What does a senior writer do?
A senior writer is responsible for assisting junior writers in creating compositions and digital content according to business functions and client needs. A senior writer should have excellent communication skills, both written and oral, as well as extensive knowledge of composition structures and developing engaging pieces to attract the target audience and potential clients, driving resources for revenue and profits. They also coordinate with clients on any adjustments and instructions to support their goals and objectives.
Senior writer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real senior writer resumes:
- Manage agency's web site and Facebook page.
- Volunteer to manage the company s intranet content, learning basic HTML coding.
- Manage staff & contract writers, editors & proofreaders on large content and copywriting projects.
- Manage publication review process, including technical and editorial review by in-house and outside reviewers.
- Provide editorial and proofreading assistance with presentation and marketing materials, speeches and content development.
- Skil with Snapchat and Instagram.
- Utilize SQL skills for ad hoc reporting as required.
- Research and write columns throughout NFL, NBA and MLB seasons
- Develop, write, edit, and proofread complex game rules.
- Produce web copy and provide blogging services for a variety of industries.
- Design and implement prototype HTML version of an instruction book for CD-ROM and Intranet/Internet applications.
- Create website logo, design, and layout using programs such as Photoshop and WordPress.
- Publish content to the website by assign deadline, Monday - Friday, using WordPress platform.
- Work with developer to design a CRM database to report business unit movement base on data driven insights.
- Research and analyze user data from a wide variety of sources to update and improve existing content and SEO.
Senior writer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 8% of Senior Writers are proficient in Project Management, Web Content, and WordPress. They’re also known for soft skills such as Creativity, Social perceptiveness, and Writing skills.
We break down the percentage of Senior Writers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Project Management, 8%
Provided project management and strategic advice to senior executives, focusing on issues management, internal and external communications.
- Web Content, 8%
Covered companies specializing in consumer-related Web content.
- WordPress, 7%
Upload editorial copy using WordPress publishing platform.
- PowerPoint, 5%
Helped to write and revise powerpoint presentations and speeches.
- Content Strategy, 5%
Collaborated with content peers to establish the content strategy, voice and standards for the next generation Walmart.
- Subject Matter Experts, 4%
Coordinate materials with subject matter experts, other communications experts and stakeholders throughout the agency and intelligence community.
Common skills that a senior writer uses to do their job include "project management," "web content," and "wordpress." You can find details on the most important senior writer responsibilities below.
Creativity. The most essential soft skill for a senior writer to carry out their responsibilities is creativity. This skill is important for the role because "writers and authors must be able to develop interesting plots, characters, or ideas for new stories." Additionally, a senior writer resume shows how their duties depend on creativity: "named head freelance writer after three months for creative editorial style and meeting deadlines. "
Social perceptiveness. Many senior writer duties rely on social perceptiveness. "writers and authors must understand how readers react to ideas to connect with their audience.," so a senior writer will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways senior writer responsibilities rely on social perceptiveness: "press releases) and social networking for visibility. "
Writing skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of senior writers is writing skills. This skill is critical to many everyday senior writer duties, as "writers and authors must be able to write clearly and effectively to convey feeling and emotion and to communicate with readers." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "interview subject matter experts, maintain templates and writing standards. "
The three companies that hire the most senior writers are:
- MMS61 senior writers jobs
- Oracle48 senior writers jobs
- Freedom Financial Network
16 senior writers jobs
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Compare different senior writers
Senior writer vs. Publisher
A publisher manages the design, editing, and production process with the help of proofreaders, printers, and editors. Publishers make schedules for every stage of the process and work backward from the planned date for publication. They distribute promotional catalogs to libraries and booksellers. They set the commercial and editorial direction for businesses publishing newspapers, digital content, magazines, and books. It is their duty to make decisions on the markets that their firms will serve as well as the type of content that they will give to their audience.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, senior writer responsibilities require skills like "project management," "wordpress," "content strategy," and "subject matter experts." Meanwhile a typical publisher has skills in areas such as "customer satisfaction," "strategic thinking," "client facing," and "publishing industry." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Publishers tend to make the most money working in the telecommunication industry, where they earn an average salary of $69,908. In contrast, senior writers make the biggest average salary, $90,045, in the professional industry.On average, publishers reach similar levels of education than senior writers. Publishers are 3.7% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Senior writer vs. Associate editor
The primary role of an Associate Editor is to ensure that subordinates submit high-quality content. They review and edit copies, set deadlines, and supervise the production details of magazines, newspapers, books, or websites.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that senior writer responsibilities requires skills like "project management," "content strategy," "subject matter experts," and "ui." But an associate editor might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "edit content," "google analytics," "edit articles," and "digital content."
On average, associate editors earn a lower salary than senior writers. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, associate editors earn the most pay in the media industry with an average salary of $53,230. Whereas senior writers have higher pay in the professional industry, with an average salary of $90,045.In general, associate editors achieve similar levels of education than senior writers. They're 2.4% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for senior writers in the next 3-5 years?
Bradley Shreve
Editor, Tribal College Journal
Senior writer vs. Assistant editor
An assistant editor is an individual responsible for assisting an editor-in-chief or editor-at-large of a newspaper, magazine, radio program, or website. Assistant editors hold meetings with staff and freelance writers to discuss new, fresh and original content for projects on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. They review assignments handed in by writers or reporters for sense, accuracy, readability, and content. Assistant editors must also utilize new media applications such as Twitter and Facebook to draw attention to an article or cause.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a senior writer is likely to be skilled in "project management," "wordpress," "content strategy," and "subject matter experts," while a typical assistant editor is skilled in "video footage," "media management," "production process," and "editor-in-chief."
Assistant editors earn the best pay in the media industry, where they command an average salary of $55,636. Senior writers earn the highest pay from the professional industry, with an average salary of $90,045.Most assistant editors achieve a similar degree level compared to senior writers. For example, they're 4.9% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.8% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Senior writer vs. Managing editor
Managing editors are individuals who coordinate and oversee the editorial activities of a publication. They administer the daily operations or a website or publication, such as generating ideas and planning and editing content. Their responsibilities include the recruitment, promotion, and firing of staff members. They even create and implement deadlines. Great managing editors are those who are updated on the latest trends and make informed decisions. They should also be equipped with skills in management and coaching.
Types of senior writer
Updated January 8, 2025
