Content Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Content Designer

Company: VicGov People Careers

Location: Footscray, Victoria, Australia

Job Type: Temporary (6-month contract)

Category: Government & Public Sector / Creative & Media / Technology

Date Posted: March 30, 2026

Experience Level: Entry to Mid-Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is focused on a human-centred approach to content design, emphasizing plain language and accessibility for diverse digital products and services.

• Collaboration with product designers is key to crafting exceptional customer experiences across various digital platforms.

• A significant component involves assisting with conversation design for the organization's chatbot, requiring an understanding of user interaction flows.

• The position is a fixed-term contract, offering a focused opportunity within a government agency environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the primary title is "Content Designer," the inclusion of "conversation design for our chatbot" and the emphasis on "digital products and services" suggests a strong leaning towards UX Writing and Conversational UX. The "0-2 years" experience level points to an entry-level to junior role within this specialization.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Champion and implement plain language principles across all digital content to ensure clarity and ease of understanding for all users.

• Design and develop accessible digital content solutions that comply with WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) and other relevant standards.

• Collaborate closely with product designers and cross-functional teams to integrate content seamlessly into user interfaces and digital product journeys.

• Craft engaging and effective user experiences through strategic content creation for various digital platforms, including websites and applications.

• Develop conversational flows and dialogue for the organization's chatbot, ensuring a natural and helpful user interaction.

• Conduct user research and content audits to identify areas for improvement and inform content strategy.

• Translate complex technical information and government policies into clear, concise, and user-friendly content.

• Contribute to the development and maintenance of content style guides and best practices.

• Ensure content adheres to brand guidelines and legal requirements.

• Participate in content reviews and provide constructive feedback to stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities have been expanded to reflect typical duties of a Content Designer with a UX focus, especially in a government context. The emphasis on accessibility, plain language, and chatbot conversation design is integrated throughout.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Communications, English, Journalism, Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field is typically preferred for content design roles.

Experience:

• 0-2 years of professional experience in content design, UX writing, technical writing, or a closely related field.

• Demonstrated experience in applying a human-centred design approach to content creation.

Required Skills:

• Content Design: Proven ability to craft clear, concise, and user-friendly content for digital interfaces.

• Plain Language: Expertise in writing for maximum comprehension by a broad audience, avoiding jargon.

• Accessibility Standards: Understanding of WCAG guidelines and experience in creating accessible content.

• User Experience (UX) Principles: Familiarity with UX design best practices and how content contributes to the overall user journey.

• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with designers, developers, and other stakeholders.

• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Research Skills: Ability to conduct user research, content audits, and gather insights to inform content decisions.

Preferred Skills:

• Conversation Design: Experience in designing conversational flows, dialogue, and interactions for chatbots or virtual assistants.

• Chatbot Platforms: Familiarity with chatbot development platforms or AI-driven content tools.

• Content Strategy: Understanding of content strategy principles, including content planning, governance, and lifecycle management.

• Information Architecture: Basic understanding of how content is organized and structured within digital products.

• Prototyping Tools: Familiarity with design and prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch) to visualize content placement.

• Agile Methodologies: Experience working in an Agile development environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The educational and experience requirements are inferred based on the "0-2 years" experience level and the nature of the role. Preferred skills are added to align with the specific mention of chatbot and conversation design.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated collection of work demonstrating your content design capabilities, with a strong emphasis on user-centred outcomes.

• Case studies showcasing projects where you've applied plain language principles and improved content accessibility.

• Examples of content created for digital products, websites, or applications, highlighting your ability to craft effective user experiences.

• If applicable, examples of conversation design work, such as chatbot scripts, dialogue flows, or user interaction scenarios.

Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to articulate your content design process, including how you approach user research, content planning, writing, editing, and testing.

• Demonstrate how you gather requirements, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and manage feedback to ensure content meets user needs and business objectives.

• Showcase your methods for ensuring content is accessible and compliant with relevant standards.

• Outline how you would approach conversation design for a chatbot, including mapping user intents, defining dialogue flows, and testing responses.

📝 Enhancement Note: Portfolio requirements are tailored to highlight the specific skills mentioned in the job description, such as plain language, accessibility, and conversation design, within a process-oriented framework.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

As this is a Victorian Government position, the salary will be determined by the Victorian Public Service Enterprise Agreement. Based on the VPS Grade 5 classification (inferred from the Position Description link and typical government structures), the salary range for a Content Designer in Victoria, Australia, is approximately AUD $81,000 - $93,000 per annum, plus superannuation.

Benefits:

• Superannuation: Employer contributions to a retirement savings fund (Superannuation Guarantee).

• Leave Entitlements: Generous annual leave, personal/carer's leave, and long service leave.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training and development to enhance skills in content design, UX, and conversation design.

• Flexible Work Arrangements: While this role is listed as on-site, the organization actively promotes flexible work, which may be negotiated.

• Work-Life Balance: Commitment to supporting employee well-being and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

• Public Sector Benefits: Access to various public sector benefits and employee assistance programs.

• Meaningful Work: Opportunity to contribute to public services that impact the lives of Victorians.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 38 hours per week, with potential for flexible arrangements.

• The role is listed as on-site, requiring physical presence at the Footscray location.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary range is estimated based on typical Victorian Public Service (VPS) Grade 5 classifications for similar roles in Australia. Benefits are standard for public sector employment in Victoria.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government & Public Sector. VicGov People Careers operates within the Victorian Government, focusing on digital service delivery and digital transformation initiatives to improve public services for citizens.

Company Size: Part of the Victorian Public Service, which is a large employer. The specific department (Digital Government Services - DGS) likely comprises several hundred to thousands of employees.

Founded: While the exact founding date of the specific department isn't provided, the Victorian Government itself has a long history, with digital service initiatives being a more recent focus.

Team Structure:

• The Content Designer will likely be part of a broader Digital Government Services (DGS) team, potentially within a Digital Design or Product Development unit.

• This team will include other designers (product designers, UX designers), developers, project managers, and potentially user researchers.

Methodology:

• The role emphasizes a human-centred design methodology, prioritizing user needs and outcomes.

• Agile and iterative development processes are likely employed, requiring adaptability and continuous feedback loops.

• A focus on data-driven decision-making and evidence-based design is expected.

• Emphasis on accessibility and inclusive design principles will guide content and product development.

Company Website: https://careers.people.vic.gov.au/ (and likely a primary Victorian Government digital services portal)

📝 Enhancement Note: Inferences about team structure and methodology are based on common practices within government digital service departments and the emphasis on human-centred design.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an entry to mid-level Content Designer (VPS Grade 5). It offers a solid foundation in user-centred content creation, accessibility, and digital product design within a government context.

Reporting Structure: The Content Designer will report to a Digital Design Lead, UX Manager, or a similar senior role within the Digital Government Services (DGS) team. They will work closely with Product Designers and other team members.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on the user experience of government digital services. By ensuring content is clear, accessible, and user-friendly, the Content Designer helps improve citizen access to services, enhances trust in government, and increases efficiency in service delivery. Contributions to chatbot conversation design can significantly improve user self-service capabilities and reduce support loads.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in UX writing, conversation design, and accessibility through specialized projects and training.

• Cross-Functional Experience: Gain exposure to various government digital products and services, expanding understanding of public sector operations.

• Content Strategy Development: Progress to roles involving content strategy, information architecture, and content governance.

• Leadership Potential: With experience, opportunities to mentor junior designers or lead content initiatives may arise.

• Permanent Opportunities: While this is a fixed-term role, successful performance can lead to opportunities for permanent positions within the Victorian Public Service.

📝 Enhancement Note: Career progression pathways are outlined based on typical trajectories for content design roles, especially within larger public service organizations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site in Footscray, Victoria. This likely means working within a modern government office environment that may include collaborative workspaces, meeting rooms, and dedicated desks.

Office Location(s): Footscray, VIC 3011, Australia. This is a well-established suburban hub with good public transport links.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a team-oriented workspace where interaction with product designers, developers, and project managers is frequent.

• Tools and Technology: Access to standard office software, design collaboration tools (e.g., Figma, Miro), and potentially specialized content management systems or chatbot platforms.

• Team Interaction: Regular team meetings, design critiques, and collaborative sessions are standard. The emphasis on human-centred design fosters an environment of open communication and feedback.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (e.g., 38 hours per week).

• While the role is on-site, the department promotes flexible work, suggesting potential for some flexibility in start/end times or break schedules, subject to operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of the workspace and work schedule is based on common practices in government office environments and the mention of flexible work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Your resume and cover letter addressing the key selection criteria will be assessed.

• Shortlisting: Candidates who best meet the requirements will be shortlisted.

• Interview Stage: Typically involves one or two interviews. This may include:

  • A discussion about your experience, approach to content design, plain language, and accessibility.
  • A portfolio review where you present examples of your work and discuss your process.
  • Scenario-based questions related to content challenges or conversation design.
  • Assessment of your cultural fit within the DGS team and Victorian Public Service values.

• Pre-employment Checks: Successful candidates will undergo a pre-employment declaration, consent form, and a National Police Check.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Process: Clearly articulate your thinking process for each piece of work. How did you understand the user need? What research did you conduct? What alternatives did you consider?

• Highlight Impact: Quantify the impact of your work where possible (e.g., improved user task completion, reduction in support queries, increased accessibility compliance).

• Focus on Key Skills: Ensure your portfolio prominently features examples demonstrating your plain language, accessibility, and user-centred design skills. Include any conversation design work if available.

• Tailor to the Role: Select examples that best align with the responsibilities of this specific Content Designer role, particularly those involving government services or complex information.

• Be Concise: Present your strongest pieces efficiently. Be prepared to walk through 2-3 key projects in detail.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss hypothetical scenarios, such as how you would approach redesigning content for a complex government form or designing a conversational flow for a common citizen inquiry.

• Practice articulating your rationale for design decisions and how you would balance user needs with government policy requirements.

• Prepare to talk about how you ensure content is inclusive and accessible to all Victorians.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview and portfolio review process is outlined based on standard government recruitment practices and expectations for a Content Designer role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Content Management Systems (CMS): Experience with government-specific or enterprise-level CMS platforms is beneficial.

• Collaboration Tools: Proficiency with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication and project management.

• Word Processing & Documentation: Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or similar for drafting and editing content.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics or Adobe Analytics to understand user behaviour and content performance.

• User Feedback Tools: Experience with survey platforms or feedback widgets to gather user insights.

CRM & Automation:

• Design Collaboration Software: Tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD for reviewing designs and understanding content placement within interfaces.

• Prototyping Tools: Experience with tools such as InVision, Axure, or Figma for creating interactive content prototypes.

• Chatbot Platforms: Basic familiarity with chatbot development or management platforms would be advantageous for the conversation design component.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is inferred based on typical tools used in digital product development and government agencies, with a focus on content creation, collaboration, and user experience.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A core value driving all design and content decisions, ensuring services meet the needs of Victorian citizens.

• Excellence: Striving for high quality in all aspects of digital service delivery, including content clarity, usability, and accessibility.

• Collaboration: Working together across disciplines to achieve shared goals and deliver integrated services.

• Inclusivity & Diversity: Commitment to creating services that are accessible and equitable for all Victorians, regardless of background or ability.

• Integrity: Upholding public trust through transparent and ethical practices in all work.

• Innovation: Embracing new approaches and technologies to improve public services.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional: Expect a highly collaborative environment where designers, writers, developers, researchers, and policy advisors work closely together.

• Iterative & Feedback-Driven: A culture that encourages continuous feedback, iteration, and improvement based on user testing and team input.

• Open Communication: Encouragement of open dialogue, constructive critique, and knowledge sharing to foster a learning environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: These values and collaboration styles are typical for public sector digital transformation teams, aligning with the stated goals of improving citizen services.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Bureaucracy: Working within a large government structure can sometimes involve complex approval processes and stakeholder management.

• Diverse User Needs: Catering to the wide range of needs, abilities, and digital literacy levels of the Victorian public presents a significant challenge in content design.

• Translating Policy: Effectively communicating complex government policies and regulations in simple, accessible language requires skill and careful iteration.

• Chatbot Complexity: Designing effective conversation flows for a chatbot that handles diverse user queries and emotions can be technically and creatively demanding.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to training in advanced UX writing, conversation design, accessibility auditing, and content strategy.

• Industry Exposure: Opportunities to attend relevant conferences, workshops, and webinars focused on digital government, UX, and content design.

• Mentorship: Potential for mentorship from senior designers or content strategists within the department.

• Portfolio Building: The fixed-term nature of the role provides a focused opportunity to build a strong portfolio with impactful government projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges and growth opportunities are framed within the context of a government digital services environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to explain a complex concept or policy to a general audience. How did you ensure clarity and accessibility?" (Prepare a STAR method example focusing on plain language and user comprehension).

• "How would you approach designing conversational content for a government chatbot that handles inquiries about [specific service, e.g., applying for a permit]?" (Outline your process, considering user intents, dialogue flow, error handling, and tone).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for the Victorian Government and specifically on digital services?" (Research DGS's mission and recent projects).

• "How do you ensure inclusivity and accessibility in your content design?" (Discuss your knowledge of standards like WCAG and your practical application).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each portfolio piece as a story: the problem, your process, the solution (your content), and the outcome/impact.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data or metrics to demonstrate the success of your content.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Visually showcase your content within its original context (e.g., screenshots of interfaces, chatbot dialogue snippets).

• Focus on Process: Be prepared to discuss your decision-making process, research methods, and how you iterated based on feedback.

• Address Chatbot Design: If you have conversation design examples, highlight them and explain your approach to creating natural, helpful user interactions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions and preparation tips are tailored to the specific requirements of a Content Designer role within a government context, emphasizing user-centricity, accessibility, and conversation design.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Content Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the VicGov People Careers portal before the closing date of Monday, April 13, 2026.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in content design, plain language, accessibility, and any conversation design work, using keywords from the job description.

• Cover Letter Crafting: Write a compelling cover letter (up to three pages) that directly addresses the key selection criteria. Provide specific examples of how your skills and experience align with the role's requirements, particularly in human-centred design and digital product development.

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate your portfolio to showcase relevant work, focusing on case studies that demonstrate your process and impact in plain language, accessibility, and user experience design. Be ready to present 2-3 key projects.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with the Victorian Government's digital initiatives and the Digital Government Services (DGS) department's mission and recent work to demonstrate your understanding and genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.