📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Sr. UX Writer - CONTRACT
🔹 Company: Rakuten Rewards
🔹 Location: San Francisco, California
🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Contract
🔹 Category: UX Writing & Content Design
🔹 Date Posted: April 3, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 3-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (SF-Mission St)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Crafting engaging content for Rakuten's Cash Back offerings
- Developing and implementing clear, concise, and engaging content
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to create user-centered experiences
- Leveraging user research to inform content strategy and design decisions
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of UX writing principles and the ability to work effectively with various teams to deliver high-quality content that supports business goals and meets user needs.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Craft engaging content that supports Rakuten's Cash Back offerings and ensures consistency with brand voice
✅ Take full responsibility for all aspects of the content creation process, including user research, content strategy, writing, and editing
✅ Work effectively with Designers, Product Managers, and Engineering to arrive at the best solutions
✅ Participate in design and squad rituals, solicit feedback, and provide feedback to the team
✅ Support and utilize user research to inform your work and advocate research findings to stakeholders through synthesis and readouts
✅ Be self-directed, manage your time effectively, and meet deadlines consistently
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience working in a fast-paced environment and be comfortable managing multiple projects concurrently.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience
Experience: 3-5 years of UX work with a related degree
Required Skills:
- Proven experience as a Senior UX Writer or similar role
- Strong portfolio showcasing your ability to create engaging and user-centered content
- Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills
- Proficient in Figma
- Experience with user research and usability testing
- Spirit of proactive collaboration with stakeholders, including product, marketing, and digital strategy
- Able to build strong cross-functional partnerships and collaborate across disciplines to drive change into products
- Deep understanding of content strategy and information architecture
- A self-starter and able to manage and work on multiple projects concurrently
Preferred Skills:
- Familiarity with the Rakuten brand and products
- Experience working in a global organization
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, having experience in e-commerce or retail industries may be beneficial for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: The hourly rate for this role is expected to be between $RANGE/hr. Individual compensation will vary based on job-related factors, including the skills, qualifications, and experience of the successful candidate as well as business need and geographic location.
Benefits:
- Competitive compensation package
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) matching
- Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
- Employee discounts on Rakuten products and services
Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week. This role is on-site at the San Francisco Mission St office.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for UX writing roles in the San Francisco Bay Area. The final offer may vary based on the candidate's qualifications and experience.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Rakuten operates in the e-commerce, digital content, advertising, entertainment, and communications industries, offering a wide range of products and services to its members.
Company Size: Rakuten International oversees 7 businesses with over 4,000 employees globally. Rakuten Rewards, the hiring organization, has 2,168 employees according to LinkedIn.
Founded: Rakuten was founded in 1999 and has since grown to become a leading global e-commerce company.
Company Description:
- Rakuten is a Japanese e-commerce and internet company, with the mission to "empower the world through the Internet"
- The company operates 78 businesses across e-commerce, digital content, advertising, entertainment, and communications
- Rakuten Rewards is a leading e-commerce company that enhances the way people shop by offering Cash Back, deals, and rewards from more than 3,500 merchants
Company Specialties:
- E-commerce platforms and marketplaces
- Cashback and rewards programs
- Advertising and marketing services
- Entertainment and communications services
Company Website: rakuten.com
ASSUMPTION: Rakuten's global presence and diverse business portfolio offer unique opportunities for growth and learning within the company.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is a senior-level position, requiring 3-5 years of experience in UX writing or a related field.
Reporting Structure: The UX Writer will work closely with Designers, Product Managers, and other stakeholders within the design team and across the organization.
Work Arrangement: This role is on-site at the San Francisco Mission St office, with regular hours from Monday to Friday.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to grow within the design team or explore opportunities in other Rakuten businesses
- Chance to work on high-impact projects that drive business goals and enhance member experiences
- Opportunity to collaborate with cross-functional teams and develop strong partnerships
ASSUMPTION: Given Rakuten's global presence and diverse business portfolio, there may be opportunities for international travel or remote work in the future, depending on the organization's needs and the candidate's performance.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: On-site at the San Francisco Mission St office
Office Location(s): 800 Concar Dr, San Mateo, California 94402, US
Geographic Context:
- San Francisco is a major tech hub with a vibrant startup scene and a diverse range of industries
- The Mission District, where the office is located, is known for its cultural diversity, food scene, and nightlife
- San Francisco offers a mix of urban and outdoor living, with easy access to parks, beaches, and hiking trails
Work Schedule: Regular hours from Monday to Friday, with the possibility of occasional overtime or weekend work to meet project deadlines.
ASSUMPTION: While this role is on-site, Rakuten may consider flexible work arrangements, such as hybrid or remote work, depending on the candidate's needs and the organization's policies.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- Take-home writing challenge or portfolio review
- On-site or virtual interview with the design team and other stakeholders
- Final decision and offer
Key Assessment Areas:
- Writing and editing skills
- Understanding of UX writing principles and best practices
- Collaboration and communication skills
- Problem-solving and project management abilities
- Alignment with Rakuten's brand voice and values
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 ability to create engaging and user-centered content
- Prepare for the interview by researching Rakuten's products and services, and thinking about how your skills and experience make you a strong fit for this role
- Be ready to discuss your approach to UX writing, content strategy, and collaboration with cross-functional teams
ATS Keywords: UX Writing, Content Design, User Research, Usability Testing, Figma, Content Strategy, Information Architecture, Collaboration, Editing, Communication, Problem Solving, Project Management, Cross-Functional Partnership, Customer Experience, Brand Voice, Design Systems
ASSUMPTION: Rakuten uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage job applications. Including relevant keywords in your resume and cover letter can help your application get noticed by the system and increase your chances of being considered for an interview.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Figma
- User research tools (e.g., UsabilityHub, UserInterviews, etc.)
- Content management systems (e.g., Contentful, Adobe Experience Manager, etc.)
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, familiarity with user research tools and content management systems may be beneficial for this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Always improve, always advance (Kaizen)
- Passionately professional
- Hypothesize - Practice - Validate - Shikumika
- Maximize customer satisfaction
- Speed!! Speed!! Speed!!
Work Style:
- Collaborative and cross-functional
- Data-driven and user-centered
- Agile and iterative
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a strong understanding of UX writing principles and best practices?
- Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment?
- Do you have experience managing multiple projects concurrently?
ASSUMPTION: Rakuten values candidates who are passionate about their work, committed to continuous learning and improvement, and able to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
- Balancing user needs, business goals, and technical constraints
- Working effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders
- Keeping up with the fast-paced nature of the e-commerce industry
ASSUMPTION: While these challenges may present obstacles, they also offer opportunities for growth and learning in this role.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other UX writing roles, this position offers the opportunity to work on high-impact projects that drive business goals and enhance member experiences
- Rakuten's global presence and diverse business portfolio provide unique opportunities for growth and learning within the company
- This role may offer more responsibility and autonomy than entry-level or mid-level UX writing positions, with the expectation of 3-5 years of experience in the field
ASSUMPTION: While this role may have similarities to other UX writing positions, its unique context within Rakuten's global organization and diverse business portfolio sets it apart.
📝 Sample Projects
- Redesigning the Rakuten browser extension user interface and experience
- Developing a new Cash Back rewards program for a specific merchant category
- Creating onboarding content and user flows for a new Rakuten product or service
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are intended to illustrate the types of work the UX Writer may be expected to perform in this role. The actual projects and responsibilities may vary depending on the organization's needs and priorities.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the design team's structure and how this role fits within it?
- How does the UX writing process integrate with user research and design sprints?
- What are the most pressing challenges facing the UX writing team, and how can this role help address them?
- How does Rakuten support the professional development and growth of its UX writers?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful questions during the interview demonstrates your interest in the role and provides valuable insights into the organization's culture and priorities.
📌 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
- Prepare a portfolio of your best work, showcasing your ability to create engaging and user-centered content
- Be ready to discuss your approach to UX writing, content strategy, and collaboration with cross-functional teams during the interview
- Follow up with the hiring manager 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.
