Content Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Content Designer

Company: CYOS Solutions (on behalf of Department of Employment and Workplace Relations - DEWR)

Location: Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Job Type: CONTRACTOR

Category: Content Design / UX Writing / Digital Content Strategy

Date Posted: 2026-10-02

Experience Level: Mid-Level (5-10 years estimated)

Remote Status: Hybrid (with remote working arrangements considered case-by-case)

🚀 Role Summary

• Design, create, review, and update user-facing digital content for Workforce Australia, a key Australian Government employment services program.

• Focus on web and notification content across authenticated and unauthenticated environments to enhance participant experience and understanding of obligations and support.

• Collaborate within multidisciplinary agile teams, utilizing tools like Azure Dev Ops, to deliver clear, accessible, and engaging information.

• Apply best practices in UX writing, web writing, and communication writing, adhering to government style guides and accessibility standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Content Designer," the responsibilities and required skills strongly align with a specialized UX Writer or Digital Content Strategist role within the public sector, emphasizing user needs, accessibility, and clear communication for a large-scale government program. The contractor status and specific duration suggest a project-based need, likely related to ongoing reforms and enhancements within Workforce Australia.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and write clear, accessible, and user-centered content for web pages, notifications, SMS, and mobile app interfaces within the Workforce Australia program.

• Implement best practices in content design, adhering to government style guides (e.g., WCAG 2.1, Government Style Manual, Digital Service Standards), content patterns, and established content strategies.

• Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams in an agile project environment, contributing to workshops and planning events to define requirements and features.

• Utilize evidence, data, and user research (e.g., Google Analytics, Google Search Console) to inform content decisions, improve user experience, and measure content effectiveness.

• Manage relationships and communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels, providing expert advice on content design to management and senior executives.

• Support content leads and channel leads, potentially mentoring less experienced staff, and work autonomously while managing competing priorities.

• Prepare necessary documentation, presentations, and talking points related to content design initiatives and project progress.

• Contribute to specific project workstreams, including reforms to assessment/triaging, enhancements to search functions, digital fund streamlining, Stream 3 trial, and career mapping.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on content creation role with a strong emphasis on strategic application within a government digital service. The mention of "mentoring less experienced staff" suggests that while the core role is mid-level, there's an expectation of leadership potential or experience. The project list indicates a dynamic environment focused on continuous improvement and program reform.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant communications field are desirable.

• Short courses in writing, content design, online accessibility, or user experience (UX) design are advantageous. Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in writing, editing, structuring, and maintaining complex content that effectively meets user needs.

• Proven experience working within multidisciplinary teams in an agile project environment.

• Experience in providing advice to management and senior executives regarding content design decisions.

• Ability to work autonomously, exercise initiative and self-direction, and manage competing priorities.

• Experience in leading and managing staff within a team environment is a plus. Required Skills:

• UX Writing & Web Writing: Expertise in crafting clear, concise, and user-centric content for digital platforms, tailored to user journeys and comprehension levels.

• Communication & Stakeholder Management: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a strong ability to consult and manage relationships with diverse stakeholders.

• Accessibility Standards: Proficient application of Australian Government and department style guides, including WCAG 2.1 (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) and the Digital Service Standards.

• Agile Project Environment: Experience working effectively within agile methodologies and project management frameworks.

• Content Strategy & Implementation: Ability to apply and contribute to content strategies, style guides, and content patterns.

• Data-Driven Content Improvement: Skill in using evidence, data, and research (e.g., analytics) to inform and enhance content and user experience.

• Self-Management & Leadership: Capacity to work autonomously, take initiative, and manage multiple priorities, with potential to lead or mentor.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with content production and analysis software such as GatherContent.

• Familiarity with analytics tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console for content performance measurement.

• Basic understanding or experience with HTML for web content implementation.

• Previous experience in system-related communications with a strategic communication approach.

• Experience with Azure Dev Ops for project management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The essential criteria clearly define the core competencies. The preferred skills, particularly GatherContent, Google Analytics, and HTML, point towards specific technical proficiencies valued in modern content operations. The emphasis on WCAG 2.1 and Digital Service Standards is critical for any government digital role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• User-Centric Content Examples: Showcase 2-3 examples of digital content (web pages, notifications, app interfaces) where user needs and clear communication were paramount. Highlight the problem, your solution (content), and the outcome.

• Accessibility & Style Guide Application: Include a piece of content that demonstrates strict adherence to WCAG 2.1 standards and/or the Government Style Manual, explaining your rationale for specific content choices.

• Content Strategy Integration: Provide an example where your content work was part of a larger content strategy, demonstrating how your contributions aligned with broader goals.

• Stakeholder Collaboration Example: Briefly describe a situation where you successfully collaborated with stakeholders (e.g., developers, policy experts, designers) to deliver content, detailing your communication approach.

Process Documentation:

• Content Design Workflow: Be prepared to discuss your typical process for designing, writing, reviewing, and publishing digital content, from initial brief to final deployment.

• Content Auditing & Analysis: Demonstrate experience in analyzing existing content for clarity, accuracy, and user needs, and how you would approach a content audit for Workforce Australia.

• Agile Content Delivery: Explain how you integrate content creation and review into an agile development lifecycle, including your experience with tools like Azure Dev Ops for task management.

• Performance Measurement: Discuss how you would measure the success of digital content, referencing tools like Google Analytics or specific user feedback mechanisms.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a content design role, especially in government, a portfolio is crucial. The emphasis should be on demonstrating not just writing skill, but also strategic thinking, user empathy, and adherence to standards. Explicitly linking portfolio pieces to the essential criteria will be highly impactful.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $80 - $100 per hour (inclusive of superannuation) Estimated annual equivalent for a full-time contractor (40 hours/week): $166,400 - $208,000 AUD per annum (plus superannuation).

Benefits:

As a contractor, typical benefits may differ from permanent employees. However, this role offers:

• Competitive Hourly Rate: $80 - $100/hour, reflecting the specialized skills and experience required.

• Flexible Working Arrangements: Hybrid WFH arrangement considered on a case-by-case basis, offering a balance between in-office collaboration and remote work.

• Opportunity for Extension: Contract duration until 30 June 2027 with potential for extensions, providing stability and continued engagement.

• Professional Development: Exposure to large-scale government programs, complex policy environments, and opportunities to work with experienced multidisciplinary teams.

• Meaningful Work: Contribute to a program that impacts millions of Australians seeking employment and support.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week (standard full-time hours)

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for experienced content designers/UX writers in Australia, particularly for contract roles within the government sector. The "inclusive of super" phrasing is standard for Australian contractor rates. The estimated annual equivalent provides a clearer picture of the overall compensation. The benefits are framed around the nature of a contract role, emphasizing flexibility and potential for ongoing work.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government & Public Sector (Department of Employment and Workplace Relations - DEWR)

Company Size: Large (DEWR is an Australian Government department, implying a significant organizational structure and workforce).

Founded: The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations has a long history, evolving through various government structures. Its current form is dedicated to supporting employment, skills, and workplace relations.

Team Structure:

• Participant Content Team: This is the immediate team, responsible for participant-facing content across Workforce Australia. It comprises content designers, content experts, and potentially content leads.

• Multidisciplinary Agile Teams: The Content Designer will work within agile project teams that include developers, policy experts, researchers, and other digital specialists.

• Reporting Structure: The role will likely report to a Content Lead or a Digital Project Manager, with advice provided to higher levels of management and senior executives.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: High degree of collaboration expected with policy areas, service delivery partners, digital channel owners, and UX researchers.

Methodology:

• Agile Development: Projects are managed using agile methodologies, with iterative development cycles and continuous feedback.

• User-Centered Design: A strong focus on understanding and meeting user needs through research, data analysis, and iterative testing.

• Evidence-Based Decision Making: Content decisions are driven by data, research, and performance metrics.

• Compliance & Standards: Strict adherence to government policies, style guides, and accessibility standards is fundamental.

Company Website: https://www.dewr.gov.au/ (Department of Employment and Workplace Relations)

📝 Enhancement Note: Working for a government department like DEWR means operating within a structured, policy-driven environment that prioritizes public service, accessibility, and rigorous compliance. The culture is likely to be professional, collaborative, and focused on delivering impactful services to citizens. The "contractor" aspect means integration into existing teams and projects rather than a long-term employee relationship with the department directly.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Content Designer/UX Writer. This role is positioned as an individual contributor with the potential for mentorship and advisory responsibilities. It requires a solid foundation in content design principles and practical experience in applying them within complex digital environments.

Reporting Structure: The role will report to a Content Lead or Project Manager within the Participant Content Team. There will be regular interaction with project teams and stakeholders across different levels of the department.

Operations Impact: The Content Designer's work directly influences how millions of Australians understand their employment obligations, access support services, and navigate the Workforce Australia program. Effective content design is critical for user engagement, program uptake, and successful delivery of government employment initiatives, ultimately impacting workforce participation and economic outcomes.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in UX writing, accessibility standards (WCAG), and content strategy for government services.

• Leadership Potential: Develop skills in mentoring junior staff and providing strategic content advice to senior management.

• Project Diversity: Gain exposure to a range of complex digital projects within the employment and skills sector, such as reforms, new feature rollouts, and system enhancements.

• Government Sector Experience: Build a strong track record and network within the Australian public sector digital landscape.

• Potential for Further Contracts: Successful performance can lead to opportunities for contract extensions or similar roles within other government departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a contract role, the experience gained is highly valuable for future roles in government digital services, UX, or content strategy. The opportunity to influence a national program and work on significant reforms offers substantial professional development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid WFH arrangement is considered. This implies that while remote work is possible, there is an expectation of some in-office presence for collaboration, team meetings, and engagement with specific projects or stakeholders. The department likely has established office spaces in major Australian cities.

Office Location(s): While the job posting specifies "SA" (South Australia) for the location of work, the description mentions applications are sought from those who can work from "one of our offices in Australia’s major cities." This suggests potential for the role to be based in Adelaide, but the department has a national presence.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect to work within agile teams, participating in daily stand-ups, sprint planning, and review sessions.

• Digital Tools & Technology: Access to standard office productivity software, collaborative platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams), and project management tools (Azure Dev Ops). Specific content tools like GatherContent may be used.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with content designers, UX researchers, developers, policy advisors, and project managers. Opportunities for formal and informal knowledge sharing.

• Focus on Clarity & Precision: The nature of government work demands meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to clear, unambiguous communication.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (40 hours per week). While the arrangement is hybrid, the core work hours will be during Australian business hours, with flexibility managed on a case-by-case basis and agreed upon with the hiring manager.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature is a key aspect. Candidates should clarify expectations regarding in-office days and location with the hiring team. The focus on "Australia's major cities" suggests a distributed team model, common in government.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Application Review: Initial screening based on CV and responses to essential/desirable criteria. Focus on demonstrating experience against each point.

2. Initial Interview (Phone/Video): Typically with a hiring manager or recruitment specialist. Focus on assessing your background, experience, and understanding of content design principles. Be prepared to discuss your CV and motivations.

3. Skills Assessment/Practical Exercise: This may involve a short content design task or a case study presentation. You might be asked to critique existing content or draft new content for a specific scenario related to Workforce Australia.

4. Panel Interview: A more in-depth interview with a panel, likely including the hiring manager, a content lead, and potentially a stakeholder representative. This assesses your technical skills, strategic thinking, stakeholder management, and cultural fit.

5. Reference Checks: Verification of employment history and performance.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-4 of your strongest projects that best align with the essential criteria (user needs, accessibility, stakeholder management, agile).

• Structure for Clarity: For each project, clearly outline:

  • The Challenge/User Need: What problem were you solving?
  • Your Role & Process: What did you do, and how did you do it? (Highlighting your design process).
  • The Solution (Content): Showcase the actual content produced.
  • The Outcome/Impact: Quantify results where possible (e.g., improved task completion, reduced support queries, positive user feedback).

• Highlight Government/Accessibility Experience: If you have prior government or strong accessibility experience, ensure this is prominent.

• Be Ready to Discuss: Prepare to walk through your portfolio and answer detailed questions about your decisions and approaches.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Workforce Australia: Research the program, its goals, and its target audience (job seekers, employers). Familiarize yourself with the DEWR website.

• Practice WCAG 2.1: Refresh your knowledge of accessibility principles and how they translate into content design.

• Agile Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would approach content work in an agile sprint.

• Stakeholder Communication: Prepare examples of how you have managed challenging stakeholder conversations or secured buy-in for your content recommendations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application requires both written responses to criteria and a CV. The written responses are crucial for demonstrating your ability to articulate your experience against specific requirements. The portfolio is the key to showcasing practical skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Content Management Systems (CMS): While not explicitly named, experience with CMS platforms for web content publishing is likely beneficial.

• Collaboration Tools: Expect to use platforms like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication.

• Project Management Software: Azure Dev Ops is explicitly mentioned for managing work within agile projects.

• Content Production/Review Tools: GatherContent is listed as desirable, indicating it may be used or is a relevant skill to possess. Other tools for drafting, editing, and version control may also be used.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Google Analytics and Google Search Console are listed as desirable, highlighting the importance of data-driven content optimization and performance tracking.

• Data Analysis Tools: Proficiency in interpreting analytics data to inform content strategy.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly specified: CRM systems are less likely to be central to this role, which is focused on external-facing participant content. Automation might refer to content workflows or notification systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Azure Dev Ops is a key technical requirement for project management. Familiarity with GatherContent and Google Analytics will significantly strengthen an application, indicating a candidate who can hit the ground running with the department's likely toolset.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A core value is placing the needs and experience of the program's participants (job seekers) at the forefront of all content decisions.

• Clarity & Accessibility: Commitment to delivering information that is easy to understand, accessible to all users, and free from jargon.

• Evidence-Based Practice: Decisions are informed by data, research, and user feedback, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively within multidisciplinary teams, valuing diverse perspectives, and contributing to shared goals.

• Accountability & Professionalism: Upholding the standards of public service, demonstrating integrity, and taking ownership of work.

• Efficiency & Effectiveness: Striving for efficient processes and effective communication to support program delivery.

Collaboration Style:

• Agile & Iterative: Collaborative approach within agile sprints, involving regular check-ins, feedback loops, and adaptive planning.

• Cross-Functional Partnership: Close working relationships with policy, digital delivery, and service design teams to ensure content aligns with broader program objectives.

• Open Communication: Encouraging open dialogue, constructive feedback, and knowledge sharing among team members.

• Problem-Solving Focus: Working together to identify and solve content-related challenges that impact user experience or program delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values align with typical public sector digital teams focused on citizen services. Candidates should demonstrate how their past work reflects these values, particularly user-centricity and adherence to standards.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Scale of Impact: Managing content for a program that serves millions of Australians requires meticulous attention to detail and a robust content governance process.

• Complex Policy Environment: Translating intricate government policies and program rules into clear, actionable content for diverse audiences.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Balancing the needs and perspectives of various stakeholders (policy, legal, IT, service delivery) to achieve consensus on content.

• Technical Constraints: Working within the technical limitations of digital platforms and ensuring content is optimized for various channels and devices.

• Keeping Pace with Reforms: Contributing to ongoing program reforms and enhancements means adapting content strategies and deliverables frequently.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Accessibility Training: Deepen expertise in WCAG 2.1 and Universal Design principles.

• Government Digital Standards: Gain in-depth understanding and practical experience with the Digital Service Standards and other government frameworks.

• Content Strategy for Large Programs: Develop skills in strategic content planning, governance, and management for large-scale digital services.

• Agile Content Delivery: Refine practices for integrating content into agile workflows and using tools like Azure Dev Ops effectively.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to learn from experienced content leads and potentially mentor junior team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to large government digital projects. Highlighting how you've overcome similar challenges in previous roles will be beneficial. The growth opportunities are significant for career development in the public sector digital space.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing and writing content for a complex government program like Workforce Australia. How would you ensure it meets user needs and accessibility standards?" (Focus on user journey mapping, content hierarchy, WCAG application, and iterative testing).

• "How have you managed conflicting stakeholder requirements or feedback on content in a previous role? Provide a specific example." (Highlight your communication, negotiation, and decision-making skills, emphasizing data-driven rationale).

• "Imagine we are launching a new feature for job seekers to book appointments. What content considerations would you prioritize, and how would you test its effectiveness?" (Discuss clarity, calls to action, error prevention, and measurement strategies). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you understand about the mission of the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations and the Workforce Australia program?" (Demonstrate research and understanding of the public service context).

• "How do you approach working in a multidisciplinary agile team? What is your role in ensuring content is effectively integrated into the development lifecycle?" (Emphasize collaboration, communication, and understanding of agile ceremonies).

• "How do you measure the success of your content? Can you provide an example of how data influenced your content decisions?" (Prepare to discuss metrics like task completion rates, bounce rates, conversion rates, or user feedback). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with the 'Why': For each project, clearly articulate the user problem or business objective you were addressing.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals where possible (screenshots, wireframes) to illustrate your content in context.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use numbers and data to demonstrate the positive outcomes of your work.

• Connect to Requirements: Explicitly link your portfolio examples back to the essential criteria of the job description (e.g., "This project demonstrates my ability to apply WCAG 2.1...").

• Be Concise and Focused: Practice presenting your key projects within a set timeframe, focusing on the most relevant aspects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a combination of strong content design skills, an understanding of the public sector environment, and the ability to work effectively in a team and manage stakeholders. Be prepared to articulate your process and demonstrate impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your updated CV (maximum 3-5 pages) through the provided application link.

• Craft Compelling Responses: Carefully write your responses to the essential and desirable criteria (max 5000 characters each). Directly address each point, providing specific examples that demonstrate your capabilities and potential.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-4 of your strongest projects that best showcase your UX writing, content design, accessibility, and stakeholder management skills. Ensure these examples align with the requirements of this role.

• Prepare for the Interview: Research DEWR and Workforce Australia thoroughly. Practice articulating your experience and portfolio examples, focusing on how you meet the essential criteria and can contribute to the team's goals.

• Highlight Government/Public Sector Experience: If you have prior experience in government or public sector digital projects, ensure this is clearly visible on your CV and in your written responses.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.