Director, Technical Writing

About the Role

The role reports to the Chief Design Officer and will involve leading a team through a period of significant change. You will be responsible for assessing the current team structure, strengthening skills and capabilities, and improving collaboration across partner groups. Your goal will be to raise satisfaction with the docs site and turn documentation into a more integrated, actionable part of the Gitlab platform.

Gitlab is a company that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. As a Director of Technical Writing, you will be part of a high-performance culture that is driven by a set of core values, including transparency, inclusivity, and accountability.

What You Will Do

• Lead the Technical Writing organization through process evaluation and redesign, with a focus on making documentation creation more efficient and better connected to product development.
• Drive the team's AI readiness by identifying where AI can improve workflows, reduce unnecessary handoffs, and support better documentation outcomes.
• Partner with Engineering to shift documentation earlier in the development process and establish shared ownership of first-draft technical content.
• Collaborate with Product Management and UX to identify ways technical documentation can surface more directly in the product experience.
• Shape the team structure and operating model to support current priorities, healthy management scope, and future capability needs.
• Develop the team's skills and expectations for a new phase of technical writing at Gitlab, including adaptability, experimentation, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Improve the end-user experience of the docs site by guiding priorities that make content more useful, accessible, and actionable.
• Own and drive key performance indicators (KPIs) for the Technical Writing team, including metrics for documentation quality, user satisfaction, and team performance.

What We Are Looking For

• 5+ years of experience in technical writing, with a focus on software development and documentation.
• 3+ years of experience in a leadership role, with a proven track record of driving innovation and efficiency in technical writing teams.
• Strong knowledge of AI and its applications in technical writing, including machine learning and natural language processing.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Experience with agile development methodologies and version control systems, such as Git.
• Strong understanding of user experience principles and how to apply them to technical documentation.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities and deadlines.

Nice to Have

• Experience with documentation tools, such as MadCap Flare, Paligo, or Notion.
• Knowledge of programming languages, such as Python, Java, or JavaScript.
• Experience with cloud-based platforms, such as AWS or Azure.
• Familiarity with DevOps practices and tools, such as Jenkins or Docker.

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive salary and equity package.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Flexible working hours and remote work options.
• Generous paid time off and holiday policy.
• Professional development opportunities, including training and conference attendance.
• Access to cutting-edge technology and tools.
• Collaborative and dynamic work environment with a team of talented professionals.

• Tip: Showcase your experience with AI-powered tools and technologies in your resume and cover letter.
• To stand out, highlight your ability to drive innovation and efficiency in technical writing teams.
• When preparing for the interview, review Gitlab's values and be ready to provide examples of how you have applied them in your previous roles.
• Emphasize your understanding of user experience principles and how you have applied them to technical documentation in the past.
• If you have experience with cloud-based platforms or DevOps practices, be sure to highlight this in your application.
• Be prepared to discuss your experience with agile development methodologies and version control systems.