Content Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Content Designer

Company: CYOS Solutions

Location: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Job Type: CONTRACTOR

Category: Content Design / UX Writing / Government Services

Date Posted: 2026-10-02

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

Remote Status: Hybrid (Remote work considered case-by-case)

🚀 Role Summary

• Design, develop, and maintain user-centric digital content for government employment programs, focusing on clarity, accessibility, and engagement for millions of Australians.

• Collaborate within multidisciplinary, agile teams to enhance digital platforms, including websites, mobile apps, and notification systems, ensuring seamless participant experience.

• Apply best practices in UX writing, web writing, and communication writing, adhering to government style guides and accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1).

• Leverage data, research, and stakeholder feedback to continuously improve content effectiveness and user journeys within the Workforce Australia program.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Content Designer," the responsibilities and required skills strongly indicate a specialized role in UX Writing and Government Digital Content, rather than general marketing content. The emphasis on user needs, accessibility, and government programs positions this as a critical GTM-adjacent role focused on user experience and program adoption.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design, plan, write, and update clear, accessible, and engaging participant-facing content for the Workforce Australia program across various digital channels, including the public website, authenticated portals, mobile app, and notifications (email, SMS).

• Implement and adhere to best practices, including Australian Government and department style guides (WCAG 2.1, Government Style Manual, Digital Service Standards), content patterns, and content strategies to ensure consistency and quality.

• Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams in an agile project environment, utilizing Azure DevOps for work management and participating in 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 content performance, and enhance the overall user experience.

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels, providing advice to management and senior executives on content design strategies and best practices.

• Support content leads, channel leads, and directors, potentially mentoring less experienced staff, and working autonomously to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality content.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a deep integration with government digital service delivery, requiring a strong understanding of user needs within a regulated environment. This goes beyond standard content creation to strategic UX writing and program communication.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant communications field is preferred. Short courses in writing, content design, online accessibility, or user experience (UX) design are also considered advantageous.

Experience: A minimum of 5-10 years of experience is indicated by the salary range and the need for advising management. This should include demonstrated experience in writing, editing, structuring, and maintaining complex content that meets specific user needs.

Required Skills:

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

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, essential for stakeholder consultation and effective collaboration.

• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to consult and build relationships across various levels.

• Proficiency in applying Australian Government and department style guides, including WCAG 2.1, the Government Style Manual, and Digital Service Standards.

• Demonstrated experience working with and within multidisciplinary teams in an agile project environment.

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

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

• Leadership and staff management capabilities within a team environment. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with content production and analysis software such as GatherContent, Google Analytics, and Google Search Console.

• Proficiency in HTML.

• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant communications field.

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

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement to advise management and senior executives, along with the 5-10 year experience inference from the salary, suggests this role is not entry-level. The emphasis on government standards and agile methodologies requires a blend of strategic thinking and hands-on execution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a portfolio showcasing complex content creation, particularly within regulated or government environments, highlighting user-centric design and clarity.

• Include case studies that illustrate how content was developed, reviewed, and improved based on user feedback, data analytics, or style guide adherence.

• Showcase experience with digital channels (web, mobile app, notifications) and an understanding of information architecture and UX writing principles.

• Provide examples of applying accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1) and government style guides in practice. Process Documentation:

• Examples of content strategy development, including how content is planned, mapped, and aligned with program objectives and user journeys.

• Demonstrate experience in agile content workflows, including the use of tools like Azure DevOps for managing tasks, sprints, and collaboration.

• Show evidence of content review processes, stakeholder consultation loops, and iterative content improvement based on performance metrics and user feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given this is a contractor role for a government department, a strong portfolio demonstrating practical application of content design principles in a structured, compliant environment is crucial. The ability to articulate process and demonstrate impact is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $80 - $100 per hour (inclusive of superannuation). This equates to approximately $156,000 - $195,000 annually based on a standard 38-hour work week, placing it in the mid-to-senior range for specialized content roles in Sydney.

Benefits:

• Contract Extension Potential: The contract is initially until June 30, 2027, with the possibility of extensions, offering potential for longer-term engagement.

• Hybrid Work Arrangement: Flexibility to work from home (WFH) or remotely, assessed on a case-by-case basis, allowing for better work-life balance.

• Professional Development: Opportunity to work on significant government programs and gain experience with specific digital service standards and content strategies.

• Baseline Security Clearance: The opportunity to obtain and maintain a Baseline security clearance, which can be valuable for future government contract roles.

• Superannuation: Included in the hourly rate, meeting Australian retirement savings obligations.

Working Hours: A standard full-time workload is implied, likely around 38 hours per week, with flexibility for hybrid/remote arrangements considered.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range of $80-$100/hour is competitive for a contract Content Designer/UX Writer in Sydney, especially within the government sector, reflecting the required experience and specialized skills. The inclusion of superannuation is standard for Australian contract roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government & Public Sector (Australian Department of Employment and Workplace Relations - DEWR). This sector emphasizes public service, adherence to regulations, and a focus on citizen outcomes.

Company Size: DEWR is a large government department. This implies a structured environment with established processes, significant scale of operations, and a diverse workforce.

Founded: The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations has evolved through various government structures, with its current iteration focused on employment and skills programs. This history suggests stability and a long-term commitment to its mission.

Team Structure:

• The Participant Content Team is part of the broader Workforce Australia program. It is described as a "high-performing team" and includes roles such as Content Leads, Channel Leads, and Directors, indicating a clear hierarchy and specialization.

• The team operates within an agile project environment, suggesting cross-functional collaboration with developers, designers, policy advisors, and project managers.

• Reporting lines are clear, with the Content Designer expected to support content leads and directors, and potentially mentor junior staff. Methodology:

• Emphasis on a data-driven approach, using evidence, data, and research to inform content decisions and improve user experience.

• Adherence to established government standards for content, accessibility (WCAG 2.1), and digital services.

• Agile project management methodologies are utilized, requiring iterative development, collaboration, and responsiveness to change.

• Focus on user needs and creating clear, accessible information for a broad audience.

Company Website: https://www.dewr.gov.au/ (for DEWR, the parent department) and Workforce Australia (https://www.workforceaustralia.gov.au/)

📝 Enhancement Note: Working within a government department like DEWR means navigating a complex stakeholder landscape and adhering to strict compliance and policy frameworks. The culture is likely to be process-oriented, focused on public good, and values diligence and accuracy.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Mid-Senior to Senior level, evidenced by the salary, the expectation of advising management, and the potential to mentor junior staff. It requires a strong foundation in content design and UX writing, coupled with the ability to operate strategically within government digital initiatives.

Reporting Structure: The Content Designer will report to Content Leads or Directors within the Participant Content Team. They will work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including developers, UX designers, policy specialists, and project managers, within an agile framework.

Operations Impact: The Content Designer's work has a direct and significant impact on the user experience of millions of Australians seeking employment and support through Workforce Australia. By ensuring content is clear, accessible, and effective, they contribute to:

• Improved participant understanding of obligations and available support.

• Increased engagement with employment services and training programs.

• Successful delivery of government employment initiatives.

• Enhanced efficiency for users navigating digital platforms. Growth Opportunities:

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

• Leadership: Progress to Content Lead or Senior Content Designer roles, taking on more strategic responsibility and team mentorship.

• Cross-functional Experience: Gain extensive experience working within agile, multidisciplinary teams on large-scale government digital projects.

• Security Clearance: Obtain and leverage a Baseline security clearance for future opportunities within the public sector.

• Program Impact: Contribute to high-profile government reforms and enhancements that directly affect the Australian workforce.

📝 Enhancement Note: This contract role offers a unique opportunity to impact public service delivery. Growth is less about climbing a traditional corporate ladder and more about deepening expertise in a critical domain and contributing to significant government programs.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in NSW, Australia, with a hybrid work arrangement considered. This implies access to departmental office spaces in major cities within NSW, which will likely be modern, secure, and equipped for government operations.

Office Location(s): While the specific office location in NSW is not detailed, it will likely be in a major metropolitan area accessible to the Sydney region, given the "major cities" reference. A hybrid model means some days will be spent in the office and some remotely.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires working within multidisciplinary teams in an agile setting, fostering collaboration and communication. Expect team meetings, stand-ups, and workshops.

• Tools & Technology: Access to standard government IT infrastructure, including potentially specific content management systems, collaboration tools (like Azure DevOps), and standard office software.

• Operations Focus: The workspace will be geared towards project delivery, adhering to government standards and security protocols. The emphasis will be on efficient workflow and clear communication.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time schedule is expected, likely around 38 hours per week. The hybrid arrangement offers flexibility, allowing for remote work days, which can aid in managing personal schedules and optimizing focus time for deep work like content creation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the work, combined with the government context, suggests a structured yet flexible environment. Candidates should be comfortable with both in-office collaboration and independent remote work, adhering to departmental policies for both.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and responses to essential/desirable criteria against the job description. Focus on demonstrated experience in content writing, stakeholder management, and agile environments.

• Skills Assessment/Interview: Likely includes a discussion of your experience, a potential practical exercise (e.g., a short content critique or rewrite task), and questions assessing your understanding of UX writing, accessibility, and government standards. Be prepared to discuss your approach to user needs and content strategy.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will be asked to present their portfolio, showcasing relevant work. This is a critical step to demonstrate practical skills and experience.

• Stakeholder/Team Interview: An opportunity to meet with potential team members or leads to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and ability to integrate into the agile team.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your strongest projects that best align with the requirements: user-centric content, government/regulated environments, accessibility, and digital channels (web, app, notifications).

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline:

  • The Challenge: What was the user problem or business objective?
  • Your Role: What specific contributions did you make as a Content Designer/UX Writer?
  • Your Process: How did you approach the problem? (e.g., research, user flows, wireframing, content creation, stakeholder consultation, iteration).
  • The Solution: Showcase the final content and design.
  • The Results: Quantify impact where possible (e.g., improved user engagement, reduced support queries, higher completion rates, positive feedback). If quantitative