📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Freelance Writer, Copy Editing
🔹 Company: Critical Mass
🔹 Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
🔹 Job Type: Freelance
🔹 Category: Advertising & Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: May 20, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Mid-Senior level (5-10 years)
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in-office per week)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Managing copy flow between internal and external creative and production departments
- Collaborating with various teams to ensure deliverables meet client standards and deadlines
- Providing direct support to creative leadership and serving as a bridge between copy and cross-functional partners
- Participating in post-launch analysis to identify wins and challenges and improve future project deliveries
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of the creative development process and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will have experience in a similar role and be comfortable working with various teams.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Work directly with copywriters, editors, designers, brand, and product marketing teams to ensure proper execution of copy’s project deliverables, managing handoff of all copy to creative partners
✅ Work alongside creative directors and producers to collaborate on priorities, resources, and upcoming milestones, and operate as a bridge between copy and our cross-functional partners, serving as a single point of contact during production
✅ Manage the workflow for copy and other assets as needed, working with a team of writers and editors, and ensuring each asset meets client standards
✅ Provide direct support to creative leadership and serve as a supporting partner in ensuring clearly defined processes and deadlines are achieved
✅ Participate in post-launch analysis to identify wins and challenges. Carry findings forward to continually improve future project deliveries and execution
✅ Define best practices in the content handoff process in partnership with other teams
ASSUMPTION: The role involves a high level of collaboration and requires strong communication skills. The candidate should be comfortable working with various teams and managing multiple projects simultaneously.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in English, Journalism, Communications, or a related field
Experience: 5-7 years of experience ensuring that copy flows efficiently between internal and external creative and production departments
Required Skills:
- In-depth knowledge of all steps required in the creative development process
- Ability to effectively collaborate with creative directors, designers, strategists, and producers to develop work
- Passion for editing and deep understanding of the importance and power of well-constructed messaging
- Attention to detail and ability to multitask projects, priorities, schedules, and deliverables
- Flexibility to deal with rapidly changing, time-constrained launch schedules
- Strategic thinking and ability to juggle multiple deliverables and work collaboratively with partners across internal teams
- Focus and persistence — ability to problem-solve and operate in a sophisticated multi-stakeholder environment
- Positive, enthusiastic attitude and willingness to learn from team members at all levels
- Strong understanding of the various applications and tools used in the digital production workflow, and the ability to master new ones quickly
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
- Fluency in additional languages
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have a strong portfolio showcasing their copywriting and editing skills. They should also be comfortable using various digital production tools and software.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: CAD 60,000 - 80,000 per year (based on industry standards for a mid-senior level role in Calgary)
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Retirement savings plan with company match
- Employee assistance program
- Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
- Flexible work arrangements
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexible hours and the ability to work remotely 2 days per week
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a mid-senior level role in Calgary. The actual salary may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Critical Mass is a global advertising agency specializing in digital marketing, brand launch and experience, user experience and interaction, design, insight and planning, digital campaign management, social media, mobile, technology services, experience design, experience distribution, marketing science, and eCommerce.
Company Size: Critical Mass has 1,001-5,000 employees, making it a mid-sized to large agency. This size allows for ample opportunities for growth and collaboration but may also mean more competition for resources and advancement.
Founded: Critical Mass was founded in Canada and has since expanded to 12 offices worldwide. The agency has a strong focus on design standards, customer focus, and the use of powerful new technologies for its clients.
Company Description:
- Critical Mass is a team of 1,800 inspired folks based in 12 offices around the world, providing full-service digital capabilities for the greatest brands on Earth.
- The agency works with a wide range of clients, including Apple, Nike, Mars Wrigley, Nissan, Diageo, Airbnb, BMW, BNY Mellon, Johnson & Johnson, and many more.
- Critical Mass is known for its uncompromising design standards, relentless focus on customers, and ability to put powerful new technologies to work for its 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 industry. The company's size and global presence provide ample opportunities for career growth and development.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: The Freelance Writer, Copy Editing role is a mid-senior level position. Candidates should have at least 5-7 years of experience in a similar role.
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Creative Director and works closely with various teams, including copywriters, editors, designers, brand, and product marketing teams.
Work Arrangement: The role is a hybrid position, requiring the candidate to work from the office 3 days per week and remotely 2 days per week.
Growth Opportunities:
- As a mid-sized to large agency, Critical Mass offers ample opportunities for career growth and advancement.
- The role's focus on collaboration and cross-functional partnerships may provide opportunities to work on diverse projects and gain exposure to various aspects of the business.
- The agency's global presence may also offer opportunities to work on international projects or relocate to one of its offices worldwide.
ASSUMPTION: The Freelance Writer, Copy Editing role is an excellent opportunity for a mid-senior level candidate looking to gain experience in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. The role's focus on process improvement and post-launch analysis may also provide opportunities for career growth and development.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Critical Mass' Calgary office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster creativity and innovation.
Office Location(s): 1011 9th Avenue SE, Suite 300, Calgary, Alberta T2G 0H7, CA
Geographic Context:
- Calgary is the largest city in Alberta, Canada, and the fifth-largest municipality in Canada by population.
- The city is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, as well as its proximity to the Canadian Rockies, offering ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and adventure.
- Calgary has a humid continental climate, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters.
Work Schedule: The role follows a standard workweek, with flexible hours and the ability to work remotely 2 days per week.
ASSUMPTION: The Calgary office provides a modern, collaborative work environment that fosters creativity and innovation. The city's vibrant arts and culture scene, as well as its proximity to the Canadian Rockies, offers ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and adventure.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume submission
- Phone or video screening with the HR team
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
- Final interview with the Creative Director
- Background check and reference check
- Job offer
Key Assessment Areas:
- Copywriting and editing skills
- Collaboration and communication skills
- Problem-solving and analytical skills
- Attention to detail and multitasking abilities
- Cultural fit and alignment with Critical Mass' values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for the Freelance Writer, Copy Editing role.
- Include examples of your copywriting and editing work in your portfolio or provide links to your online portfolio.
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills.
- Research Critical Mass' clients and industry to demonstrate your understanding of the agency's work and the advertising industry as a whole.
ATS Keywords: copy editing, copywriting, project management, collaboration, attention to detail, problem-solving, strategic thinking, flexibility, communication, creativity, time management, digital production, teamwork, process improvement, client standards, workflow management, post-launch analysis
ASSUMPTION: The interview process for the Freelance Writer, Copy Editing role will focus on assessing the candidate's copywriting and editing skills, as well as their collaboration and communication skills. The ideal candidate will have a strong portfolio showcasing their work and be comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, JIRA)
- Digital production workflow tools (e.g., Adobe Experience Manager, Workfront)
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience with various digital production tools and software, as well as a strong understanding of the Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office Suite.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Design-driven
- Customer-obsessed
- Collaborative
- Innovative
- Inspired
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Focused on results and continuous improvement
- Open and transparent communication
- Flexible and adaptable
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a passion for editing and a deep understanding of the importance and power of well-constructed messaging?
- Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with rapidly changing, time-constrained launch schedules?
- Do you have strong communication and problem-solving skills, and are you comfortable working with various teams and managing multiple projects simultaneously?
ASSUMPTION: Critical Mass values candidates who are passionate about editing, comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, and skilled in communication and problem-solving. The ideal candidate will also be comfortable working with various teams and managing multiple projects simultaneously.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The role may require working on tight deadlines and managing multiple projects simultaneously, which can be stressful and demanding.
- The agency's global presence may result in working with clients and teams in different time zones, which can impact communication and collaboration.
- The role may require working with various teams and managing their expectations, which can be challenging and require strong communication and diplomatic skills.
- The agency's focus on continuous improvement may result in frequent changes to processes and workflows, which can be challenging to keep up with.
ASSUMPTION: The Freelance Writer, Copy Editing role may present challenges related to tight deadlines, managing multiple projects, working with various teams, and keeping up with frequent changes to processes and workflows. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and be able to adapt to change.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- The Freelance Writer, Copy Editing role is similar to other production writer or copy editor roles in the advertising industry. However, this role focuses more on managing the workflow and ensuring deliverables meet client standards, rather than on creating original content.
- The role may require more collaboration and communication skills than other production writer or copy editor roles, as it involves working with various teams and managing their expectations.
- The role may also offer more opportunities for career growth and development, as it focuses on process improvement and post-launch analysis.
ASSUMPTION: The Freelance Writer, Copy Editing role is similar to other production writer or copy editor roles in the advertising industry but may require more collaboration and communication skills and offer more opportunities for career growth and development.
📝 Sample Projects
- Managing the copy handoff process for a global brand campaign, ensuring all deliverables meet client standards and deadlines
- Collaborating with designers and brand marketing teams to create a cohesive brand voice and messaging framework for a new product launch
- Participating in post-launch analysis to identify wins and challenges and developing recommendations for future project deliveries
ASSUMPTION: The Freelance Writer, Copy Editing role involves a wide range of projects, from managing the copy handoff process to collaborating with various teams to create cohesive brand voices and messaging frameworks. The ideal candidate will have experience working on similar projects and be comfortable managing multiple projects simultaneously.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the typical workflow for a project, from initial brief to final delivery?
- How does the agency collaborate with clients and ensure their feedback is incorporated into the final deliverables?
- What are the most challenging aspects of the role, and how does the agency support its employees in managing these challenges?
- How does the agency approach process improvement and post-launch analysis, and what opportunities are there for growth and development in this area?
- What is the work environment like, and how does the agency foster collaboration and innovation?
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will ask thoughtful, insightful questions that demonstrate their understanding of the role and the agency's work. They will also be prepared to discuss their relevant experience and skills and how they align with the role's requirements.
📌 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 the Freelance Writer, Copy Editing role.
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills.
- Research Critical Mass' clients and industry to demonstrate your understanding of the agency's work and the advertising industry as a whole.
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
