π Core Information
πΉ Job Title: Senior Writer
πΉ Company: Contrarian Thinking
πΉ Location: Austin, Texas
πΉ Job Type: Full-Time (On-site)
πΉ Category: Media & Journalism
πΉ Date Posted: May 15, 2025
πΉ Experience Level: 5-10 years
πΉ Remote Status: On-site (Regular in-office collaboration required)
π Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Crafting engaging, voice-driven content across various formats
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to create impactful stories
- Conducting deep research and analysis to distill complex topics
- Evolving and refining Contrarian Thinking's editorial voice
- Working swiftly and efficiently to meet deadlines
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a versatile writer with a strong finance background and a knack for storytelling. Familiarity with startups and acquisitions is a plus.
π Key Responsibilities
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Storytelling & Strategy: Write high-impact, voice-driven copy across newsletters, reports, case studies, and growth content that informs and converts.
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Content Versatility: Move seamlessly between formats β from longform newsletters to 2-line tweets to landing pages and lead magnets.
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Deep Research & Analysis: Bring depth. Learn industries, analyze acquisition tactics, and translate complex strategies into clean, compelling stories.
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Voice & Brand: Write in a tone thatβs sharp, contrarian, and never boring. Help refine and evolve our editorial voice as we grow.
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Speed & Execution: Work fast without sacrificing clarity or quality. Own your deadlines. Turn good ideas into great content β fast.
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Work Ethic & Attitude: We donβt do drama. We donβt do divas. We do what needs doing β with hustle and humility.
ASSUMPTION: This role demands a proactive, self-driven writer who can thrive in a fast-paced startup environment.
π― Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Journalism, English, Communications, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
Experience: 5-10 years of professional writing experience, with a focus on business, finance, or marketing
Required Skills:
- Proven success writing about business or marketing
- Exceptional storytelling instincts and attention to detail
- Strong grasp of tone and voice, with examples to back it up
- Ability to distill complex topics into digestible insights
- Familiarity with finance, acquisitions, investing, and/or small business ownership
Preferred Skills:
- Experience writing for high-growth media brands or newsletters
- Familiarity with Contrarian Thinking's content and brand
- Portfolio showcasing versatility in writing formats and styles
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong portfolio demonstrating their ability to write engaging, informative content across various formats will be prioritized.
π° Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $80,000 - $120,000 per year (Based on experience and market rates for Senior Writers in Austin, TX)
Benefits:
- 100% company-paid health, dental, and vision insurance
- 100% company-paid short and long-term disability, life, and personal accident insurance
- Unlimited PTO policy (with approval) + 9 paid US holidays
- Option to enroll in a 401(k) via Fidelity
- Free access to Contrarian Thinking's courses and communities
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week), with regular in-office collaboration required
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market rates for Senior Writers in Austin, TX, with consideration for the role's requirements and Contrarian Thinking's size and industry.
π Applicant Insights
π Company Context
Industry: Media Production. Contrarian Thinking is a digital education and media startup focused on helping people become financially free and create small businesses.
Company Size: 11-50 employees. As a mid-sized company, Contrarian Thinking offers a dynamic work environment with ample opportunities for growth and impact.
Founded: 2020. In just five years, Contrarian Thinking has amassed 9M+ followers and become a leading voice in personal finance and entrepreneurship.
Company Description:
- Free minds and build bank accounts
- 9M+ followers across platforms, including 1.75M YouTube subscribers and 800K newsletter readers
- Offers free and premium content, courses, and community
- Invests in businesses and tech supporting SMB growth through Contrarian Thinking Capital
Company Specialties:
- Personal finance and wealth-building education
- Small business ownership and acquisition
- Investing and entrepreneurship
Company Website: contrarianthinking.co
ASSUMPTION: Contrarian Thinking's mission and values drive its content creation and business strategies.
π Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior. This role offers significant responsibility and the opportunity to shape Contrarian Thinking's editorial voice and content strategy.
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Executive Editor and works closely with the CEO and cross-functional teams.
Work Arrangement: On-site, with regular in-office collaboration required. Applicants must be willing to reside within a 1-hour drive of Austin, Texas.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to advance to editorial leadership roles as the company grows
- Chance to expand skills and expertise through Contrarian Thinking's courses and communities
- Opportunity to shape the company's editorial voice and content strategy
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to make a lasting impact on Contrarian Thinking's content and brand.
π Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Creative and collaborative office space in Austin, Texas.
Office Location(s): 10000 Research Blvd #300, Austin, TX 78759
Geographic Context:
- Austin, TX is known for its vibrant tech industry, live music scene, and outdoor activities
- The office is located near numerous restaurants, shops, and recreational facilities
- Contrarian Thinking's office fosters a creative and collaborative work environment
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week), with regular in-office collaboration required. Flexible hours and unlimited PTO policy (with approval).
ASSUMPTION: Austin, TX offers a dynamic and vibrant environment for professionals, with ample opportunities for networking and personal growth.
πΌ Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Initial phone or video screen with the Hiring Manager (Codie Sanchez)
- Writing test or assignment to assess skills and style
- In-depth interview with the Executive Editor and other team members
- Final interview with the CEO
Key Assessment Areas:
- Writing samples and portfolio
- Understanding of Contrarian Thinking's brand and content
- Ability to work collaboratively and meet deadlines
- Alignment with Contrarian Thinking's values and mission
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills
- Include a portfolio or writing samples that demonstrate your versatility and ability to write engaging, informative content
- Be prepared to discuss your familiarity with finance, acquisitions, and small business ownership
- Showcase your understanding of Contrarian Thinking's content and brand
ATS Keywords: Senior Writer, Business Writing, Marketing Writing, Finance, Acquisitions, Small Business Ownership, Storytelling, Content Creation, Collaboration, Deadlines, Austin TX
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should tailor their application materials to highlight their relevant experience and skills, and be prepared to discuss their familiarity with Contrarian Thinking's content and brand.
π οΈ Tools & Technologies
- Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides)
- Asana or similar project management tool
- WordPress or similar content management system
- Social media platforms (Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and technologies is preferred but not required. Candidates should be comfortable learning and adapting to new tools as needed.
π Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Be a great human. Do whatβs right, even when it hurts.
- How you do anything is how you do everything.
- We do the dirty work.
- Your word is your contract.
- We are Archimedes, find your lever.
- Winners want pressure.
- We want your weird. Better weird than boring.
- Your job isnβt done until THE job is done. We work the problem.
- Assumptions are for assholes. Find the truth.
- Less words, more meaning.
- Even our notes are worth stealing. Make every creation a mini-masterpiece.
- Show me your results, not your intentions.
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Fast-paced and deadline-driven
- Creative and innovative
- Results-focused and accountable
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you embody Contrarian Thinking's values and mission?
- Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment?
- Do you have a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should assess their alignment with Contrarian Thinking's values and work style before applying.
β οΈ Potential Challenges
- Meeting tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Adapting to changing priorities and projects
- Working collaboratively with cross-functional teams
- Maintaining a strong work-life balance
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be mitigated by strong time management skills, adaptability, and effective communication.
π Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike traditional media roles, this position requires a strong understanding of finance and acquisitions
- Contrarian Thinking's focus on personal finance and entrepreneurship sets it apart from other media brands
- This role offers significant growth potential and the opportunity to shape the company's editorial voice and content strategy
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should consider how their skills and experience align with the unique aspects of this role and Contrarian Thinking's mission.
π Sample Projects
- Writing a 1,200-word acquisition breakdown that turns a trash hauling business into a must-read case study
- Transforming that story into a 3-tweet banger that gets 500k+ impressions on Codie Sanchezβs Twitter
- Pitching a spicy new guide to help Main Street moguls get funding without begging VCs
- Partnering with media and community teams to turn dry business frameworks into addictive, wealth-building cheat codes
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range and depth of content required for this role.
β Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the most pressing content priorities for the first 90 days in this role?
- How does this role fit into the broader content strategy and company goals?
- What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for success in this role?
- How does Contrarian Thinking support the growth and development of its employees?
- What is the team structure and dynamic like, and how does this role fit into it?
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should ask thoughtful, informed questions that demonstrate their understanding of the role and the company.
π 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
- Include a portfolio or writing samples that demonstrate your versatility and ability to write engaging, informative content
- Prepare for interviews by researching Contrarian Thinking's content, brand, and values
- Follow up with the Hiring Manager (Codie Sanchez) one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and express your interest in the role
β οΈ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.