Staff Content Designer - New Verticals

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Staff Content Designer - New Verticals Company: DoorDash USA Location: San Francisco, CA; Sunnyvale, CA; Seattle, WA; New York, NY Job Type: Full-Time Category: Product Design / Content Strategy Date Posted: 2025-09-19 Experience Level: 5-10 Years Remote Status: Remote OK (United States)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end content design and user experience for DoorDash's New Verticals, encompassing retail, grocery, and other emerging initiatives.
• Apply a strong understanding of AI, automation, and model operations to inform content strategy and system design for new product features.
• Develop and implement scalable content patterns, frameworks, and ensure linguistic parity across diverse geographies and user segments.
• Drive innovation by exploring human-centered content approaches within an AI-first product environment.
• Collaborate closely with Product Design, Product Management, Research, Analytics, Engineering, and Marketing to align content with business objectives and user needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Content Designer," the emphasis on "New Verticals," "AI, automation, and model ops," and "systems thinking" suggests a strategic role focused on building foundational content infrastructure for new business lines, rather than solely crafting UI copy. This role will likely involve significant strategic input into product development and content operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own the content design strategy and execution for new vertical products and features, from ideation through launch and iteration.
• Translate complex product requirements and technical concepts into clear, concise, and user-friendly content for consumer and Dasher experiences.
• Develop and maintain UX content standards, taxonomies, and style guides to ensure brand consistency and linguistic integrity across the platform.
• Conduct content audits, competitive analysis, and user research to identify opportunities for content improvement and innovation.
• Champion the user's voice by advocating for human-centered content solutions that enhance usability, accessibility, and engagement.
• Establish and evangelize best practices for content design, system thinking, and cross-functional collaboration within the Product Design organization.
• Contribute to the growth and development of the content design function by mentoring junior designers and sharing expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility of embedding "technical depth" in AI, automation, and model ops implies a need to understand the underlying technologies and how they impact content creation, management, and delivery. This suggests a focus on content systems and potentially working with AI-generated content or tools.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in English, Linguistics, Communications, HCI, Design, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience. Experience: 5+ years of professional experience in content design, UX writing, product content strategy, or a closely related field, with a proven track record of shipping impactful product features.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in content design principles and user-centered design methodologies.
• Strong portfolio showcasing end-to-end content design projects, demonstrating holistic design thinking and cohesive storytelling across multiple platforms (web, mobile).
• Proficiency in applying systems thinking to create scalable, consistent, and reusable content patterns and frameworks.
• Solid understanding of technical constraints and opportunities within AI, automation, and model operations, and their implications for product content.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a talent for clear, concise, and persuasive storytelling.
• Proven ability to influence and collaborate effectively with cross-functional partners, including Product Management, Design, Research, Engineering, and Marketing.
• Curiosity and passion for emerging technologies and their potential to transform user experiences and content design practices.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working in fast-paced, high-growth technology environments, particularly in e-commerce, marketplaces, or logistics.
• Familiarity with content management systems (CMS), localization processes, and AI-powered content tools.
• Experience in defining and evolving UX content standards, brand voice, and style guides.
• Ability to conduct user research, analyze data, and translate insights into actionable content recommendations.
• Experience with content strategy for new product launches or market expansions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Staff" title and the requirement for 5+ years of experience, coupled with the emphasis on systems thinking and innovation, indicate a senior-level individual contributor role. Candidates are expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy and strategic influence.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase end-to-end content design projects that demonstrate strategic thinking, problem-solving, and user-centricity.
• Highlight examples of how you've applied systems thinking to build scalable content patterns, frameworks, or linguistic taxonomies.
• Include case studies that illustrate your ability to translate complex technical concepts (especially related to AI/automation) into clear user-facing language.
• Demonstrate your collaboration process with cross-functional teams (PM, Eng, Research) and how you've influenced product decisions through content strategy.
• Provide examples of how you've established or evolved content standards, guidelines, or brand voice.

Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your content design process, including research, ideation, prototyping, iteration, and launch.
• Ability to articulate how you approach defining and measuring the success of content initiatives.
• Showcase experience in documenting content strategies, guidelines, and system architectures for future reference and scalability.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on "New Verticals," "AI, automation, and model ops," and "systems thinking," a strong portfolio demonstrating the ability to build foundational content systems and strategies for new product areas will be critical. Examples involving complex technical domains or new technology implementations are highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $124,400 - $260,000 USD per year (depending on level I4-I6)

• I4: $124,400 - $183,000 USD
• I5: $148,200 - $218,000 USD
• I6: $176,800 - $260,000 USD

Benefits:

• 401(k) Plan with Employer Matching
• 16 Weeks of Paid Parental Leave
• Wellness Benefits
• Commuter Benefits Match
• Paid Time Off (flexible) and Paid Sick Leave
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Disability Insurance
• Basic Life Insurance
• Family-Forming Assistance
• Mental Health Program

Working Hours: Standard 40 hours per week (flexible paid time off available).

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary ranges are for different levels within the "Staff" designation (I4-I6). Candidates will be placed at a level appropriate to their experience and the specific needs of the role. The salary is localized based on the employee's work location.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Food Delivery, Logistics, E-commerce Company Size: Large (likely 1,000-5,000+ employees based on DoorDash's public profile) Founded: 2013

Team Structure:

• This role sits within the Product Design organization, reporting to a Content Design Manager.
• The Content Design team is described as "close-knit," working collaboratively across various products.
• Expect close collaboration with Product Design, Product Management, Research, Analytics, Engineering, and Marketing teams.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on user-centered design, data-driven decision-making, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Focus on innovation, particularly in the context of AI and automation, and its impact on user experience.
• Commitment to building scalable systems, frameworks, and consistent user experiences.

Company Website: https://www.doordash.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: DoorDash's rapid growth and constant evolution mean that operations and product development are dynamic. The company culture likely fosters agility, a willingness to adapt, and a focus on measurable impact, especially in new and developing business areas like "New Verticals."

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Staff (Senior Individual Contributor) - This level signifies a high degree of expertise, strategic influence, and the ability to lead complex projects with minimal oversight. Reporting Structure: Reports to a Content Design Manager within the Product Design organization. Operations Impact: This role has a significant opportunity to shape the foundational content strategy and user experience for DoorDash's expansion into new verticals. The content designed will directly impact user adoption, engagement, and overall satisfaction across new product lines.

Growth Opportunities:

• Deepen expertise in content strategy for emerging technologies, including AI and automation.
• Develop leadership skills by mentoring junior designers and influencing product roadmaps.
• Gain exposure to a wide range of product areas within a rapidly growing company.
• Potential to transition into leadership roles within Content Design or related product functions.
• Opportunity to contribute to the definition and scaling of content operations and design systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Staff" designation implies that success in this role can lead to Principal or Director-level positions, or specialized expert tracks within Content Design or Product Strategy. The focus on "New Verticals" also presents an opportunity to be a foundational member of teams exploring significant new business opportunities for DoorDash.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid/Remote-Friendly. The role is open to remote candidates within the United States, with physical office locations in San Francisco, Sunnyvale, Seattle, and New York. Office Location(s): San Francisco, CA; Sunnyvale, CA; Seattle, WA; New York, NY.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative environment where cross-functional teams work closely together to solve complex problems.
• Access to modern design tools and technologies.
• Opportunity to work with a diverse and talented group of product designers, researchers, engineers, and product managers.
• The remote-friendly nature suggests a culture that supports asynchronous communication and flexibility.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours, with flexibility afforded by the remote work option and generous PTO policies.

📝 Enhancement Note: For remote employees, maintaining strong communication and collaboration with distributed teams will be key. This might involve leveraging communication platforms like Slack, Zoom, and project management tools effectively.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.
• Portfolio Review & Design Exercise: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, discussing their process, impact, and strategic thinking. A design exercise or case study focused on content strategy for a new vertical or an AI-driven feature might be presented.
• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with potential peers and stakeholders (e.g., Product Managers, other Designers, Engineers) to assess collaboration skills and technical understanding.
• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion about experience, leadership potential, and alignment with team goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Clearly articulate the business problem and user need for each project presented.
• Detail your specific role and contributions, especially in complex, cross-functional initiatives.
• Emphasize your systems thinking approach and how you built scalable content solutions.
• Showcase your understanding of AI/automation's impact on content and how you addressed it.
• Quantify the impact of your work wherever possible (e.g., through metrics, user feedback, business outcomes).
• Be prepared to discuss your process for establishing content standards and guidelines.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with DoorDash's current products, particularly in areas like grocery and retail if possible.
• Prepare to discuss how you would approach content strategy for a brand-new vertical, considering user acquisition, onboarding, and ongoing engagement.
• Think about how AI could be leveraged in content design for a platform like DoorDash, and what challenges that might present.
• Practice articulating your thought process for problem-solving and decision-making in a clear, structured manner.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely heavily weigh the candidate's ability to demonstrate strategic thinking, systems design, and a deep understanding of how content interacts with technology, especially AI. A strong narrative around how they've influenced product direction through content is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Content Design & Collaboration: Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite, Miro, Confluence, Jira.
• Content Management: Familiarity with Content Management Systems (CMS) and potentially headless CMS platforms.
• AI/Automation Tools: Exposure to or experience with AI writing assistants, model operational platforms, or tools for managing AI-generated content.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with product analytics tools (e.g., Amplitude, Mixpanel, Google Analytics) to understand user behavior and content performance.
• Ability to interpret data and use insights to drive content decisions and optimizations.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how content integrates with CRM and marketing automation platforms for user communication can be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, proficiency in industry-standard design and collaboration tools is assumed. The key differentiator will be understanding how these tools integrate with emerging AI and automation technologies to create efficient and scalable content systems.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of consumers, Dashers, and merchants.
• Innovation: Encouraging new ideas and approaches, especially in leveraging technology like AI to improve experiences.
• Collaboration: Working effectively across diverse teams to achieve shared goals.
• Impact: Focusing on measurable outcomes and driving meaningful improvements to the product and business.
• Efficiency: Building scalable systems and processes that enable growth and maintain quality.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a highly collaborative environment where open communication and constructive feedback are valued.
• Cross-functional teams work closely together, with content designers acting as integral members of product squads.
• Emphasis on shared ownership and collective problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: DoorDash's culture is often described as fast-paced and results-oriented. Team members are expected to be proactive, adaptable, and comfortable with ambiguity, particularly in new product areas.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating the complexities of launching and scaling content for entirely new business verticals.
• Balancing the need for innovative, AI-driven content solutions with established brand voice and user experience standards.
• Ensuring linguistic consistency and cultural relevance across a diverse user base and multiple geographies.
• Staying ahead of rapidly evolving AI and automation technologies and their application in content design.
• Influencing product strategy and gaining buy-in from cross-functional stakeholders for content-led initiatives.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Become a subject matter expert in content strategy for emerging technologies and new market verticals.
• Gain hands-on experience in shaping the content infrastructure for a major technology platform.
• Access to internal training, industry conferences, and professional development resources.
• Opportunities for mentorship from senior leaders in Product Design and across DoorDash.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are significant but offer substantial growth potential. Successfully navigating these will position the candidate as a leader in the evolving field of AI-informed content design.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach defining the content strategy for a brand-new product vertical at DoorDash, considering users, merchants, and Dashers?"
• "Describe a time you had to integrate AI or automation into your content design process. What were the challenges and outcomes?"
• "How do you ensure content scalability and consistency across different markets and user segments?"
• "Walk us through a project where you identified a significant user problem and solved it using content design, demonstrating systems thinking."
• "How do you collaborate with product managers, engineers, and researchers to influence product decisions and ensure successful content implementation?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about DoorDash and our mission to empower local economies?"
• "How do you align your personal work values with a company's culture, particularly in a fast-paced, innovative environment?"
• "Describe your experience working in a remote or hybrid team environment. What strategies do you use to stay connected and productive?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure your presentation to highlight the "why," "what," and "how" of your work.
• For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, your process (especially systems thinking and AI considerations), and the measurable impact.
• Be prepared to discuss trade-offs you made and why.
• Demonstrate your ability to adapt your approach based on technical constraints or new insights.
• Practice your delivery to ensure clarity, conciseness, and confidence.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be ready to showcase not just their writing skills, but their strategic thinking, ability to manage complex systems, and forward-looking perspective on AI's role in content design. Demonstrating a proactive approach to identifying and solving problems will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Staff Content Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Greenhouse link.
• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in content design, UX writing, AI/automation, systems thinking, and cross-functional collaboration. Quantify achievements whenever possible.
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a portfolio that strongly showcases end-to-end content design projects, with a focus on strategic impact, systems thinking, and technical depth related to AI/automation. Ensure it includes clear case studies with measurable outcomes.
• Research DoorDash: Familiarize yourself with DoorDash's mission, values, product offerings (especially in emerging verticals), and recent news. Understand their approach to innovation and user experience.
• Practice Your Narrative: Be ready to articulate your experience and thought process clearly and concisely, especially regarding how you approach complex problems, collaborate with teams, and leverage technology in content design.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions based on the provided data. All details, particularly regarding specific responsibilities and interview processes, should be verified directly with the hiring organization or recruiter before making application decisions.