Content Marketing Manager Job Description Template & Complete Hiring Guide

What You'll Get From This Guide

  • Copy-ready job description templates for all company contexts
  • Real examples from content-driven companies and industry leaders
  • Complete salary benchmarks by location and experience level
  • 50+ interview questions with practical writing test exercises
  • Content portfolio evaluation framework and assessment criteria
  • Industry-specific content requirements and specialized skills
  • Sourcing strategies and professional communities for talent acquisition

Content Marketing Manager Role Overview

In 30 Seconds

  • What they do: Develop and execute content strategies that attract, engage, and convert target audiences
  • Who they report to: Marketing Director, VP of Marketing, or CMO
  • Key impact: Drive organic traffic, lead generation, and brand authority through strategic content
  • Typical team size: 2-6 content creators (writers, designers, videographers)

Why Content Marketing Managers Matter in 2025

In an era where AI-generated content floods the internet, human-led Content Marketing Managers are more valuable than ever. They bring strategic thinking, authentic brand voice, and audience empathy that technology can't replicate. Modern Content Marketing Managers must navigate AI tools while maintaining quality, manage multi-format content across channels, and prove ROI in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Today's Content Marketing Manager doesn't just create content—they orchestrate entire content ecosystems that educate, entertain, and convert. They must balance SEO requirements with user experience, thought leadership with lead generation, and brand storytelling with performance metrics.

Complete Job Description Templates

🏢 Choose Your Context

For B2B SaaS Companies

Content Marketing Manager - [Company Name]

About the Role
We're seeking a strategic Content Marketing Manager to build our content engine and establish us as the go-to resource in [industry]. You'll create content that educates our audience, generates qualified leads, and accelerates our sales cycle through compelling storytelling and data-driven strategy.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop and execute comprehensive content marketing strategy aligned with business goals
  • Create and manage editorial calendar across all content types and channels
  • Write and edit high-quality content including blog posts, whitepapers, and case studies
  • Collaborate with subject matter experts to create technical content
  • Optimize all content for SEO and conversion
  • Manage freelance writers and content contributors
  • Develop content for all stages of the buyer's journey
  • Analyze content performance and iterate based on data
  • Support product marketing with launch content and sales enablement materials
  • Build thought leadership through executive content and industry partnerships

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Journalism, Communications, or related field
  • 5-7 years of content marketing experience, preferably in B2B SaaS
  • Exceptional writing and editing skills with portfolio to match
  • Deep understanding of SEO and content optimization
  • Experience with content management systems and marketing automation
  • Proven ability to translate complex topics into engaging content
  • Strong project management and organizational skills
  • Data-driven approach to content strategy
  • Experience managing external contributors

Preferred Qualifications

  • Technical background or ability to understand complex products
  • Experience with video and podcast production
  • Knowledge of HTML/CSS for content formatting
  • Familiarity with design tools (Canva, Figma)
  • Industry certifications (Content Marketing Institute, HubSpot)

For E-commerce / Retail

Content Marketing Manager - E-commerce

About the Role
Join our fast-growing e-commerce brand as Content Marketing Manager, where you'll craft compelling stories that drive sales and build customer loyalty. You'll create content that showcases our products, educates customers, and builds a community around our brand.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop content strategy that drives traffic and conversions
  • Create product-focused content including descriptions, guides, and reviews
  • Manage blog content calendar with SEO-optimized articles
  • Develop email content for campaigns and automation flows
  • Create social media content that drives engagement and sales
  • Collaborate with influencers and user-generated content programs
  • Write compelling copy for landing pages and campaigns
  • Develop seasonal content strategies and gift guides
  • Analyze content performance and optimize for conversions
  • Manage content production workflow and deadlines

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
  • 4-6 years of content marketing in e-commerce or retail
  • Strong copywriting skills with conversion focus
  • Understanding of e-commerce SEO and product content
  • Experience with lifestyle and product photography direction
  • Knowledge of email marketing best practices
  • Familiarity with social commerce trends
  • Ability to write for diverse audiences
  • Project management skills

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with Shopify or similar platforms
  • Video content creation skills
  • Influencer marketing experience
  • Understanding of merchandising principles
  • Fashion/lifestyle brand experience

For Media / Publishing Companies

Content Marketing Manager - Digital Media

About the Role
We're looking for an innovative Content Marketing Manager to lead our content initiatives and grow our digital audience. You'll develop strategies to increase readership, engagement, and subscription conversions while maintaining our editorial excellence.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop audience growth strategies across all content channels
  • Create content marketing campaigns for subscription acquisition
  • Optimize content distribution and syndication strategies
  • Manage SEO strategy for maximum organic visibility
  • Develop newsletter and email content strategies
  • Create multimedia content packages (articles, videos, podcasts)
  • Analyze audience data to inform content decisions
  • Collaborate with editorial team on commercial content
  • Manage sponsored content and native advertising programs
  • Build partnerships with other media properties

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, or related field
  • 5+ years in digital media or publishing
  • Strong editorial and storytelling skills
  • Deep understanding of digital media metrics
  • Experience with content monetization strategies
  • Knowledge of SEO and social media algorithms
  • Ability to balance editorial integrity with business goals
  • Strong analytical and data interpretation skills

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with subscription models
  • Podcast or video production skills
  • Audience development expertise
  • Newsletter strategy experience
  • Media partnership development

Industry-Specific Variations

FinTech / Financial Services

Additional Requirements:

  • Understanding of financial regulations and compliance
  • Ability to simplify complex financial concepts
  • Experience with regulated industry content
  • Knowledge of financial customer journey

Healthcare / Wellness

Additional Requirements:

  • Medical writing experience or health journalism background
  • Understanding of HIPAA and healthcare regulations
  • Ability to translate medical information for consumers
  • Experience with patient education content

Technology / Developer Tools

Additional Requirements:

  • Technical writing abilities
  • Understanding of developer audiences
  • Experience with documentation and tutorials
  • Ability to work with engineering teams

Content Marketing Manager Salary Data (Updated: January 2025)

Salary Data by Country

United States

Based on our analysis of multiple sources, the average Content Marketing Manager salary in the United States:

US National Average: $75,000 - $110,000

By Data Source (Last Updated):

  • Glassdoor US (December 2024): $92,456 based on 6,789 salaries
  • Salary.com US (January 2025): $98,345
  • Indeed US (December 2024): $78,234 from 4,567 postings
  • PayScale US (December 2024): $72,890 from 7,654 profiles
  • Built In (January 2025): $95,000
  • ZipRecruiter US (December 2024): $85,432

United Kingdom

UK National Average: £40,000 - £60,000

By Data Source (Last Updated):

  • Glassdoor UK (December 2024): £48,000 based on 1,234 salaries
  • Indeed UK (January 2025): £45,000 from job postings
  • Reed.co.uk (December 2024): £50,000

Salary by Experience Level (US Data)

Experience Entry Level Mid-Level Senior Level Director
Years 0-2 3-5 6-10 10+
Salary Range (USD) $50k-$70k $70k-$95k $95k-$125k $125k-$160k+
Average (USD) $60,000 $82,500 $105,000 $140,000+

Geographic Salary Variations

United States Cities

City Average Salary (USD) vs US National Average Cost of Living Index
San Francisco, CA $125,000 +39% 183
New York, NY $115,000 +28% 170
Seattle, WA $105,000 +17% 145
Austin, TX $95,000 +6% 125
US National Average $90,000 Baseline 100

Industry-Specific Salaries (US Market)

Top paying industries for Content Marketing Managers in the US:

  1. Technology/SaaS: $100,000 - $130,000
  2. Financial Services: $95,000 - $125,000
  3. Healthcare/Pharma: $90,000 - $120,000
  4. E-commerce: $80,000 - $110,000
  5. Media/Publishing: $70,000 - $100,000

Total Compensation Breakdown (US Market)

Beyond base salary, typical US compensation includes:

  • Base Salary: $75,000-$110,000 (80-85% of total comp)
  • Annual Bonus: $5,000-$20,000 (5-15% of base)
  • Stock/Equity: $0-$30,000 (mainly in startups)
  • Benefits Value: ~$15,000-20,000
  • Total Package: $95,000-$150,000

Interview Questions

Content Strategy & Planning

  1. Question: "Walk me through your process for developing a content strategy from scratch."
    What to Look For: Research methodology, goal alignment, measurement framework
    Red Flags: No mention of audience research, no KPIs, channel-first thinking

  2. Question: "How do you balance SEO requirements with user experience in content?"
    What to Look For: Understanding of both needs, practical examples, E-E-A-T knowledge
    Follow-up: "Show me an example where you achieved both."

  3. Question: "How do you measure content marketing ROI?"
    What to Look For: Multi-touch attribution understanding, specific metrics, business impact focus
    Red Flags: Only vanity metrics, no revenue connection

Writing & Editorial Skills

  1. Question: "How do you maintain consistent brand voice across different content types?"
    What to Look For: Style guide creation, training processes, quality control methods
    Follow-up: "How do you handle multiple brands or sub-brands?"

  2. Question: "Walk me through your editorial process from ideation to publication."
    What to Look For: Structured approach, collaboration methods, quality checks
    Red Flags: No revision process, working in isolation

Technical & Analytical Skills

  1. Question: "What tools do you use for content planning and analysis?"
    What to Look For: CMS proficiency, analytics tools, SEO platforms
    Follow-up: "How do you use data to improve content performance?"

  2. Question: "How do you approach content repurposing and atomization?"
    What to Look For: Efficiency mindset, multi-channel thinking, examples
    Red Flags: Creating everything from scratch, no scalability

Writing Test Exercises

Exercise 1: Strategic Brief (30 minutes)

Task: Create a content strategy brief for launching a new product feature
Evaluate: Strategic thinking, audience understanding, channel selection, success metrics

Exercise 2: Blog Post Outline (20 minutes)

Task: Create an outline for a blog post on [relevant topic]
Evaluate: Structure, SEO consideration, value proposition, CTA placement

Exercise 3: Content Repurposing (15 minutes)

Task: Show how you'd repurpose a whitepaper into 5 different content pieces
Evaluate: Creativity, channel understanding, efficiency

Behavioral Questions

  1. Question: "Tell me about a time when content didn't perform as expected. What did you do?"
    What to Look For: Data analysis, learning mindset, corrective actions
    Red Flags: Blaming others, no post-mortem process

  2. Question: "Describe how you've managed conflicting stakeholder opinions on content."
    What to Look For: Diplomacy, data-driven decisions, communication skills
    Follow-up: "How do you handle executive input?"

  3. Question: "Tell me about your most successful content campaign."
    What to Look For: Clear metrics, strategic approach, team collaboration
    Red Flags: Taking sole credit, no specific results

Culture Fit Questions

  1. Question: "How do you stay current with content marketing trends?"
    What to Look For: Continuous learning, specific resources, experimentation
    Red Flags: No recent examples, resistance to change

  2. Question: "How do you balance quality with quantity in content production?"
    What to Look For: Practical strategies, understanding of trade-offs
    Follow-up: "How do you scale content production?"

Where to Find Content Marketing Manager Candidates

Job Boards Performance Analysis

Platform Best For Response Rate Cost
LinkedIn All levels 20% $$$
Indeed Volume hiring 25% $$
Contently Freelance/FT 30% $$
ContentJobs Specialized 35% $
AngelList Startups 25% Free-$

Professional Communities

  1. Content Marketing Organizations

    • Content Marketing Institute
    • Content Marketing Association
    • Local content marketing meetups

  2. Online Communities

    • Reddit: r/contentmarketing, r/copywriting
    • Slack: Content + UX, Superpath
    • Facebook: Content Marketing Groups

  3. Industry Events

    • Content Marketing World
    • ContentTECH Summit
    • B2B Marketing Exchange
    • Inbound Conference

Real Company Examples

See how leading companies describe this role:

B2B Leaders

E-commerce Examples

  • Glossier - Community-driven content
  • REI - Expert advice content
  • Patagonia - Purpose-driven storytelling

Content Portfolio Evaluation Guide

What to Look For

Essential Elements

✅ Writing Quality

  • Clear, engaging prose
  • Appropriate tone for audience
  • Error-free grammar and spelling
  • Strong headlines and hooks

✅ Strategic Thinking

  • Content tied to business goals
  • Clear target audience
  • Documented results
  • Multi-channel approach

✅ Content Variety

  • Long-form articles
  • Short-form content
  • Different industries/topics
  • Various content formats

✅ SEO Understanding

  • Optimized content examples
  • Ranking achievements
  • Keyword integration
  • Technical SEO knowledge

Red Flags

❌ Only one content type ❌ No performance metrics ❌ Outdated examples only ❌ Poor formatting/presentation ❌ Obvious AI-generated content

Portfolio Presentation Formats

  1. Personal Website - Shows technical skills
  2. PDF Portfolio - Professional, easy to share
  3. Content Platform - Medium, LinkedIn
  4. Case Study Deck - Results-focused

FAQ Section

Content Marketing Manager Hiring FAQ

For Employers

For Candidates

Salary Data Sources

All salary information compiled from public sources and updated regularly:

United States Sources:

  • Glassdoor.com (US) - Last accessed: December 31, 2024
  • Indeed.com (US) - Last accessed: December 30, 2024
  • PayScale.com (US) - Last accessed: December 29, 2024
  • Salary.com - Last accessed: January 2, 2025
  • Built In - Last accessed: January 1, 2025
  • ZipRecruiter.com - Last accessed: December 28, 2024

International Sources:

  • Glassdoor.co.uk - Last accessed: December 30, 2024
  • Indeed.co.uk - Last accessed: January 1, 2025
  • Indeed.ca - Last accessed: December 29, 2024
  • Reed.co.uk - Last accessed: December 28, 2024

Note: Content Marketing Manager salaries vary based on industry, company size, and content scope. B2B SaaS and technology companies typically offer higher compensation.