📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Production Writer - Freelance
🔹 Company: AKQA
🔹 Location: San Francisco, California, United States
🔹 Job Type: Freelance
🔹 Category: Writing & Editing
🔹 Date Posted: June 5, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (1 day per week in-office)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Managing updates and addressing inconsistencies in copy across multiple digital and non-digital touch points.
- Creating and maintaining documentation for visibility and collaboration across teams.
- Writing alt text for images and other web elements to accessibility standards.
- Writing alternate versions of existing copy and populating in relevant trackers or matrices.
- Making accuracy edits to existing copy based on briefs and feedback from creative leads and stakeholders.
- Collaborating with other writers, producers, art directors, designers, developers, and other writers to meet deadlines and deliver finished work.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, creative environment.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Manage updates and address inconsistencies in copy across multiple digital and non-digital touch points.
✅ Create and maintain documentation for visibility and collaboration across teams.
✅ Write alt text for images and other web elements to accessibility standards.
✅ Write alternate versions of existing copy and populate in relevant trackers or matrices.
✅ Make accuracy edits to existing copy based on briefs and feedback from creative leads and stakeholders.
✅ Collaborate with other writers, producers, art directors, designers, developers, and other writers to meet deadlines and deliver finished work.
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience in a fast-paced creative workplace and be able to deliver quality work at a high volume in a tight timeframe.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in English, Journalism, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
Experience: A minimum of 3 years of relevant digital experience.
Required Skills:
- Excellent writing and editorial skills for a range of digital experiences.
- Ability to thrive in a challenging, fast-paced, creative workplace.
- Diligent, flexible, resourceful, independent with a strong work ethic.
- Ability to distill complex asks into clear, elegant, and focused messaging.
- Fearlessly, boundlessly creative and relentlessly attentive to detail.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with content management systems (CMS).
- Knowledge of accessibility best practices.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a compelling portfolio that demonstrates their writing and editorial talent for a range of digital experiences.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $2100 - $2400 per week. Individual compensation varies based on job-related factors, including location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications.
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 per week) with flexible hours and required in-office days.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a freelance production writer role with 3 years of experience in the San Francisco area.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: AKQA is a design and innovation company that employs over 5,500 professionals across 30 countries, specializing in design and innovation, customer and brand experience, e-commerce optimization, community and influencer engagement, cognitive science and artificial intelligence, data science, media planning, media buying, and search marketing.
Company Size: AKQA has 1,001-5,000 employees, providing a large and diverse work environment with ample opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Founded: AKQA was founded in 1995 and has since grown into a global leader in design and innovation, with offices in major cities worldwide.
Company Description:
- Named Digital Agency Global Network of the Year in Campaign’s 2023 Global Agency of the Year Awards.
- Recognized as a top 10 Most Loved Workplace in 2023 by Newsweek.
- Won the Cannes Lions Grand Prix for Digital Craft in 2023 and 22 Cannes Lions, including Grand Prix for Design and Glass in 2024.
- Recognized with seven Fast Company Innovation by Design Awards in 2023 and 2024.
- Won Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas 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
- Media Buying
- Search Marketing
Company Website: https://www.akqa.com/showreel/
ASSUMPTION: AKQA's global presence and extensive experience in the design and innovation industry make it an attractive employer for creative professionals seeking to grow their careers in a dynamic environment.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is suitable for mid-level writers with 2-5 years of experience seeking to develop their skills in a fast-paced, creative environment.
Reporting Structure: The Production Writer will report to an Associate Creative Director and collaborate with other writers, producers, art directors, designers, developers, and stakeholders.
Work Arrangement: This is a 3-month freelance contract role with required in-office days for collaboration and connection. Candidates must be able to work West Coast hours.
Growth Opportunities:
- Exposure to a wide range of digital and non-digital projects, allowing for skill development and versatility.
- Opportunity to work with a diverse team of creative professionals, fostering collaboration and learning.
- Potential for full-time employment or contract renewal based on performance and business needs.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity for mid-level writers to gain experience in a fast-paced, creative environment and develop their skills while working on a variety of projects.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: AKQA's San Francisco office is a collaborative workspace with a creative atmosphere, fostering innovation and connection among team members.
Office Location(s): 5th floor, 360 Third St, San Francisco, CA 94107, US
Geographic Context:
- San Francisco is a vibrant, multicultural city known for its tech industry, art, and culture.
- The office is located in the South of Market (SoMa) district, close to public transportation and various amenities.
- The city offers a diverse range of housing options, from urban apartments to suburban homes.
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week) with flexible hours and required in-office days for collaboration and connection.
ASSUMPTION: The San Francisco office provides a creative and collaborative work environment, with easy access to public transportation and various amenities.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission.
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager.
- In-person or virtual interview with the creative team.
- Final interview with the creative director.
Key Assessment Areas:
- Writing and editorial skills.
- Attention to detail and quality of work.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, creative environment.
- Cultural fit and alignment with AKQA's values.
Application Tips:
- Highlight your relevant experience and skills in your resume and cover letter.
- Include a portfolio showcasing your writing and editorial talent for a range of digital experiences.
- Prepare for behavioral and scenario-based interview questions focusing on your problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
ATS Keywords: Writing, Editing, Digital Experience, Collaboration, Attention to Detail, Creativity, Communication, Adaptability, Accessibility, Copy, Documentation, Trackers, Matrix, Briefs, Feedback, Deadlines, Finished Work, Portfolio, Resume, Cover Letter
ASSUMPTION: AKQA's interview process focuses on assessing candidates' writing and editorial skills, attention to detail, and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, creative environment.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Content management systems (CMS) such as WordPress, Drupal, or Adobe Experience Manager.
- Accessibility testing tools like WAVE or Lighthouse.
- Project management tools like Asana, Trello, or JIRA.
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with relevant tools and technologies is not required but may be beneficial for candidates seeking to excel in this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Creativity: AKQA values innovative thinking and encourages employees to push boundaries and challenge the status quo.
- Collaboration: AKQA fosters a collaborative work environment where team members support and learn from one another.
- Inclusion: AKQA is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.
Work Style:
- Fast-paced: AKQA operates in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, requiring employees to be adaptable and responsive to change.
- Creative: AKQA values innovative thinking and encourages employees to approach problems from unique perspectives.
- Collaborative: AKQA fosters a collaborative work environment where team members support and learn from one another.
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in fast-paced, creative environments?
- Are you able to distill complex asks into clear, elegant, and focused messaging?
- Do you have a strong attention to detail and a commitment to quality?
- Are you comfortable working collaboratively with diverse teams?
ASSUMPTION: AKQA values candidates who are creative, adaptable, and committed to fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The fast-paced nature of the role may require candidates to manage their time effectively and prioritize tasks efficiently.
- The role may involve working with tight deadlines and managing multiple projects simultaneously.
- Candidates may need to adapt to AKQA's unique work environment and culture.
- The role may require candidates to commute to AKQA's San Francisco office for required in-office days.
ASSUMPTION: While this role presents unique challenges, it also offers opportunities for growth and development in a dynamic and creative environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike other production writer roles, this position is a 3-month freelance contract with required in-office days for collaboration and connection.
- AKQA's global presence and extensive experience in the design and innovation industry set it apart from other employers in the field.
- This role offers a unique opportunity for mid-level writers to gain experience in a fast-paced, creative environment and develop their skills while working on a variety of projects.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of experience and growth opportunities, making it an attractive choice for mid-level writers seeking to advance their careers in the design and innovation industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Updating and maintaining brand guidelines for a global e-commerce platform.
- Writing alt text for images and other web elements to improve accessibility for a government website.
- Creating and maintaining documentation for a complex digital product, ensuring visibility and collaboration across teams.
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of tasks and responsibilities that a production writer may encounter in this role, highlighting the importance of attention to detail, creativity, and adaptability.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the typical workflow for a production writer at AKQA?
- How does AKQA support the professional development and growth of its production writers?
- Can you provide an example of a project that required collaboration with multiple teams and disciplines?
- How does AKQA ensure that its production writers have the necessary tools and resources to succeed in their roles?
- What are the most challenging aspects of the production writer role at AKQA, and how does the team support one another in overcoming these challenges?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and provides valuable insights into AKQA's work environment and culture.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link.
- Highlight your relevant experience and skills in your resume and cover letter.
- Include a portfolio showcasing your writing and editorial talent for a range of digital experiences.
- Prepare for behavioral and scenario-based interview questions focusing on your problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
- Follow up with the hiring team one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
