Senior UX Writer, Contract

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Writer, Contract

Company: Critical Mass

Location: Calgary, AB, Canada

Job Type: Contract

Category: UX Writing / Content Strategy

Date Posted: June 01, 2026

Experience Level: 6+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on enhancing digital experiences through strategic UX writing, with a strong emphasis on creating cohesive product narratives and transactional content.

• You will be responsible for driving content direction across various platforms, including email, SMS, and in-app messaging, ensuring a unified voice and brand experience.

• The position requires deep collaboration with cross-functional teams such as UX, product, and engineering to translate complex information into clear, user-centric copy.

• This is a contract role, providing an opportunity to work with a recognized global brand and contribute to sophisticated user flows and microcopy.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the core request is for a UX Writer, the emphasis on "transactional copy," "user flows," and "micro copy" within a client-facing agency context (Critical Mass) strongly suggests a revenue-generating or customer-retention operational focus. This role bridges creative writing with tangible business outcomes, aligning it with GTM (Go-To-Market) and customer journey optimization, which are core to Revenue Operations and Sales Operations functions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute content strategy for transactional messaging across email, SMS, and in-app notification channels.

• Craft clear, concise, and engaging copy for complex user flows, including checkout processes, order confirmations, shipping updates, and error states.

• Translate intricate or technical product features and information into accessible and user-friendly language.

• Collaborate closely with UX designers, product managers, engineers, and legal teams to ensure copy aligns with business objectives, user needs, and regulatory compliance.

• Maintain and elevate content quality standards through meticulous editing and proofreading.

• Mentor junior writers, providing creative direction and guidance on transactional content projects.

• Drive the conceptual and copy direction for various client projects, ensuring a consistent brand voice and user experience.

• Manage multiple projects concurrently, adapting to shifting priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced agency environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight ownership of "transactional copy strategy and execution," which directly impacts customer conversion and retention. This is a key area for Revenue Operations and Sales Operations, as it influences customer lifecycle management and revenue realization. The mentorship aspect also suggests a potential for team leadership within a specialized content operations function.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• A minimum of 6 years of professional copywriting experience, with a significant portion dedicated to UX writing, transactional content, or product copy.

• Proven experience in leading content strategy development and execution for digital products.

Required Skills:

• Exceptional UX writing skills with a portfolio showcasing impactful content that enhances user experience.

• Proficient in crafting clear, concise, and persuasive transactional copy for various digital channels (email, SMS, in-app).

• Strong understanding of user experience principles, conversion optimization techniques, and customer journey mapping.

• Experience working with legal, compliance, and accessibility standards in content creation.

• Ability to translate complex technical information into easily understandable language.

• Excellent editing and proofreading skills with a keen eye for detail.

• Proficiency in managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with web trends, emerging digital technologies, and their application in content strategy.

• Experience in an agency environment, working with diverse clients and project types.

• Knowledge of A/B testing methodologies for copy optimization.

• Understanding of SEO principles as they relate to UX copy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "6+ years of copywriting experience with significant focus on exceptional UX writing, transactional content, or product copy" and "Proven ability to lead content strategy and influence cross-functional stakeholders" positions this as a senior-level role. The emphasis on "conversion optimization" and "customer journey design" directly links UX writing to business outcomes, a critical aspect for operations roles focused on revenue growth and customer lifecycle.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio demonstrating a strong track record in UX writing, particularly within transactional flows and product narratives.

• Case studies that clearly articulate the user problem, your proposed copy solution, the collaborative process, and measurable outcomes (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced error messages, enhanced user satisfaction).

• Examples showcasing the ability to maintain a consistent brand voice and tone across multiple platforms and touchpoints.

• Documentation of how you've translated complex technical details into user-friendly language.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of your process for developing content strategies, from initial brief analysis to final content delivery.

• Include documentation or descriptions of your workflow for editing, proofreading, and ensuring content quality and compliance.

• Demonstrate how you've collaborated with UX, product, and engineering teams, outlining the communication and feedback loops involved.

• Highlight any experience with content management systems (CMS) or content operations workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior operations-focused role like this, a portfolio is crucial. The emphasis should be on demonstrating not just writing skill, but the ability to strategize, optimize processes, and drive measurable business results through content. This aligns with the operational need to prove ROI and efficiency gains.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: $75,000 - $100,000 CAD annually (pro-rated for contract duration).

• Rationale: Based on industry standards for Senior UX Writers in Calgary, AB, Canada, with 6+ years of experience, and considering the contract nature of the role. This range reflects the specialized skills in UX writing, content strategy, and transactional content optimization. The exact rate will depend on the candidate's specific experience, portfolio, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• Contract Duration: June 29 to September 25.

• Potential for Extension: Possibility of contract extension based on performance and client needs.

• Professional Development: Opportunity to work with a globally recognized brand and contribute to high-impact digital projects.

• Collaborative Environment: Exposure to a multidisciplinary team of experienced professionals in design, product, and technology.

• Agency Perks: Access to agency resources and potential networking opportunities within Critical Mass.

Working Hours:

• Approximately 40 hours per week.

• Standard business hours, with potential for some flexibility depending on project demands and client needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the contract nature and location (Calgary), a competitive hourly or pro-rated annual rate is expected. The benefits are typically more limited for contract roles compared to full-time, so focusing on professional growth and project impact is key. Salary estimation uses common benchmarks for senior creative roles in major Canadian cities.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Marketing and Advertising / Digital Experience Agency

Company Size: Large (500-1000+ employees globally). Critical Mass operates as part of Omnicom Media Group (OMG).

Founded: 1996 (Critical Mass). This long history indicates a well-established agency with deep experience in digital transformation and client services.

Team Structure:

• The Senior UX Writer will likely be embedded within a client-specific project team or a dedicated UX/Content team at Critical Mass.

• This team will include UX designers, strategists, researchers, project managers, and potentially other writers.

Methodology:

• Critical Mass likely employs agile methodologies for project execution, emphasizing iterative development and continuous feedback.

• Data-driven decision-making is a core tenet, utilizing user research, analytics, and A/B testing to inform content and design strategies.

• A strong focus on user-centric design and delivering measurable business outcomes for clients.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Critical Mass is a well-respected digital agency. Understanding their client-centric model and their role in driving digital transformation for large brands is key. The operations aspect here is how the agency itself manages projects and client expectations, and how the UX Writer contributes to that success through effective content operations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Contributor / Subject Matter Expert. This role is for an experienced individual contributor focused on specialized UX writing and content strategy.

Reporting Structure: Likely reports to a Creative Director, UX Lead, or Content Lead within Critical Mass, with direct collaboration with client-side product owners and project managers.

Operations Impact: The UX Writer's impact is directly tied to the client's customer experience and business objectives. Effective transactional copy can significantly improve conversion rates, reduce customer support inquiries, enhance brand perception, and drive revenue. This role operationalizes brand messaging into actionable user journeys.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in transactional content, conversion optimization, and product narrative development.

• Leadership: Potential to mentor junior writers and lead content strategy on key client projects.

• Client Impact: Contribute to the success of high-profile, globally recognized brands.

• Agency Experience: Gain valuable experience within a leading digital agency, building a strong professional network and portfolio.

• Future Opportunities: Potential for contract extension or conversion to a full-time role, depending on business needs and performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a contract role, growth is often measured by the depth of experience gained and the impact on significant projects. This role offers exposure to enterprise-level challenges and strategic content operations, which are valuable for career advancement in UX writing and related fields.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site role, likely within a modern agency office environment.

Office Location(s): Calgary, AB, Canada.

Workspace Context:

• Expect a collaborative, fast-paced agency setting with a focus on teamwork and client delivery.

• Access to agency resources, tools, and a network of creative and technical professionals.

Work Schedule:

• Primarily standard business hours (e.g., 9 AM - 5 PM local time).

• Some flexibility may be required to accommodate client needs or project deadlines, common in agency environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement suggests a preference for in-person collaboration, which is often beneficial for complex problem-solving and team cohesion in agency settings. This environment fosters direct communication and agile workflow, crucial for operations efficiency.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review, focusing on resume and portfolio relevance.

• Portfolio Review/Presentation: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, discussing specific projects, their role, process, and outcomes. Expect detailed questions about their approach to UX writing, content strategy, and transactional content.

• Skills Assessment/Exercise: A practical writing exercise or case study may be assigned to evaluate writing skills, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities under timed conditions.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Discussions with UX leads, Creative Directors, and potentially client stakeholders to assess collaboration skills, strategic alignment, and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss overall fit and contract terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your UX writing, transactional content, and content strategy capabilities. Prioritize projects with clear business objectives and measurable results.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, your process (including collaboration), the challenges faced, and the quantifiable impact of your work. Use data and metrics wherever possible.

• Highlight Transactional Expertise: Specifically showcase examples of checkout flows, error messages, notifications, or other transactional copy that demonstrates your ability to guide users and achieve business goals.

• Demonstrate Strategic Thinking: Explain why you made certain copy decisions, linking them back to user needs, business goals, and conversion optimization principles.

• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Expect questions about your understanding of UX principles, user journeys, accessibility, and how you collaborate with design and development teams.

Challenge Preparation:

• Practice Writing Exercises: Familiarize yourself with common UX writing challenges, such as re-writing error messages, crafting microcopy for UI elements, or developing copy for a short user flow. Focus on clarity, conciseness, and user-centricity.

• Prepare Case Studies: Have detailed stories ready for your portfolio projects, focusing on the "operations" aspect – how you optimized a process, improved efficiency, or drove a measurable outcome.

• Understand Critical Mass: Research Critical Mass's work, clients, and company values to tailor your responses and demonstrate cultural fit.

• Think About Collaboration: Be ready to discuss how you work with designers, product managers, and engineers, emphasizing your ability to communicate effectively and integrate feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a senior role, especially in an agency like Critical Mass, will heavily scrutinize both creative output and operational impact. A strong portfolio demonstrating strategic thinking and measurable results in transactional content is paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Content Management Systems (CMS): Familiarity with various CMS platforms (e.g., Adobe Experience Manager, Contentful, Sitecore) may be beneficial for content deployment.

• Collaboration Platforms: Proficiency with tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, Jira, Asana, or Trello for project management and team communication.

• Design & Prototyping Tools: Understanding of how UX writers interact with tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD, where copy is often integrated into designs.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Experience with tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or similar platforms to understand user behavior and measure the impact of copy.

• A/B Testing Platforms: Familiarity with tools such as Optimizely, VWO, or Google Optimize for testing copy variations and measuring performance.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Basic understanding of how UX copy integrates with customer journeys managed in CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) for transactional emails and notifications.

• Email Marketing Platforms: Experience with platforms like Mailchimp, SendGrid, or similar for crafting and deploying transactional emails.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is primarily writing, understanding the tools used for content management, collaboration, and performance measurement is crucial for effective operations. Proficiency in analytics and A/B testing tools demonstrates a data-driven approach to UX writing.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving user needs through clear, helpful, and empathetic copy.

• Collaboration: Valuing teamwork and open communication with cross-functional partners to achieve shared goals.

• Data-Driven: Using insights from user research and analytics to inform copy decisions and measure impact.

• Excellence: A dedication to high-quality craft, attention to detail, and continuous improvement in writing and strategy.

• Efficiency: Developing content processes that are streamlined and effective, enabling faster delivery and better outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Partnership: Working closely with UX, product, and engineering teams as an integrated member of the project team.

• Advocacy: Championing the user's voice and ensuring copy effectively supports business objectives.

• Feedback Integration: Openness to receiving and incorporating feedback from stakeholders to refine content.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively participating in team discussions and sharing best practices in UX writing and content strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The agency culture at Critical Mass likely emphasizes client success, innovation, and collaborative problem-solving. For a UX Writer, this translates to being a strategic partner who can translate client needs into user-friendly experiences through effective copy.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Voice with Transactional Needs: Ensuring copy is both on-brand and highly functional for transactional user flows.

• Translating Complex Technical Information: Simplifying intricate product details or technical processes into clear, accessible language for a broad audience.

• Navigating Legal and Compliance Requirements: Integrating necessary legal disclaimers and ensuring content adheres to regulatory standards without compromising user experience.

• Working with Diverse Stakeholders: Managing feedback and aligning expectations across multiple teams with varying priorities.

• Fast-Paced Agency Environment: Adapting quickly to new projects, client requirements, and shifting deadlines within a contract timeframe.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Exposure to Enterprise-Level UX: Working on projects for globally recognized brands offers significant learning opportunities in complex digital ecosystems.

• Advanced Content Strategy: Developing and executing content strategies for critical customer touchpoints.

• Cross-Functional Skill Development: Gaining deeper insights into UX design, product management, and engineering workflows.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to learn from and potentially mentor other writers and collaborate with senior agency talent.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the need for adaptability, strong communication, and strategic problem-solving, all key attributes for success in operational roles. The growth opportunities are significant for a contract role, offering concentrated experience and high-impact project work.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate a complex technical feature into simple, user-friendly copy. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your methodology, audience consideration, and results.)

• "How do you approach developing a content strategy for transactional emails or in-app notifications? What key elements do you consider?" (Highlight your strategic framework, understanding of user journeys, and conversion goals.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Critical Mass and this specific contract role?" (Research Critical Mass's recent work, values, and client roster. Connect your skills to their mission.)

• "How do you stay current with web trends and best practices in UX writing?" (Demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and industry awareness.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically: Project Overview -> Problem Statement -> Your Role & Process -> Solution (Copy examples) -> Results & Impact.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data to demonstrate the success of your copy (e.g., "Increased conversion by X%," "Reduced support tickets by Y%," "Improved task completion rate by Z%").

• Highlight Transactional Work: Dedicate specific slides or time to showcasing your transactional copy examples and explaining their strategic importance.

• Be Concise and Clear: Practice your delivery to ensure you can articulate your points effectively within the allotted time. Focus on clarity and impact.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your decisions, challenges, and how you measure success.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just writing talent, but a strategic, results-oriented approach that aligns with operational goals. Emphasize how your UX writing directly contributes to business objectives like conversion, retention, and efficiency.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-focused UX Writer position:

• Submit your application via the provided link on Greenhouse.

• Portfolio Preparation: Ensure your resume and portfolio are up-to-date. Select 3-5 of your strongest UX writing and content strategy projects, with a particular emphasis on transactional content and measurable results.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords from the job description, such as "UX Writing," "Content Strategy," "Transactional Copy," "Conversion Optimization," and "Cross-functional Collaboration." Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail, focusing on your process, strategic thinking, and the business impact of your work. Practice answering common UX writing and behavioral interview questions.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Critical Mass's work, clients, and values to articulate your interest and demonstrate cultural fit. Understand their approach to digital experience and client service.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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