Content Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Content Designer

Company: Science and Technology Facilities Council (UK Research and Innovation)

Location: Swindon, Wiltshire, United Kingdom

Job Type: Fixed Term (23 Months), Full-time/Part-time (minimum 0.8 FTE)

Category: Digital Content & Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-28

Experience Level: Mid-Level (Implied by responsibilities and requirements)

Remote Status: Hybrid (minimum 2 days per week in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Crucial role in managing, editing, and publishing high-quality, accessible digital content for the UKRI website (ukri.org), ensuring alignment with Government Digital Standards (GDS).

• Focus on continuous improvement of web content through user feedback, data analysis, and user-centered design principles to enhance user experience and information accessibility.

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and internal stakeholders to shape content standards, improve workflows, and drive the usability and sustainability of a large, information-rich public sector website.

• Actively participate in user research, journey mapping, and content design ceremonies to inform content strategy and optimize content performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is titled "Content Designer," the responsibilities heavily lean into operations within a digital content context. The emphasis on managing content, coordinating requests, shaping standards, and improving workflows aligns with operational aspects of digital publishing and content governance, particularly within a large public sector organization like UKRI. The need to adhere to GDS and accessibility standards also implies a robust operational framework for content creation and maintenance.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage, edit, and publish diverse web content (funding opportunities, impact stories, news, HTML publications) on ukri.org, ensuring accuracy, accessibility, and plain language for varied external audiences.

• Scope and redesign existing content based on user feedback, business needs, research, and data analytics to improve clarity and presentation format.

• Ensure all published content adheres to accessibility standards and Government Digital Standards (GDS), and manage content lifecycle by removing unneeded information per retention policies.

• Actively participate in user research and journey mapping initiatives to gain deep insights into user needs and website interaction patterns.

• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with internal partners and subject matter experts, influencing decisions to optimize content for external users and organizational objectives.

• Coordinate web content requests on a rota basis, liaising with the Delivery Manager to advise on content design needs and prioritize tasks based on evolving team or organizational priorities.

• Contribute to the development and refinement of content standards, guidance (including HTML, 2i processes, CMS use, accessibility), and support team training and upskilling.

• Engage actively in continuous improvement projects (EPICs), contribute to enhancing web team workflows, and participate in content design and team ceremonies.

• Participate in an out-of-hours web publishing rota, receiving an additional allowance for this responsibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of content creation and operational management. The coordination of requests, shaping of standards, and participation in process improvement projects are core operational functions within a digital team. The emphasis on data-driven decisions and user feedback integration further underscores the operational rigor required.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Not specified, but a degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field (e.g., English, Communications, Digital Media, Information Science) is often preferred for such roles.

Experience:

• Proven experience as a content designer or web editor, with a strong track record in drafting, editing, and publishing accessible digital content.

• Demonstrated experience using Content Management Systems (CMS) for publishing on large, information-rich websites.

• Experience applying Government Digital Standards (GDS) and accessibility requirements in a content role.

• Experience working with stakeholders to develop and manage content collaboratively.

• Experience using data and analytics tools to evaluate content performance and implement evidence-based improvements.

• Experience improving content processes, guidelines, and standards.

• Experience training colleagues on content practices. Required Skills:

• Strong editorial, copywriting, and proofreading skills.

• Ability to simplify complex content and write in plain, accessible language for varied external audiences.

• Sound understanding of user-centred content design principles and their application based on evidence.

• Working knowledge of SEO principles and their application to content development.

• Ability to build positive working relationships and navigate feedback constructively.

• Knowledge of accessibility requirements and assistive technologies.

• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent tasks and adapt to shifting priorities. Preferred Skills:

• Experience participating in user research and journey mapping.

• Familiarity with specific CMS platforms used by UKRI.

• Experience with data visualization and reporting tools for content performance.

• Understanding of content strategy frameworks and lifecycle management.

• Experience in a public sector or research/science-related organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Personal Specification" section directly translates into the required and preferred skills. The emphasis on GDS, accessibility, user-centered design, and stakeholder management points to a need for operational discipline and a structured approach to content delivery within a regulated environment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a portfolio showcasing a track record of drafting, editing, and publishing accessible digital content to GDS standards.

• Include examples of content design projects that clearly articulate user needs, evidence-based improvements, and the rationale behind design decisions.

• Showcase experience with Content Management Systems (CMS) and how content was managed and published.

• Provide examples of how data and analytics were used to evaluate content performance and drive evidence-based improvements.

• Present case studies illustrating successful collaboration with stakeholders to develop and refine content. Process Documentation:

• Portfolio should implicitly or explicitly demonstrate an understanding of content lifecycle management, from creation to archiving.

• Highlight examples of contributions to improving content processes, guidelines, or standards.

• Showcase an ability to explain and apply accessibility requirements and Government Digital Standards in practical content scenarios.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as a "portfolio requirement," the "Essential" criteria in the Personal Specification strongly imply the need for a portfolio that demonstrates these capabilities. For a Content Designer role with operational responsibilities, showcasing process improvement and adherence to standards is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £37,841 per annum.

Band: UKRI Band D.

Benefits:

• Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme.

• 30 days' annual leave (full-time equivalent).

• 10.5 public and privilege days (full-time equivalent).

• Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities.

• Employee assistance programme providing confidential help and advice.

• Flexible working options.

• Salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme.

• Potential for additional allowance for participating in the out-of-hours web publishing rota.

Working Hours: Full-time (approximately 40 hours per week) or Part-time (minimum 0.8 FTE). Flexible working is available.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is clearly stated. The benefits are comprehensive and typical for a public sector organization in the UK, emphasizing work-life balance and employee well-being, which can be attractive for operations roles requiring sustained focus and problem-solving. The mention of flexible working and hybrid arrangements is a key detail for work-life integration.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Science and Technology Research & Innovation. UKRI is a non-departmental public body that invests in research and innovation, bringing together seven disciplinary research councils, Research England, and Innovate UK.

Company Size: Large (UKRI is a significant national body). This implies a structured environment with established processes and a wide range of stakeholders.

Founded: UKRI was established in April 2018, bringing together existing bodies. This suggests a relatively modern organizational structure within a long-standing public service framework.

Team Structure:

• The Web Content Designer sits within the Web team, which is part of External Affairs, Communications and Public Engagement.

• The Web team is multidisciplinary, comprising content, product, and delivery experts.

• This team is responsible for the continuous improvement of the ukri.org website. Methodology:

• User-Centred Design: A core principle, emphasized through user research, journey mapping, and designing for external user needs.

• Data-Driven Improvement: Content decisions and improvements are informed by user feedback, data analytics, and performance evaluation.

• Agile/Continuous Improvement: Participation in continuous improvement projects (EPICs) and improvement of web team workflows suggests an agile or iterative approach to development and operations.

• Standards-Based Publishing: Strict adherence to Government Digital Standards (GDS) and accessibility standards forms the operational backbone for content.

Company Website: www.ukri.org

📝 Enhancement Note: The context of a large public sector research and innovation organization like UKRI is crucial. It implies a culture that values evidence, compliance, accessibility, and collaboration. The Web team operates with a product-centric, user-focused approach, integrating operational efficiency with strategic communication goals.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-level, often referred to as "Digital Content Designer" or "Senior Web Editor." This role requires independent work on content, some coordination, and the ability to influence standards and processes.

Reporting Structure: The role reports within the Web team, likely to a Web Manager or Delivery Manager, and collaborates extensively with content designers, product owners, developers, and subject matter experts across UKRI.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts the organization's external communication effectiveness by ensuring the ukri.org website is a clear, accessible, and user-friendly channel for crucial information on funding, research, and innovation. This directly supports UKRI's mission to advance knowledge, improve lives, and drive growth.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like accessibility, SEO for public sector content, or user research for digital platforms.

• Leadership: Progress to a Senior Content Designer role, leading on larger content projects, mentoring junior staff, or taking on more significant process improvement responsibilities.

• Product Management: Transition into a Web Product Owner or Delivery Manager role, focusing more on the strategic direction and delivery of web features and content.

• Cross-Functional Moves: Opportunities to move into broader communications, digital strategy, or GDS implementation roles within UKRI or other public sector organizations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a solid step for someone looking to build a career in digital operations within the public sector or large research organizations. The combination of content skills and operational responsibilities offers a pathway to more strategic digital roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid working model. The role requires a minimum of 2 days per week in the Polaris House, Swindon office.

Office Location(s): Polaris House, Swindon, Wiltshire, United Kingdom. This is a key operational hub for UKRI.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The Web team is multidisciplinary, fostering collaboration among content, product, and delivery experts. This environment supports shared learning and problem-solving.

• Tools & Technology: Access to CMS, analytics tools, and other digital platforms necessary for web content management and optimization.

• Cross-functional Interaction: Frequent interaction with internal partners and subject matter experts across various UKRI departments is expected, requiring strong communication and relationship-building skills.

Work Schedule: Standard working hours (full-time or 0.8 FTE minimum) with flexibility. Participation in an out-of-hours publishing rota is also a component, with additional allowance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model offers a balance between focused individual work (potentially at home) and collaborative team engagement and access to office resources in Swindon. Understanding the need for both remote and in-office presence is key for operations professionals.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application: Submit CV and a covering letter that clearly outlines how you meet the essential criteria and your motivation for applying.

• Shortlisting: Applications will be scored against the essential criteria. Candidates who opt into the disability confident scheme and best meet essential criteria will be shortlisted.

• Interview(s): Likely to involve a combination of behavioral and competency-based questions, potentially a practical content design exercise or presentation, and discussion of portfolio examples. The interview stage will assess both skills and cultural fit.

• Assessment: Essential criteria will be scored during shortlisting (S), interview (I), or both (S&I).

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Focus on 2-4 strong projects that best demonstrate your ability to meet the "Essential" criteria, particularly GDS compliance, accessibility, user-centered design, data-driven improvements, and stakeholder collaboration.

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

  • The Challenge/User Need: What problem were you trying to solve?
  • Your Role & Responsibilities: What specifically did you do?
  • Your Process: How did you apply user research, data, GDS, accessibility, and stakeholder input?
  • The Solution: What content or design changes were implemented?
  • The Results/Impact: Quantify improvements where possible (e.g., reduced bounce rate, increased task completion, improved user satisfaction) or describe qualitative benefits.

• Highlight GDS & Accessibility: Explicitly point out how your work adhered to these standards and what specific actions you took.

• Showcase Plain Language: Include examples of complex information you simplified.

• Prepare to Discuss: Be ready to walk interviewers through your portfolio and answer detailed questions about your design decisions and process.

Challenge Preparation:

• Content Exercise: Be prepared for a task that might involve editing existing content for accessibility and plain language, or creating new content based on a brief that requires user-centered thinking and adherence to GDS principles.

• Stakeholder Scenario: Practice how you would handle a situation where you need to influence a subject matter expert to adopt a user-centered approach or a GDS requirement that conflicts with their initial idea.

• Data Interpretation: Be ready to discuss how you would use hypothetical data (e.g., analytics reports) to inform content decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process emphasizes direct evidence against stated criteria. A well-structured portfolio that explicitly showcases adherence to GDS, accessibility, and user-centric principles, supported by data and stakeholder management examples, will be critical for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Content Management Systems (CMS): Essential for publishing and managing web content. Specific CMS platforms are not named, but proficiency in at least one major enterprise-level CMS is expected.

• Web Analytics Tools: For evaluating content performance (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or similar platforms).

• Content Design & Collaboration Tools: Potentially tools for wireframing, prototyping, user journey mapping, and collaborative document editing (e.g., Figma, Miro, Google Workspace).

• SEO Tools: For keyword research and content optimization (e.g., SEMrush, Ahrefs, Google Search Console).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Proficiency in interpreting data from web analytics platforms to inform content strategy and identify areas for improvement.

• Ability to generate reports or summaries on content performance for stakeholders. CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how web content integrates with broader organizational communication and engagement strategies is beneficial. Automation might be relevant for content workflows or publishing processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core requirement is proficiency in content management and a strong understanding of analytics and SEO. The ability to adapt to specific tools used within UKRI is also implied.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centred: A primary value, driving all decisions to ensure the website serves external audiences effectively.

• Evidence-Based: Decisions are informed by data, user research, and performance metrics, not just assumptions.

• Accessible & Inclusive: Commitment to making information available and understandable to everyone, regardless of ability or background, adhering to strict standards.

• Collaborative & Open: Fostering a team environment where ideas are shared, feedback is constructive, and cross-functional work is the norm.

• Efficient & Sustainable: Maintaining and improving workflows, content standards, and processes to ensure the website remains usable and manageable long-term.

• Impact-Oriented: Focused on delivering tangible benefits to the research and innovation community and wider society through clear communication.

Collaboration Style:

• Multidisciplinary Teamwork: Working closely with content, product, and delivery experts within the Web team.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Building strong, collaborative relationships with internal partners and subject matter experts, influencing and negotiating to achieve optimal outcomes for users.

• Process Improvement Culture: Actively participating in and contributing to the enhancement of team workflows and content standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes a professional, standards-driven, and user-focused approach. Collaboration is key, but it's underpinned by a commitment to data, evidence, and measurable impact.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Managing diverse requests and opinions from various internal subject matter experts while adhering to GDS and user needs.

• Simplifying Complexity: Translating highly technical or scientific information into plain, accessible language for a broad audience.

• Content Governance at Scale: Ensuring consistency, accuracy, and compliance across a large, information-rich website with numerous contributors.

• Adapting to Evolving Standards: Staying current with GDS updates, accessibility best practices, and SEO trends.

• Measuring Impact: Clearly demonstrating the ROI and effectiveness of content design efforts through data.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in accessibility (e.g., WCAG standards), SEO, user research methodologies, and specific content design frameworks.

• Professional Development: Access to training programs within UKRI, potentially including courses on project management, stakeholder engagement, and digital strategy.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced product and delivery experts within the Web team.

• Industry Engagement: Potential to attend relevant conferences or webinars related to digital content, GDS, and public sector communications.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities to refine operational skills within a structured, high-impact environment. The challenges are typical of large public sector digital operations, providing valuable experience for career growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to simplify complex scientific or technical information for a general audience. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Assesses plain language skills, user focus)

• "How do you ensure your web content meets accessibility standards and Government Digital Standards? Can you provide an example of a specific challenge you faced and how you overcame it?" (Assesses GDS and accessibility knowledge, problem-solving)

• "Walk us through a project where you used data and user feedback to improve existing web content. What metrics did you track, and what changes did you implement?" (Assesses data-driven approach, user research integration)

• "How would you manage a situation where a subject matter expert strongly disagreed with your content design recommendations based on GDS or user needs?" (Assesses stakeholder management, influence, negotiation)

• "Describe your experience with Content Management Systems. What are the key operational aspects of publishing content effectively through a CMS?" (Assesses practical CMS skills, operational awareness) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about UKRI and its mission? How do you see the ukri.org website supporting that mission?" (Assesses research, alignment with organizational goals)

• "What are your thoughts on the importance of user-centred design in the public sector?" (Assesses understanding of core principles)

• "How do you approach continuous improvement within a team or process?" (Assesses proactivity, operational mindset) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Lead with Impact: Start your portfolio walkthrough by highlighting the most impactful projects that directly address the essential criteria.

• Quantify & Qualify: For each case study, be ready to present measurable results (e.g., "increased task completion by 15%") or clear qualitative benefits (e.g., "significantly improved clarity for funding applicants").

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals if possible (screenshots, mockups) to illustrate your work.

• Explain Your 'Why': Clearly articulate the rationale behind your design choices, linking them back to user needs, data, GDS, and accessibility.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Expect detailed questions about your process, decision-making, and challenges encountered.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating practical application of core content design and operational principles, backed by concrete examples from your experience, especially those related to GDS, accessibility, and user research.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Content Designer position:

• Submit your application online via the provided link.

• Craft a compelling CV and Covering Letter: Ensure your CV highlights relevant experience, keywords (e.g., Content Design, GDS, Accessibility, CMS, User Research), and achievements. Your covering letter must explicitly address each essential criterion from the Personal Specification and articulate your motivation for joining UKRI.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of your best work that showcases your ability to draft, edit, and publish accessible digital content to GDS standards, use data for improvements, and manage stakeholder relationships. Be ready to present and discuss your portfolio in detail.

• Research UKRI: Understand the organization's mission, its role in research and innovation, and the importance of the ukri.org website. Familiarize yourself with the Government Digital Standards and UKRI's commitment to accessibility.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers to common competency-based questions, focusing on your experience with content design, GDS, accessibility, data analysis, and stakeholder management. Rehearse your portfolio presentation.

⚠️ 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.