Content Designer

BMO
Full-timeβ€’$62k-114k/year (CAD)β€’Toronto, Canada

πŸ“ Job Overview

Job Title: Content Designer

Company: BMO

Location: Toronto, ON, Canada

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Marketing Operations / Content Strategy

Date Posted: April 29, 2026

Experience Level: 4-6 years

Remote Status: On-site

πŸš€ Role Summary

  • Develop and execute comprehensive brand content strategies aligned with customer journeys and desired experiences.

  • Manage content architecture, workflows, governance, and brand standards across various digital platforms.

  • Conduct user research and usability testing to ensure content is effective, accessible, and user-centric.

  • Leverage analytics and SEO best practices to optimize content performance, engagement, and conversion rates.

  • Collaborate cross-functionally to deliver structured, usable, and easily discoverable content that meets audience needs and organizational objectives.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: While the title is "Content Designer," the responsibilities heavily lean into the operational aspects of content management, strategy execution, and performance optimization, positioning this role within the broader scope of Marketing Operations or GTM Operations, particularly for a financial institution like BMO where consistent messaging and regulatory compliance are critical.

πŸ“ˆ Primary Responsibilities

  • Define and articulate key brand messages and value propositions for content initiatives.

  • Ensure content is strategically placed, appropriately formatted, and tailored to specific user needs and the customer journey.

  • Establish and maintain robust content workflows, management processes, and governance frameworks to ensure quality and consistency.

  • Create and disseminate content standards, including guidelines for style, tone of voice, and accessibility, ensuring adherence across all outputs.

  • Prioritize, plan, develop, and maintain content across multiple channels (digital experiences, social media, surveys, etc.) and for diverse audiences.

  • Conduct user research and usability testing to gather insights and validate content effectiveness.

  • Develop content models and provide recommendations for taxonomy and metadata to improve content discoverability and organization.

  • Utilize analytics tools to monitor content traffic, engagement metrics, lead generation, and conversion rates post-publication.

  • Implement content optimization strategies based on SEO best practices and conduct thorough keyword research to enhance organic visibility.

  • Apply knowledge of digital properties and platforms to design and optimize content structure for maximum impact and user experience.

  • Exercise judgment to identify, diagnose, and solve complex problems within established guidelines, often independently.

  • Take measured risks and apply the bank's Risk Management Framework to ensure sound, risk-informed decision-making.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of strategic content creation and operational execution, including governance, workflow management, and performance analysis, which are core to Revenue Operations and Marketing Operations functions. The inclusion of risk management frameworks is specific to the financial industry and crucial for operations roles within BMO.

πŸŽ“ Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

  • Typically 4-6 years of relevant experience in content design, strategy, or related roles.

Required Skills:

  • Foundational Proficiency:

    • Information Architecture: Designing the structure, organization, and navigation of content.
    • Stakeholder Management: Effectively collaborating with and influencing various internal partners.
    • Agile Delivery and Development: Working within agile frameworks for content production and deployment.
    • Design Thinking: Applying a human-centered approach to problem-solving and content creation.
    • Digital Fluency: Understanding of digital platforms, tools, and best practices.
  • Intermediate Proficiency:

    • Writing / Editing: Exceptional skills in crafting clear, concise, and engaging content.
    • Storytelling: Ability to weave narratives that resonate with target audiences.
    • Verbal & Written Communication Skills: Articulating ideas and information effectively.
    • Collaboration & Team Skills: Working productively within a team environment.
    • Analytical and Problem Solving Skills: Identifying issues and developing effective solutions.
    • Data-Driven Decision Making: Using data to inform content strategy and optimization.
    • Technology Graphic Tools: Proficiency with design software for visual content creation.
    • Technical Writing/Documentation: Creating clear and accurate technical content.
    • Illustration: Ability to create or direct the creation of visual elements.
    • Data Visualization: Presenting complex data in an understandable visual format.
    • Imaging Tools: Familiarity with image editing and manipulation software.
    • Media Content and Graphic Designs: Understanding of various media formats and design principles.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience with SEO best practices and keyword research tools.

  • Familiarity with content management systems (CMS).

  • Knowledge of accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG).

  • Experience with user research methodologies and usability testing.

  • Understanding of content governance and workflow automation tools.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The emphasis on intermediate proficiency across a broad range of creative, technical, and analytical skills, coupled with 4-6 years of experience, suggests a mid-level to senior individual contributor role. The inclusion of "Agile Delivery," "Information Architecture," and "Data-Driven Decision Making" are critical for operations-focused roles.

πŸ“Š Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Showcase a range of content projects demonstrating strategic thinking, user-centric design, and execution across different channels.

  • Include examples of content strategy development, including research, audience segmentation, and messaging frameworks.

  • Present case studies detailing the process of creating content for digital experiences, social media campaigns, or surveys, highlighting problem-solving and outcomes.

  • Demonstrate experience with information architecture, content modeling, and taxonomy/metadata recommendations.

Process Documentation:

  • Highlight experience in establishing and documenting content workflows, management processes, and governance frameworks.

  • Showcase examples of creating and disseminating content standards, including style, tone of voice, and accessibility guidelines.

  • Detail experience in conducting user research and usability testing, and how these insights informed content development and optimization.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: For a Content Designer role with operational responsibilities, a portfolio is crucial. It should not only display creative output but also the underlying strategic thinking, process implementation, and data-informed optimization efforts. This aligns with expectations for operations professionals who must demonstrate measurable impact.

πŸ’΅ Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $61,600.00 - $113,900.00 CAD per year

Benefits:

  • Health insurance

  • Tuition reimbursement

  • Accident insurance

  • Life insurance

  • Retirement savings plans

Working Hours:

  • Salaried position, typically implying a standard 40-hour work week, with potential for overtime depending on project demands.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is a guideline. Actual compensation will vary based on factors such as location (Toronto), specific skills, experience level, education, and qualifications. The "Salaried" pay type suggests a fixed annual income, but performance-based incentives are also mentioned, common in roles influencing business outcomes. The benefits package is comprehensive, typical for a large financial institution.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏒 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (Banking)

Company Size: Large enterprise (implied by BMO's global presence and extensive job postings)

Founded: 1817 (BMO Financial Group has a long-standing history)

Team Structure:

  • This role falls under the "Customer Solutions" job family group, indicating a focus on enhancing customer experience through content.

  • Likely part of a broader marketing, digital, or customer experience team, with potential for collaboration across various business units and enterprise-wide initiatives.

Methodology:

  • Employs a data-driven approach to content strategy and optimization, utilizing analytics and SEO.

  • Utilizes design thinking and agile methodologies for content development and delivery.

  • Operates within a structured risk management framework, ensuring compliance and sound decision-making.

  • Values collaboration and cross-functional teamwork to achieve business objectives.

Company Website: https://www.bmo.com/

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: BMO's long history and position as a major financial institution suggest a culture that balances innovation with stability and a strong emphasis on risk management and compliance. The "Customer Solutions" domain highlights a customer-centric approach, where content plays a vital role in engagement and support.

πŸ“ˆ Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Content Designer role appears to be at an intermediate to advanced individual contributor level. It requires significant experience (4-6 years) and a broad skill set, including strategic planning, execution, and analytical capabilities. It involves independent work on complex tasks and potential for unique situations.

Reporting Structure: The role is within the "Customer Solutions" job family. The specific reporting manager would likely be a Content Lead, Marketing Manager, Digital Strategy Manager, or a similar role within a relevant department, with potential for reporting up to higher levels of marketing or operations leadership within BMO.

Operations Impact:

  • The Content Designer directly impacts customer acquisition, engagement, and retention by creating compelling and effective content.

  • Optimized content improves user experience, reduces support costs, and drives conversions, contributing directly to business and life goals as per BMO's purpose.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific content areas like SEO content optimization, UX writing, or content strategy for financial services.

  • Leadership: Transition into roles like Senior Content Designer, Content Strategist, or lead content initiatives within specific business units or projects.

  • Cross-functional Development: Gain exposure to broader marketing operations, digital strategy, product management, or UX design through cross-team projects.

  • Skill Enhancement: Opportunities for training and development in advanced analytics, new digital platforms, AI in content creation, and specialized financial content regulations.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The role offers a solid foundation for growth within operations and marketing functions. The emphasis on data, strategy, and user experience provides transferable skills valuable across various GTM and operations disciplines.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, implying a traditional office setting with physical workspaces. This is typical for roles requiring collaboration, access to specific resources, and adherence to strict security protocols in the financial sector.

Office Location(s):

Workspace Context:

  • Collaborative environment: The role requires interaction with stakeholders, designers, and potentially other operations or marketing team members.

  • Technology & Tools: Access to necessary digital tools, design software, analytics platforms, and potentially project management systems will be provided.

Work Schedule:

  • Standard full-time hours (likely 40 hours/week) are expected. Flexibility may be available based on team norms and project needs, but the on-site requirement suggests a structured schedule.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: An on-site role in a major financial hub like Toronto suggests a professional and structured work environment. The emphasis on collaboration and access to resources is key for roles involving complex content strategy and execution.

πŸ“„ Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: HR or recruiter review of application and resume, focusing on experience and alignment with core requirements.

  • Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion of experience, skills, and fit with the team and BMO's culture. Expect questions about past projects and problem-solving approaches.

  • Portfolio Review: A critical stage where candidates will present their work. This will likely involve explaining the strategy, process, challenges, and outcomes of selected projects, with a focus on data-driven results and user impact.

  • Skills Assessment/Case Study: Potentially a practical exercise or case study simulating a content design challenge relevant to BMO's context (e.g., optimizing content for a specific financial product or customer journey).

  • Final Interview: May involve meeting with senior leadership or cross-functional stakeholders to assess broader impact and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase the required skills (Information Architecture, SEO, User Research, Analytics, Strategy).

  • Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the solution (content strategy/design), and the measurable results (e.g., increased engagement, conversion rates, improved SEO ranking, reduced bounce rates). Use specific numbers and analytics where possible.

  • Detail Your Process: Explain your methodologyβ€”how you approached research, planning, content creation, collaboration, and optimization. Highlight your use of design thinking, agile, and data.

  • Showcase Brand Alignment: Demonstrate your understanding of brand voice, style, and governance, and how you applied them.

  • Prepare for Q&A: Be ready to discuss your decisions, defend your choices, and elaborate on any aspect of your work.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Understand BMO: Research BMO's brand, its products, target audience, and recent campaigns. Understand their stated purpose ("Boldly Grow the Good in business and life").

  • Financial Services Context: Familiarize yourself with common content challenges in the financial industry (e.g., regulatory compliance, simplifying complex topics, building trust).

  • Practice Problem-Solving: Prepare to tackle hypothetical content challenges related to customer acquisition, user education, or improving digital experience for financial products. Focus on structured problem-solving and data-informed solutions.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is paramount for this role. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not just creative output but also strategic thinking, process management, and measurable impact, aligning with operations expectations.

πŸ›  Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools (Likely Used/Required):

  • Content Management Systems (CMS): Experience with enterprise-level CMS platforms (e.g., Adobe Experience Manager, Sitecore, WordPress VIP) for content publishing and management.

  • Design Software: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Figma, Sketch for graphic design, illustration, and prototyping.

  • Analytics & Reporting: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or similar platforms for tracking content performance, user behavior, and SEO metrics.

  • SEO Tools: SEMrush, Ahrefs, Moz, Google Search Console for keyword research, competitive analysis, and SEO optimization.

  • Collaboration Tools: Microsoft Teams, Slack, Jira, Confluence for team communication, project management, and documentation.

  • User Research & Testing Tools: SurveyMonkey, Typeform, UserTesting.com, Hotjar for gathering user feedback and conducting usability studies.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • Proficiency in interpreting data from web analytics tools to inform content strategy and measure ROI.

CRM & Automation:

  • Familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) for understanding customer data and how content integrates with customer journeys.

  • Understanding of marketing automation platforms (e.g., Marketo, HubSpot) and how content fuels automated campaigns.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Proficiency in a wide array of digital content creation, management, analytics, and optimization tools is expected. This reflects the operational nature of the role, requiring technical aptitude beyond pure creative design.

πŸ‘₯ Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Boldly Grow the Good: A core BMO value that translates to creating content that is not only effective but also contributes positively to customers and society.

  • Customer-Centricity: Prioritizing the customer journey and user experience in all content decisions.

  • Data-Driven: Utilizing analytics and insights to guide strategy, measure success, and continuously improve content.

  • Efficiency & Optimization: Striving for streamlined content workflows, effective governance, and optimized content performance.

  • Collaboration: Working effectively with diverse teams to achieve common goals.

  • Risk Awareness: Understanding and applying risk management principles in content creation and deployment, especially critical in financial services.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-functional Integration: Actively working with marketing, digital, product, legal, compliance, and other teams to ensure content is aligned and impactful.

  • Process Improvement Focus: Openness to feedback and continuous refinement of content workflows, standards, and tools.

  • Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share insights from user research, analytics, and best practices to elevate the team's overall capabilities.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The BMO values, particularly "Boldly Grow the Good," combined with the operational demands of the role, suggest a culture that values purposeful work, ethical practices, and continuous improvement in delivering value to customers.

⚑ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Simplifying Complex Financial Information: Translating intricate financial products, services, and regulations into clear, accessible, and engaging content for diverse audiences.

  • Balancing Brand Consistency with Channel Specificity: Ensuring a unified brand voice and style across all platforms while tailoring content for optimal performance on each channel.

  • Navigating Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to strict financial industry regulations and internal compliance guidelines without stifling creativity or user engagement.

  • Demonstrating ROI of Content: Clearly measuring and articulating the business impact and return on investment of content initiatives to stakeholders.

  • Keeping Pace with Digital Trends: Continuously adapting content strategies and tools to evolving digital platforms, user behaviors, and SEO best practices.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Advanced Analytics & AI: Training in advanced content analytics, predictive modeling, and the application of AI in content creation and optimization.

  • UX Writing & Microcopy: Specializing in crafting user interface text that enhances usability and guides users through digital products.

  • Content Strategy for Financial Services: Deepening expertise in regulatory content requirements, financial literacy communication, and trust-building strategies in the finance sector.

  • Leadership & Mentorship: Opportunities to mentor junior designers, lead content initiatives, or move into strategic content leadership roles.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges that are common in regulated industries but also offers substantial opportunities for professional growth and specialization within the dynamic field of content operations and strategy.

πŸ’‘ Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe your process for developing a content strategy for a new financial product. How would you incorporate customer journey mapping, stakeholder input, and SEO?"

  • "How do you balance the need for brand consistency with the requirement to tailor content for different digital channels and audiences?"

  • "Walk us through a time you used analytics or user research to significantly improve the performance of a piece of content or a content strategy."

Company & Culture Questions:

  • "How do BMO's values, particularly 'Boldly Grow the Good,' influence your approach to content design?"

  • "What do you know about BMO's target audience and how would you tailor content to resonate with them?"

  • "Describe your experience working in a regulated industry. How do you ensure compliance while maintaining engaging content?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem, your specific role, the strategic approach, the execution process, and the measurable results. Use a STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) as a framework.

  • Highlight Operations: Emphasize the operational aspects: your process, workflow management, governance considerations, and how you used data and tools for optimization.

  • Quantify Everything Possible: Use metrics to demonstrate impactβ€”e.g., "Increased conversion rate by 15%", "Improved SEO ranking for key terms by 10 spots", "Reduced user errors by 20% through clearer instructions."

  • Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your design choices, research methods, collaboration challenges, and how you would adapt your approach for BMO.

  • Showcase Adaptability: Demonstrate your ability to work with different types of content, channels, and audiences, and your willingness to learn new tools and technologies.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on articulating strategic thinking, process rigor, and data-driven outcomes, reflecting the operational demands of the role. The portfolio presentation is a key opportunity to showcase these aspects.

πŸ“Œ Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

  • Submit your application through the provided Workday link: https://bmo.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/Privileged/job/Toronto-ON-CAN/Content-Designer_R260010992-2

  • Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords and responsibilities mentioned in this job description, emphasizing experience in information architecture, content strategy, SEO, analytics, and agile delivery. Quantify achievements wherever possible.

  • Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your most relevant projects that showcase your strategic thinking, process implementation, and measurable results. Ensure your portfolio highlights how you've used data and user insights to drive content optimization.

  • Research BMO: Understand BMO's mission, values, recent campaigns, and target audience. Familiarize yourself with their digital presence and any content initiatives you can find.

  • Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio and answering common interview questions, focusing on clearly articulating your process, strategic rationale, and the impact of your work.

⚠️ 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.

Application Requirements

Candidates must possess 4-6 years of relevant experience and a post-secondary degree in a related field. Proficiency in information architecture, agile delivery, and various design and technical tools is required.