<aside> 💡 This page is a 2023 updated version of this one: Universal Career Framework (OLD, replaced in 2023)

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Buffer’s Career Framework is a system of Levels and Steps that reflect every Bufferoo’s experience, seniority, and growth. Teams use this as the foundation for their own area- and role-specific frameworks.

Levels: Levels are large and distinct jumps in terms of area knowledge, role complexity, and overall scope.

Steps: Two steps are housed within each level; these mark two milestones of growth within each level. Read more about how steps work.

Below are guidelines for how we define and assess each level. These have been adapted for Buffer from systems created by companies that report on compensation, such as Radford and Carta.

Buffer Career Framework

How Steps work:

• Step 1 is the default step within a level. A teammate who is fulfilling the expectations as described in their level is at step 1. There is no timeline for how long a teammate might stay at step 1, but teammates who have been at their level for a year or less will very likely be at step 1.
• Step 2 is the “halfway point” between one level and the next. Teammate who are very experienced or senior in their level, and are starting to show many of the skills and impact expected at the next level, will be promoted to step 2.

Old / Previous version:

Universal Career Framework (OLD, replaced in 2023)