Digital Content Designer (Multimedia)- The National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Digital Content Designer (Multimedia)

Company: UNSW - The National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health

Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Science & Research / Social Services

Date Posted: July 29, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in transforming complex research and evidence into accessible, engaging digital content, including infographics, animations, and videos, to support the Centre's communication and engagement objectives.

• The Digital Content Designer will collaborate cross-functionally to ensure brand alignment and enhance the Centre's digital presence across various platforms.

• A key focus will be placed on inclusivity and accessibility in all digital communications, catering to diverse audiences, including individuals with lived experience of disability.

• This position requires a blend of creative design skills, technical proficiency in multimedia production, and a strategic understanding of how to translate research into impactful community engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is titled "Digital Content Designer," the responsibilities and required skills strongly align with a "Multimedia Designer" or "Creative Content Specialist" in a research or non-profit context. The emphasis on translating complex information and engaging diverse audiences, including those with lived experience of disability, highlights a specialized GTM (Go-To-Market) communications function focused on impact and outreach rather than direct sales or revenue generation.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and design high-quality, accessible visual content (infographics, animations, motion graphics, videos, reports) that effectively communicates complex research findings and data.

• Create engaging digital assets for various platforms, including websites, social media channels, and publications, ensuring optimization for each medium.

• Collaborate closely with researchers, communication managers, and stakeholders to understand project requirements and translate them into compelling visual narratives.

• Manage multiple design projects concurrently, adhering to project timelines, brand guidelines, and accessibility standards.

• Plan, shoot, and edit video content for digital platforms, including social media reels, stories, and website integration.

• Produce animated content and motion graphics to enhance key messages and support digital engagement strategies.

• Ensure all digital content adheres to accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG guidelines) to reach the widest possible audience.

• Contribute innovative design solutions to enhance the Centre's overall digital presence and outreach efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities emphasize the creation and dissemination of information, aligning it with a strategic communications function within a research institution. The focus on "translating research" and "community impact" positions this role as a critical component of the organization's outreach and knowledge translation strategy, rather than a traditional sales or revenue operations role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Design, Digital Media, Communications Design, or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience. Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in graphic design for reports, publications, and long-form documents, with a strong emphasis on layout, typography, visual hierarchy, and accessibility.

• Proven experience creating engaging digital content for websites and social media, including static graphics, animations, and short-form video.

• Experience in planning, shooting, and editing video content for digital platforms.

• Experience producing animated content, including motion graphics and short animated videos.

• Experience working with people with lived experience of disability, including intellectual disability, or a demonstrated commitment to inclusive practices. Required Skills:

• High-level proficiency in industry-standard design and digital production tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite - Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, Premiere Pro).

• Strong understanding of graphic design principles, including layout, typography, color theory, and visual hierarchy.

• Expertise in creating accessible digital content that adheres to relevant guidelines.

• Ability to translate complex information, research, and data into clear, engaging, and accurate visual summaries.

• Skill in producing animated content, motion graphics, and short-form video.

• Video planning, shooting, and editing capabilities.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills for stakeholder engagement.

• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with web content management systems (CMS).

• Familiarity with user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design principles.

• Knowledge of current digital marketing and social media trends.

• Experience in a research or academic environment.

• Understanding of intellectual disability health or related fields.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills are heavily skewed towards creative and technical design competencies. While "stakeholder collaboration" is mentioned, the core of the role is content creation. The emphasis on "accessibility" and "inclusion" is particularly important given the organization's focus.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of digital and multimedia design work, demonstrating versatility across different formats (infographics, animations, video, reports).

• Specific examples of how complex information or research has been translated into accessible and engaging visual content.

• Demonstrations of projects that highlight attention to layout, typography, and visual hierarchy in long-form documents and publications.

• Case studies or examples of digital content created for websites and social media platforms, illustrating engagement strategies and channel optimization.

• Evidence of creating animated content and motion graphics, showcasing technical skill and creative storytelling.

• Examples of video production, including planning, shooting, and editing for digital distribution.

• Projects that explicitly demonstrate adherence to accessibility standards in design. Process Documentation:

• Candidates may be asked to describe their process for taking a project from brief to final deliverable, emphasizing workflow, collaboration, and iteration.

• Understanding of how to document and present design processes that lead to efficient and effective content creation.

• Ability to articulate the steps involved in ensuring accessibility and inclusivity throughout the design lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a creative role like this, a strong portfolio is paramount. The emphasis here is on demonstrating the practical application of design skills to communicate complex information and reach diverse audiences, with a specific requirement for showcasing accessibility and translation of research.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: AUD $108,021 + 17% Superannuation + Annual Leave Loading per year (Professional Level 6).

Benefits:

• 17% Superannuation contributions

• Annual leave loading payments

• 10 days paid cultural leave per year

• Additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas period

• Career development opportunities

• Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness)

Working Hours: Full Time, 35 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is clearly stated for the specified Professional Level 6. The benefits package is comprehensive and aligns with typical university sector offerings in Australia, emphasizing professional development and generous leave provisions. The 35-hour work week is also standard for many academic and research institutions.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education / Health Research / Non-Profit

Company Size: Large (University sector, UNSW is a major institution with tens of thousands of employees and students). The National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health operates as a specialized unit within UNSW.

Founded: UNSW was founded in 1949. The National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health has its own operational history focused on its specific mission.

Team Structure:

• The Digital Content Designer reports to the Media and Communications Manager.

• This role will likely be part of a broader communications or marketing team within the Centre or UNSW.

• Close collaboration with researchers, academics, and potentially external partners is expected.

• The Centre itself focuses on intellectual disability health, suggesting a mission-driven, research-oriented, and impact-focused team culture. Methodology:

• Data-driven content creation: Translating research, evidence, and data into visual formats.

• Collaborative development: Working with subject matter experts and stakeholders to refine content.

• Accessibility-first approach: Prioritizing inclusive design principles.

• Impact-oriented communication: Aiming to translate research into community impact and informed public understanding.

Company Website: https://www.unsw.edu.au/ and https://nceidh.org.au/

📝 Enhancement Note: UNSW is a large, established university with a strong research focus. The National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health operates within this framework, implying a culture that values academic rigor, research translation, and social impact. The emphasis on working with people with lived experience suggests a commitment to co-design and user-centered approaches.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a professional level (PL6) within a university structure, typically indicating mid-level expertise and responsibility. It's a specialized creative role rather than a traditional operations management track.

Reporting Structure: Reports to the Media and Communications Manager, indicating a clear line of reporting within a communications department.

Operations Impact: The "impact" of this role is measured by the effectiveness of communication and engagement, the reach of the Centre's research and information, and the ability to translate complex topics into understandable formats for diverse audiences. It contributes to the Centre's strategic objectives by enhancing its digital presence and knowledge dissemination.

Growth Opportunities:

• Development of specialized skills in accessible digital content creation and research translation.

• Potential to lead design projects or mentor junior designers as the Centre grows or within UNSW.

• Opportunities to deepen expertise in multimedia production (animation, video editing) and advanced design software.

• Exposure to cutting-edge research in intellectual disability health, fostering a unique domain expertise.

• Advancement to senior designer or communications specialist roles within UNSW or similar research/academic institutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth in this role is likely to be vertical within specialized design and communications functions, or lateral into broader communications management roles within the university or research sector. It's not a typical "operations" career path but rather a specialist creative track.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: University campus environment. The role is based at the Kensington Campus, NSW. This suggests a professional, academic setting with access to university resources.

Office Location(s): Kensington Campus, New South Wales, Australia.

Workspace Context:

• Likely a collaborative office environment within the Centre or a dedicated communications department.

• Access to standard office technology, potentially specialized design hardware and software.

• Opportunities for interaction with a diverse team of researchers, communication specialists, and potentially students.

• A focus on creating impactful content within a mission-driven organization.

Work Schedule: Full-time, 35 hours per week, on-site. While the core hours are fixed, there might be some flexibility depending on project deadlines, but the "on-site" requirement is firm.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role emphasizes the need for in-person collaboration, access to campus facilities, and direct engagement with the team and potentially research materials.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Screening of resumes and cover letters for essential qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's focus on accessibility and research translation.

• Portfolio Submission & Review: Candidates will be required to submit a portfolio. This will be a critical component, evaluated for design quality, technical skill, creativity, and ability to translate complex information.

• Interview Stage 1: Likely a screening interview with the hiring manager (Aarti) or HR to assess general fit, communication skills, and understanding of the role.

• Interview Stage 2 (or Combined): A more in-depth interview, potentially including a panel with other team members or stakeholders. This stage will focus on technical skills, problem-solving abilities, understanding of accessibility, and experience with diverse audiences. A portfolio walkthrough will be expected.

• Skills Assessment/Practical Task: Candidates may be given a small design challenge or asked to present on a specific portfolio piece to assess their practical skills and thought process.

• Pre-Employment Checks: Reference checks, qualification verification, Working with Children Check, and Criminal History Check.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Diversity: Include a range of projects that demonstrate your ability to work across different media (print, digital, animation, video) and for diverse audiences.

• Highlight Research Translation: Clearly indicate projects where you translated complex data or research into accessible infographics, summaries, or visual narratives.

• Emphasize Accessibility: If possible, include examples that specifically address accessibility standards, or be prepared to discuss how you incorporated them.

• Tell the Story: For each project, explain the brief, your process, the challenges you faced, and the outcome or impact. Quantify results if possible (e.g., engagement metrics, reach).

• Technical Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates your command of design software (Adobe Creative Suite, animation tools, video editing software).

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your design process, your approach to accessibility, and how you would tackle a brief to communicate complex research.

• Review current trends in digital content design, particularly in the non-profit and research sectors.

• Think about how to effectively collaborate with non-designers (researchers) to achieve project goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the cornerstone of this application. Candidates should curate their best work, specifically highlighting projects that align with the role's unique requirements of translating complex research for diverse and inclusive audiences.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Photoshop: For image editing and manipulation.
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, infographics, and illustrations.
  • InDesign: For layout and design of reports, publications, and long-form documents.
  • After Effects: For motion graphics and animation creation.
  • Premiere Pro: For video editing and post-production.

• Video Production Equipment: Cameras, microphones, lighting (candidate may need to use existing or advise on needs).

• Potential for:

  • Figma/Sketch: For UI/UX considerations if web design aspects are involved.
  • Project Management Software: (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira) for task management.
  • Content Management Systems (CMS): Familiarity with platforms like WordPress for website content integration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Understanding of how to interpret basic analytics for digital content (e.g., social media engagement metrics, website traffic) to inform design decisions. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role, as it's focused on content creation rather than sales or marketing automation. However, understanding how content is distributed via various channels is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable and should be a primary focus for candidates. The ability to handle video and animation is also a key technical requirement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Impact & Purpose: Driven by the mission to improve intellectual disability health through effective communication and research translation.

• Inclusivity & Accessibility: A core value, ensuring all content is usable and understandable by diverse audiences, especially individuals with lived experience.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Working closely with researchers, stakeholders, and potentially individuals with disabilities to co-create content.

• Excellence & Rigor: Upholding high standards in design and communication, reflecting the academic and research integrity of UNSW.

• Innovation: Seeking creative ways to present complex information and engage audiences effectively.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional teamwork is essential, requiring strong communication with non-designers (researchers, managers).

• A consultative approach to design, incorporating feedback from subject matter experts and potentially end-users.

• Openness to iterative design processes and constructive feedback.

• Emphasis on clear communication to ensure project requirements are met and content is accurate.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is likely to be mission-driven, research-oriented, and highly focused on social impact. Candidates who are passionate about making a difference through their creative skills will find this environment appealing.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complex Research: The primary challenge is distilling dense academic research and data into easily digestible and engaging visual formats.

• Diverse Audience Needs: Catering to a broad spectrum of audiences, including those with intellectual disabilities, requiring careful consideration of accessibility and clarity.

• Balancing Brand and Message: Ensuring brand consistency while creatively communicating diverse research findings.

• Managing Stakeholder Expectations: Collaborating effectively with various academic and communication professionals who may have different vision for content.

• Keeping Pace with Technology: Continuously learning and adapting to new design tools and digital media trends.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Skill Development: Deepen expertise in areas like advanced motion graphics, video production, or specific accessibility design standards.

• Industry Conferences & Workshops: Potential to attend events related to design, digital media, research communication, or disability advocacy.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from experienced communication professionals within UNSW.

• Domain Knowledge: Gaining in-depth understanding of intellectual disability health research.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth in a niche but impactful field, combining creative skills with a meaningful mission.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for translating complex research data into an engaging infographic."

  • Preparation: Have a specific project in mind. Detail your steps from understanding the data, identifying key messages, choosing visual elements, considering accessibility, and iterating based on feedback.

• "How do you ensure your digital content is accessible to diverse audiences, including those with intellectual disabilities?"

  • Preparation: Discuss specific accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG), your approach to typography, color contrast, clear language, and potentially your experience working with or understanding the needs of people with disabilities.

• "Walk us through a project from your portfolio where you created animated or video content for digital platforms. What was the objective, your role, and the outcome?"

  • Preparation: Select a strong example. Be ready to discuss the creative choices, technical execution, challenges, and any measurable impact.

• "How would you collaborate with researchers who may not have a design background to develop content?"

  • Preparation: Emphasize active listening, clear communication of design principles, managing expectations, and finding common ground to achieve project goals. Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about the National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health and UNSW's mission?"

  • Preparation: Research the Centre's work, publications, and mission. Connect your values and skills to their goals.

• "How do you approach working within a team that has a strong research or academic focus?"

  • Preparation: Highlight your ability to respect subject matter expertise, learn new information, and contribute creative solutions within a rigorous environment.

• "What does 'impact' mean to you in the context of digital content design for a health research centre?"

  • Preparation: Discuss how effective design can increase awareness, understanding, engagement, and ultimately, influence positive change or inform policy. Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by the complexity of the information translated.

• Narrative for Each Project: For each piece, provide context: the client/project goal, your role, the challenge, your solution, and the results.

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out where your portfolio demonstrates proficiency in accessibility, research translation, animation, video, and graphic design.

• Be Ready for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, technical processes, and how you handle feedback.

• Focus on Impact: Always tie your design work back to the objective of clear communication and audience engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily leverage the candidate's portfolio. Preparation should focus on articulating the "why" and "how" behind design decisions, demonstrating a deep understanding of accessibility, and showing passion for the Centre's mission.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Digital Content Designer position:

• Submit your application through the UNSW application portal before the deadline of Wednesday, August 12th, 2026, at 11:55 pm.

• Curate and Prepare Your Portfolio: Select your strongest pieces that best showcase your ability to translate complex information into engaging, accessible multimedia content. Ensure it is well-organized and easy to navigate.

• Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter: Highlight specific experiences and skills directly relevant to graphic design, multimedia production, accessibility, and research communication. Use keywords from the job description.

• Practice Your Portfolio Walkthrough: Be prepared to present and discuss key projects from your portfolio during interviews, explaining your process, design choices, and impact.

• Research the Centre: Understand the National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health's mission, recent projects, and target audiences to better articulate your interest and fit during the interview process.

⚠️ 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.