Director, Technical Writing
WFA Digital Insight
As the demand for technical writing specialists grows, with a 25% increase in job postings in 2025, Gitlab is at the forefront of this trend. With over 50 million registered users, the company is ripe for a leader who can redefine technical documentation. Candidates should note that Gitlab values AI-driven innovation and cross-functional collaboration, making this role a strong fit for those with experience in process redesign and team leadership. Before applying, consider how your skills in technical writing, AI integration, and team management can help drive Gitlab's vision for a more integrated documentation experience.
Job Description
About the Role
The Director of Technical Writing at Gitlab is a key leadership position that will help redefine how technical documentation is created and experienced across the platform. As the leader of the technical writing team, you will be responsible for driving process evaluation and redesign, with a focus on making documentation creation more efficient and better connected to product development. You will report to the Chief Design Officer and collaborate closely with Engineering, Product Management, and UX teams to integrate technical documentation into the product experience.Technical writing is a critical component of Gitlab's platform, and the successful candidate will be able to drive innovation and experimentation in this area. With the rise of AI-driven technologies, the role of technical writing is evolving, and Gitlab is looking for a leader who can harness the power of AI to improve documentation outcomes.
The technical writing team at Gitlab is a mature function that is looking for a leader who can bring creative, practical thinking to the role. The ideal candidate will be able to challenge long-standing assumptions and help engineering teams take greater ownership of source documentation.
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 the technical writing function's budget and resource planning, ensuring effective allocation of resources to meet business objectives.
What We Are Looking For
- 8+ 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 process redesign and AI integration.
- Strong understanding of technical writing principles, including content strategy, information architecture, and user experience.
- Experience with AI-driven technologies, such as natural language processing and machine learning.
- Strong collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
- Experience with documentation tools, such as MadCap Flare, Paligo, or Notion.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to drive data-driven decision making.
Nice to Have
- Experience with Agile development methodologies and version control systems, such as Git.
- Knowledge of programming languages, such as Python, Java, or JavaScript.
- Experience with cloud-based platforms, such as AWS or Azure.
- Certification in technical writing, such as the Certified Technical Writer (CTW) designation.
Benefits and Perks
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Opportunity to work with a leading software development company.
- Collaborative and dynamic work environment.
- Professional development opportunities, including training and conference attendance.
- Flexible working hours and remote work options.
- Access to the latest technologies and tools.
- Comprehensive health and wellness program.
- Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.
How to Stand Out
- To stand out in your application, be sure to highlight your experience with AI-driven technologies and process redesign.
- Show a portfolio of your technical writing work, including examples of documentation and content strategy.
- Be prepared to discuss your experience with cross-functional teams and collaboration.
- Research Gitlab's values and mission, and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with these.
- Don't be afraid to ask questions about the role and the company during the interview process.
- Consider highlighting any experience you have with cloud-based platforms, Agile development methodologies, or programming languages.
- Be prepared to discuss your approach to driving data-driven decision making and analytics in your technical writing work.
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