📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Principal Copywriter
🔹 Company: Columbia Sportswear Company
🔹 Location: Carlsbad, California, United States
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid (3 days in-office)
🔹 Category: Marketing & Communications
🔹 Date Posted: June 24, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 8+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Crafting compelling, branded, and relevant messages across various digital platforms
- Partnering with stakeholders to create solutions that achieve business requirements while delivering engaging and motivating content
- Presenting work and explaining the strategic and creative thinking behind it
- Collaborating with the prAna Creative team and other teams to improve the user and brand experience across all channels
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong writer with a proven track record in copywriting, experience in content management systems, and familiarity with SEO and content marketing. The hybrid work arrangement allows for flexibility while maintaining in-office collaboration.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Writes, prepares, and reviews compelling and accurate copy with an understanding of online promotions, AP Style, and SEO principles to align content with best practices and brand standards
✅ Works with the prAna Creative team to brainstorm creative concepts and create innovative solutions to meet business needs while defining and evolving brand voice and identity
✅ Reviews and presents copy, concepts, and ideas to business stakeholders, managers, and directors, and acts on that feedback to improve messaging, efficiency, and effectiveness
✅ Collaborates with other teams to improve the user and brand experience across all channels
✅ Acts as liaison for the creative agency by providing briefs and content to ensure it meets best practices
✅ Leads seasonal product copy workflow for Product Description Pages (PDP), including writers' workflow and merchandising deliverables
✅ Keeps updated copy guidelines for brand consistency
ASSUMPTION: The role involves a mix of creative and strategic tasks, requiring strong writing skills, adaptability, and the ability to work well with various teams and stakeholders.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Journalism, Creative Writing, Liberal Arts)
Experience: Minimum 8+ years of experience as a copywriter
Required Skills:
- Proficient in MS Word Suite (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word)
- Strong writing skills with a proven ability to weave a compelling narrative
- Well-organized, highly motivated, and energized by your inner editor
- Able to write questions for a variety of audiences and adapt messaging to the best practices of different channels and devices
- Curious and comfortable asking questions to get it right the first time
- Flexible and able to juggle multiple projects while remaining inspired and positive
Preferred Skills:
- Experience writing copy in content management systems
- Experience writing copy for a consumer-facing brand in a DTC business
- SEO & Content Marketing experience
- Strong experience creating digital, print, video content
- Strong experience mentoring and leading project teams
- Strong ability to develop creative ideas that work across all channels
- Strong ability to distill complex ideas into simple, clear, and resonant expressions
- Strong ability to problem-solve, working through a corporate matrix
- Proven writing capabilities with a strong grasp of spelling, grammar, and creative expression relevant to brand-specific copywriting
ASSUMPTION: The required skills are essential for success in this role, and the preferred skills would make an ideal candidate even stronger in the position.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $93,600 - $156,300 per year
Benefits:
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Disability
- Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account
- Voluntary Benefit Offerings (accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, legal services)
- EAP + (free and confidential 24/7/365 counseling services)
- Wellness Benefits, Employee Discounts, Generous Time Off Program
Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with a flexible hybrid schedule (3 days in-office)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is based on the provided information and may vary depending on the candidate's skills and experience. The benefits package is designed to contribute to overall employee well-being by aligning with the fundamental elements of well-being: physical, social/emotional, financial, career, and community.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Retail Apparel and Fashion
Company Size: 5,001-10,000 employees
Founded: 1938 (as a family-owned business)
Company Description:
- Columbia Sportswear Company is a global outdoor brand that crafts active lifestyle gear fortified with industry-leading technologies and tested in their backyard
- Their apparel, footwear, and accessories reflect their Pacific Northwest heritage and indomitable spirit
- Over the last 80 years, Columbia and their family of brands have grown to over 10,000 employees and proudly sell products in over 100 countries
Company Specialties:
- Greater Outdoors, Sportswear, Outerwear, Outdoor Industry, Footwear, Sporting Goods, Apparel, and Accessories
Company Website: www.columbiasportswearcompany.com
ASSUMPTION: Columbia Sportswear Company is a well-established brand with a strong presence in the outdoor industry, offering a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for growth.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Experienced (8+ years of experience)
Reporting Structure: This role reports to the Creative Director and works closely with the prAna Creative team, stakeholders, and other teams to improve the user and brand experience
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (3 days in-office, 2 days remote)
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to mentor and lead project teams
- Opportunities to collaborate with various teams and stakeholders, expanding professional networks
- Chance to grow within the company as it continues to expand its global presence
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development, both within the creative team and through collaboration with other teams and stakeholders.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: prAna HQ Office
Office Location(s): Carlsbad, California, United States
Geographic Context:
- Carlsbad is located in San Diego County, California, with a Mediterranean climate and a population of around 115,000
- The city is known for its beaches, lagoons, and golf courses, offering a high quality of life
- Carlsbad is approximately 35 miles north of downtown San Diego and 85 miles south of Los Angeles
Work Schedule: Flexible hybrid schedule (3 days in-office, 2 days remote)
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement allows for a balance between in-office collaboration and remote work, providing flexibility and a high quality of life in the Carlsbad area.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the HR team
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
- Final interview with the Creative Director
Key Assessment Areas:
- Writing samples and portfolio
- Cultural fit and alignment with company values
- Problem-solving skills and adaptability
- Ability to work well with teams and stakeholders
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Prepare a portfolio showcasing your best writing samples and creative concepts
- Research the company and the prAna brand to demonstrate your understanding and enthusiasm for the role
ATS Keywords: Copywriter, Principal Copywriter, prAna, Columbia Sportswear Company, Hybrid, Carlsbad, SEO, Content Management Systems, Brand Voice, Stakeholder Collaboration, Creative Concepts
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to be competitive, and demonstrating a strong portfolio, relevant skills, and a good cultural fit will be essential for success.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Word Suite (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word)
- Content Management Systems (CMS)
- SEO tools and platforms
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with relevant tools and technologies is essential for success in this role, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their proficiency during the interview process.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Innovation
- Quality
- Integrity
- Sustainability
- Community
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and flexible
- Results-driven and proactive
- Passionate about the outdoors and active lifestyle
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do your personal values align with Columbia Sportswear Company's values?
- How do you approach working with diverse teams and stakeholders to achieve common goals?
- How do you balance creativity and strategic thinking in your approach to copywriting?
ASSUMPTION: A strong cultural fit is essential for success in this role, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their alignment with the company's values and work style during the interview process.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Balancing multiple projects and deadlines while maintaining a high level of creativity and quality
- Adapting to a hybrid work arrangement and maintaining effective communication with remote team members
- Navigating a large corporate matrix and working with various stakeholders
- Keeping up with industry trends and best practices in copywriting, SEO, and content marketing
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role differs from other copywriter positions in its focus on digital platforms and collaboration with a diverse range of teams and stakeholders
- Industry-specific context: The outdoor and active lifestyle industry requires a unique understanding of the target audience and their preferences
- Career path comparison: This role offers opportunities for growth within the creative team and the broader organization, with potential paths to leadership and management positions
ASSUMPTION: Understanding the unique aspects of this role and the industry-specific context will help candidates tailor their application and prepare for the interview process.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a comprehensive brand voice guide for prAna, ensuring consistency across all digital platforms
- Creating a series of engaging and informative blog posts or articles to educate customers about the benefits of prAna's products and sustainability initiatives
- Collaborating with the product team to create compelling and accurate product descriptions for the prAna website, improving conversion rates and customer satisfaction
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and the need for strong writing, collaboration, and strategic thinking skills in this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the prAna Creative team?
- How does the company support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly within the creative team?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the prAna brand in the current market, and how can this role help address them?
- How does the company approach sustainability and social responsibility, and how can this role contribute to these initiatives?
- What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this role, and how will my success be measured?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and relevant questions during the interview process will help candidates demonstrate their interest in the role and gain a better understanding of the company and its culture.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the provided link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Prepare a portfolio showcasing your best writing samples and creative concepts
- Research the company and the prAna brand to demonstrate your understanding and enthusiasm for the role
- Follow up with the HR team 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.
