📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Freelance Senior Copywriter
🔹 Company: Critical Mass
🔹 Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
🔹 Job Type: Freelance/Contractor
🔹 Category: Advertising & Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: May 28, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: Remote OK
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Collaborating with creatives and strategists to bring a digital voice to life
- Grasping communication challenges and devising imaginative solutions
- Working on multiple projects simultaneously with minimal oversight
- Partnering with designers, art directors, and creative directors to bring concepts to life
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of self-motivation and organization, as the successful candidate will be managing multiple projects and working remotely.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Participate in strategic brainstorming, campaign and brief development, and creative execution
✅ Partner with designers, art directors, and creative directors to bring concepts to life
✅ Work closely with art directors and designers to ensure copy tone and style are consistent with visual tone and style
✅ Work on multiple projects simultaneously
✅ Interact with project teams to understand business objectives and audience demographics
✅ Translate creative direction and copy points from creative briefs into engaging and effective copy concepts
✅ Maintain high standards of copywriting and exercise quality control
✅ Handle a high volume of varied work without letting standards slip
✅ Liaise directly with clients and present work confidently
ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will have strong communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively collaborate with various teams and clients.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in English, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
Experience: 5+ years' experience writing in an agency environment, including experience with interactive media and direct marketing
Required Skills:
- Exceptional writing skills, including the ability to write in a range of voices and styles for varied projects with diverse audiences
- Proven aptitude for quick, creative thinking with acute attention to detail within demanding deadlines
- A keen enthusiasm for and demonstrable understanding of web trends and technologies
- A strong understanding of marketing (especially direct marketing) and advertising principles
- Experience with brainstorming, campaign development, creative brief development, and creative execution
- The ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and effectively juggle diverse writing demand
- Experience managing complex and rapidly evolving copy decks
Preferred Skills:
- Fluency in additional languages
- Experience with AI tools for copywriting
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, proficiency in English is required for this role, as it is the primary language used in the job description and the company's industry.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: The salary range for a Senior Copywriter in Calgary, Alberta is CAD 70,000 - CAD 100,000 per year, based on industry standards and the candidate's experience level.
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance (for full-time employees)
- Retirement savings plan with company matching (for full-time employees)
- Employee assistance program
- Paid time off (vacation, sick days, and holidays)
- Professional development opportunities
Working Hours: Full-time freelancers can expect to work 40 hours per week, with some flexibility based on project demands and client needs.
ASSUMPTION: As a freelance position, the successful candidate will be responsible for managing their own taxes, benefits, and insurance. The salary range provided is an estimate and may vary based on the candidate's specific arrangement with the company.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Advertising Services
Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees
Founded: The company's founding date is not specified in the provided data.
Company Description:
- Critical Mass is a global agency with 1,800 employees based in 12 offices around the world
- They provide full-service digital capabilities for top brands, focusing on connected digital ecosystems and unparalleled experiences
- Their secret sauce is uncompromising design standards, relentless focus on customers, and an ability to put powerful new technologies to work for their clients
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 well-established agency with a strong reputation in the advertising industry, working with prominent global brands.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior
Reporting Structure: The Freelance Senior Copywriter will report directly to the Creative Director or a similar role within the agency.
Work Arrangement: This role is remote-friendly, with the option to work from home or the office, depending on the candidate's preference and project requirements.
Growth Opportunities:
- Expanding creative skills and expertise through working on diverse projects
- Potential opportunities to take on mentorship roles for junior copywriters
- Networking and collaboration with industry professionals across various disciplines
ASSUMPTION: As a freelance position, growth opportunities may be limited compared to full-time employment, but the candidate will have the chance to work on high-profile projects and expand their professional network.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Critical Mass has multiple offices worldwide, with this role based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Office Location(s): 1011 9th Avenue SE, Suite 300, Calgary, Alberta T2G 0H7, CA
Geographic Context:
- Calgary is the largest city in Alberta, Canada, with a population of approximately 1.3 million people
- The city is known for its vibrant arts scene, diverse cultural communities, and numerous festivals throughout the year
- Calgary offers a mix of urban and outdoor living, with easy access to the Canadian Rockies for skiing, hiking, and other recreational activities
Work Schedule: The work schedule for this role is flexible, with the expectation of working standard business hours (Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM) with some flexibility based on project demands and client needs.
ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate should be comfortable working independently and managing their time effectively in a remote or hybrid work environment.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening with the HR department
- Creative test or portfolio review
- Interview with the Creative Director or a similar role within the agency
- Final interview or discussion with the hiring manager
Key Assessment Areas:
- Creativity and problem-solving skills
- Writing and communication skills
- Understanding of marketing and advertising principles
- Ability to work collaboratively and manage multiple projects
- Adaptability and willingness to learn new tools and technologies
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Include a portfolio of your best work, showcasing your range and versatility as a copywriter
- Prepare for the creative test by researching the company and its clients, and be ready to present your ideas and thought process
- Follow up after the interview to express your enthusiasm for the role and reiterate your qualifications
ATS Keywords: Copywriting, Creative Thinking, Attention to Detail, Marketing, Advertising, Campaign Development, Brainstorming, Project Management, Collaboration, Digital Media, Usability, Social Media, Direct Marketing, Web Trends, AI Tools, Client Liaison
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should tailor their application materials to include relevant keywords from the job description to help their resume pass through the Applicant Tracking System (ATS).
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- AI tools for copywriting (e.g., Copy.ai, Frase, or other relevant platforms)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, or Jira)
- Communication and collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Google Workspace)
ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate should be comfortable learning and using new tools and technologies as needed for the role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Inspired: We are passionate about what we do and the impact we make
- Relentless: We never stop learning, improving, and pushing boundaries
- Collaborative: We believe in the power of working together to achieve greatness
- Inclusive: We foster a culture of belonging, where everyone feels valued and respected
- Accountable: We take ownership of our work and hold ourselves to the highest standards
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic, with a focus on delivering high-quality work under tight deadlines
- Collaborative and team-oriented, with a strong emphasis on communication and coordination
- Adaptable and flexible, with a willingness to take on new challenges and learn new skills
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, and are you comfortable working under tight deadlines?
- Are you an effective communicator, both written and verbally, and can you collaborate successfully with various teams and clients?
- Are you open to learning new tools and technologies, and do you have a growth mindset?
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should carefully consider their fit with the company's values and work style before applying, as these factors are crucial for success in this role.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The fast-paced nature of the role may require working extended hours or on weekends to meet project deadlines
- The remote-friendly work arrangement may present challenges in maintaining productivity and focus outside of a traditional office environment
- The candidate may need to manage multiple projects simultaneously, requiring strong organizational skills and time management
- The role may involve working with clients from diverse industries and backgrounds, requiring cultural sensitivity and adaptability
ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate should be able to effectively manage their time, prioritize tasks, and maintain a healthy work-life balance in a remote or hybrid work environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to a full-time Senior Copywriter role, this freelance position may offer more flexibility in work hours and projects but less job security and benefits
- In the advertising industry, Senior Copywriter roles may vary in terms of the level of collaboration, management, and creative responsibilities, depending on the agency's size and structure
- Career progression in this role may be limited compared to full-time employment, but the candidate will have the opportunity to work on diverse projects and expand their professional network
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should carefully consider the pros and cons of a freelance role compared to full-time employment, and ensure that their career goals and expectations align with the opportunities presented by this position.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a comprehensive brand voice and tone guide for a new client, including copy for various marketing channels and touchpoints
- Collaborating with a cross-functional team to create a integrated marketing campaign for an existing client, including copy for digital and traditional advertising channels
- Managing a complex and rapidly evolving copy deck for a high-profile client, ensuring consistency in messaging and brand voice across multiple projects and platforms
ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate should be able to provide examples of their work that demonstrate their ability to handle complex projects, collaborate effectively with teams, and maintain high standards of copywriting.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the typical workflow and project management process for a freelance Senior Copywriter at Critical Mass?
- How does the agency support the professional development and growth of its freelance copywriters?
- What is the expected timeline for feedback and approval on creative work submitted for this role?
- How does the agency ensure consistent communication and collaboration between freelance copywriters and the in-house creative team?
- What are the most challenging aspects of working as a freelance copywriter at Critical Mass, and how does the agency support its freelance team members in overcoming these challenges?
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate their interest in the role and their understanding of the company's culture and work environment.
📌 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, including specific examples of your work and how you can contribute to Critical Mass' success
- Prepare a portfolio of your best work, showcasing your range and versatility as a copywriter
- If selected for an interview, be prepared to discuss your creative process, provide examples of your work, and present your ideas for how you can contribute to the agency's clients and projects
- Follow up after the interview to express your enthusiasm for the role and reiterate your qualifications
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
