for remote work on a case-by-case basis.
Growth Opportunities:
- Expanding the content team and mentoring junior designers
- Contributing to the development of Plaid's design language and systems
- Potential career progression into a leadership role within the Design team
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for growth and development within the Design team and the broader organization.
π Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Plaid's San Francisco office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster creativity and productivity.
Office Location(s): 135 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States
Geographic Context:
- San Francisco is a vibrant, multicultural city known for its tech industry, diverse neighborhoods, and natural beauty.
- The city offers a wide range of housing options, from urban apartments to suburban homes.
- San Francisco has a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and cool summers.
Work Schedule: Full-time, typically Monday to Friday, with flexible hours and the opportunity for remote work on a case-by-case basis.
ASSUMPTION: The San Francisco office provides a dynamic and engaging work environment, with easy access to public transportation, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
πΌ Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application review
- Phone or video screen with the Hiring Manager
- On-site interview with the Design team, including a portfolio presentation and case study
- Final interview with the Design Director
Key Assessment Areas:
- Portfolio and case studies demonstrating content strategy and design skills
- Problem-solving and critical thinking abilities
- Collaboration and communication skills
- Alignment with Plaid's mission and values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills
- Prepare a portfolio showcasing your best content design work, including case studies that demonstrate your process and results
- Be ready to discuss your approach to content strategy and how you've applied it in previous roles
- Research Plaid's mission, values, and products to show your enthusiasm and understanding of the company
ATS Keywords: Content Strategy, Content Design, UX Writing, User Experience, Product Design, Collaboration, Information Architecture, Brand Narrative, Privacy, Impact Measurement, Visual Design, Research, Data Science
ASSUMPTION: Plaid's interview process is designed to assess your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit with the company.
π οΈ Tools & Technologies
- Figma
- InVision
- Sketch
- Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides)
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be comfortable using design software and collaborating with cross-functional teams using various tools and platforms.
π Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Users First
- Ownership
- Bias Towards Action
- One Team, One Dream
- Positive Energy
Work Style:
- Collaborative and cross-functional
- Data-driven and user-centered
- Agile and iterative
- Focused on impact and results
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you approach creating a consistent voice and tone across multiple platforms and touchpoints?
- Can you describe a time when you had to balance multiple priorities and stakeholders in a content project?
- How do you ensure that your content design work aligns with the broader design system and visual language of a product?
ASSUMPTION: Plaid values candidates who are passionate about their work, collaborative, and committed to delivering high-quality results.
β οΈ Potential Challenges
- Balancing multiple priorities and stakeholders in a fast-paced, growing organization
- Adapting to changes in the financial technology landscape and responding to evolving user needs
- Ensuring consistency in voice and tone across a diverse range of products and user segments
- Managing the content system and contributing to its development while also creating high-quality content
ASSUMPTION: These challenges present opportunities for growth and learning, as well as the chance to make a significant impact on Plaid's products and users.
π Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on content strategy and design within a financial technology company, but it shares similarities with UX Writing, Content Design, and Product Design roles in other industries.
- Unlike some content-focused roles, this position requires a strong understanding of financial services and the ability to work with complex data and APIs.
- Career progression in this role could lead to leadership positions within the Design team or broader product management roles within Plaid.
ASSUMPTION: While this role shares similarities with other content-focused positions, its unique context within the financial technology industry makes it a distinctive opportunity.
π Sample Projects
- Developing a comprehensive content strategy for a new financial product, including user research, information architecture, and content audits
- Collaborating with a cross-functional team to reimagine the onboarding experience for a popular fintech app, resulting in a 25% increase in user engagement
- Creating a content style guide and tone of voice guidelines for a B2B financial services platform, ensuring consistency across all customer touchpoints
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of content strategy and design work that the ideal candidate might encounter in this role.
β Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does Plaid support the growth and development of its content design team?
- Can you describe the collaboration between the Design team and other departments, such as Product and Marketing?
- How does Plaid approach accessibility and inclusivity in its content design process?
- What are the most pressing content challenges facing Plaid's products, and how can this role address them?
- How does Plaid measure the success of its content design work, and how can I contribute to improving those metrics?
ASSUMPTION: These questions will help you better understand the role, the team, and the company, as well as signal your interest and engagement in the interview process.
π Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the Plaid Jobs page
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills, using the ATS keywords provided
- Prepare a portfolio showcasing your best content design work, including case studies that demonstrate your process and results
- Be ready to discuss your approach to content strategy and how you've applied it in previous roles
- Follow up with Plaid's Recruiting team one week after submitting your application to inquire about your application status
β οΈ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.