Senior/Staff/Principal Content Designer (ACF)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior/Staff/Principal Content Designer (ACF)

Company: Skylight

Location: United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Content Design / UX Content Strategy

Date Posted: 2026-03-27

Experience Level: 10+ Years (Senior/Staff/Principal)

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive user-centered content strategy and practices within cross-functional teams to enhance public services.

• Research, write, edit, and organize content for government programs, ensuring clarity, usability, and accessibility in plain language.

• Develop and implement UX copy, including microcopy, error messaging, and in-product text, to improve user experience across government applications.

• Establish content tone, voice, and standards, and conduct user testing to iterate and refine content based on feedback.

• Design and advocate for sustainable content governance strategies and user-centered workflows within client engagements.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a senior-level position, indicated by the "Senior/Staff/Principal" title, suggesting a need for strong strategic thinking, leadership, and the ability to mentor junior designers. The focus on government services implies a requirement for navigating complex stakeholder environments and adhering to specific compliance and usability standards.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of content strategies that align user needs with government program objectives.

• Conduct user research, including interviews and content testing, to gather insights and inform content design decisions.

• Craft clear, concise, and accessible content for various platforms, including websites, applications, and user interfaces, adhering to plain language principles.

• Define and maintain content style guides, tone of voice guidelines, and content governance frameworks for government clients.

• Collaborate with UX designers, researchers, product managers, and engineers to integrate content seamlessly into product design and development.

• Facilitate content strategy workshops and training sessions for internal teams and external clients.

• Advocate for content design best practices and user-centered approaches with stakeholders at all levels.

• Analyze content performance metrics and user feedback to identify areas for improvement and optimization.

• Contribute to business development efforts by assisting in proposal writing and client presentations, showcasing content design expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of strategic planning, hands-on content creation, user advocacy, and client-facing engagement, typical of senior roles in a digital consultancy focused on public sector impact.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in English, Communications, Journalism, HCI, or a related field is often preferred for roles requiring strong writing and strategic communication skills. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in content design, UX writing, content strategy, or a closely related field is expected for Senior/Staff/Principal levels. Specific experience in professional services or consulting environments, particularly with government clients, is highly advantageous.

Required Skills:

• Proven ability to lead and advocate for user-centered content design methodologies and best practices.

• Demonstrated strategic thinking regarding content's impact on user experience and business objectives.

• Expertise in evidence-based content design, including user research, content testing, and data-driven decision-making.

• Mastery of writing user-centered content, including UX copy, microcopy, error messages, and notifications.

• Proficiency in developing and implementing content standards, style guides, and content governance frameworks.

• Basic technical skills, including familiarity with editing content using markup languages like HTML.

• Strong client communication and stakeholder management skills within a professional services context.

• Passion for improving public services through effective design and communication.

Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience working within the civic tech space or on government-related projects.

• Experience working effectively in a remote-team environment.

• Experience facilitating workshops and training sessions on content design.

• Knowledge of accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) and their application to content.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "10+" years of experience requirement for Senior/Staff/Principal levels indicates a need for candidates who can demonstrate leadership, mentorship, and a deep understanding of content strategy principles at a strategic level, not just execution. The emphasis on government experience is a strong differentiator.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase 1-2 work samples that best demonstrate your expertise in user-centered content design, strategic thinking, and plain language application.

• Samples should highlight your ability to tailor information to specific user needs and improve public services.

• Include examples of UX copy, content strategy development, content governance, or user testing outcomes.

• Ensure clear articulation of the problem, your process, the solution, and measurable impact or outcomes.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate experience in designing and documenting content workflows, from research to publication and iteration.

• Illustrate how you've implemented content governance strategies and maintained consistency across projects.

• Show evidence of user-centered processes for content creation, testing, and refinement.

• Highlight your approach to collaborating with cross-functional teams and stakeholders on content initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirement emphasizes showcasing strategic impact and process rather than just final output. For senior roles, demonstrating the ability to design and govern content processes is as crucial as creating excellent content itself.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Associate Content Designer: $90,000–$125,000

• Content Designer I: $120,000–$140,000

• Content Designer II: $135,000–$160,000

• Senior Content Designer: $150,000–$185,000

• Staff Content Designer: $170,000–$203,000

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• Income protection: Short-term and long-term disability insurance, life and AD&D insurance.

• Savings and spending accounts: Dependent care FSA, healthcare FSA, health savings account (HSA).

• Retirement savings: 401(k) with a generous dollar-for-dollar match up to 10% of salary, with no vesting period.

• Generous Paid Time Off: Approximately 25 days of PTO annually, plus 11 paid federal holidays.

• Family support: Up to 12 weeks of paid time off for eligible new parents (birth, adoption, foster).

• Performance-based rewards: Annual salary increases, annual performance bonuses, spot bonuses, and stock options.

• Additional incentives: Business development/sales bonuses and referral bonuses.

• Professional development: Annual $2,000 allowance for learning and growth.

• Technology stipend: Annual $750 allowance for tech-related purchases.

• Company merchandise: Annual $100 swag budget.

• Charitable giving: Dollar-for-dollar donation matching up to $500 annually.

Working Hours: This is a full-time, exempt position, typically requiring around 40 hours per week. The company offers a flexible, remote-friendly work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary ranges provided are specific to the job title and clearly differentiate levels within the Content Designer track. The extensive benefits package highlights the company's commitment to employee well-being and professional growth, with a notable 401(k) match and ample allowances.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Digital consultancy focused on improving public services through design and technology. This places Skylight at the intersection of the government sector, technology, and user experience design.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the structure of the job levels (Associate to Principal) and the comprehensive benefits suggest a growing, established company, likely in the mid-size range (50-250 employees), enabling both structure and agility.

Founded: The company's focus on reinventing government services positions it as a modern, forward-thinking organization dedicated to public interest technology.

Team Structure:

• Content designers are part of cross-functional teams, working alongside UX designers, researchers, product managers, and engineers.

• The presence of Senior, Staff, and Principal levels indicates a clear career progression path within the content design discipline.

Methodology:

• User-Centered Design: A core philosophy, driving all aspects of content creation and strategy.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing user research and analytics to inform and validate content choices.

• Plain Language & Accessibility: Commitment to making government information understandable and accessible to all users.

• Agile Collaboration: Working in iterative cycles within cross-functional teams.

Company Website: https://skylight.digital/

📝 Enhancement Note: Skylight operates in a niche but growing market of civic tech and government modernization. Their culture likely values impact, collaboration, and a user-first approach, combined with the professionalism required for consultancy work.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a senior to principal level, signifying a high degree of autonomy, strategic influence, and potential leadership responsibilities. Candidates are expected to not only execute but also to shape content strategy, mentor others, and drive best practices within client engagements and the broader organization.

Reporting Structure: While the specific manager isn't detailed, senior content designers typically report to a Head of Design, Director of UX, or a similar leadership role within the design or operations function. They will also work closely with project leads and client stakeholders.

Operations Impact: The core impact of this role is enhancing the effectiveness and user-friendliness of government services. This translates to tangible improvements in how citizens access information, apply for benefits, and interact with government agencies, ultimately leading to better public outcomes and increased trust in government. This role directly influences the efficiency and accessibility of critical public services.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to lead content strategy for major projects, mentor junior designers, and contribute to the growth of the content design practice at Skylight.

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas such as content governance, accessibility, or specific government service domains.

• Advancement: Clear pathways to Staff and Principal designer roles, with increasing scope of influence, client leadership, and strategic contribution.

• Professional Development: Access to a $2,000 annual allowance for training, conferences, and certifications, supporting continuous learning in content design and related fields.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "ACF" in the title likely refers to "Advocacy, Collaboration, and Facilitation," reinforcing the senior-level expectations for leadership and client engagement beyond pure content creation.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a fully remote position, allowing employees to work from anywhere within the United States.

Office Location(s): United States. While remote, compliance with U.S. federal contract requirements means work must be conducted within the U.S. (excluding territories).

Workspace Context:

• Flexibility: A fully remote setup offers significant flexibility in managing work-life balance and personal schedules.

• Technology: Employees are encouraged to utilize a $750 annual tech allowance for necessary hardware and software to maintain an effective remote workspace.

• Collaboration: While remote, the emphasis on cross-functional teams and client engagement necessitates strong virtual collaboration tools and communication skills. Regular virtual meetings, workshops, and team check-ins are likely standard.

Work Schedule: The position is full-time, exempt, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week. Flexibility is a key component of the remote environment, allowing for adaptation around core working hours and team needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The fully remote nature is a significant aspect, requiring candidates to be self-motivated and proficient in remote collaboration tools and practices. The United States-only work restriction is crucial for candidates to note.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit resume and portfolio showcasing 1-2 relevant work samples. Ensure easy access to portfolio materials.

• Initial Screening: Review of application and portfolio for alignment with minimum qualifications and desired experience.

• Skills-Based Interviews: Likely involving discussions about content strategy, user research, plain language application, and client management. Expect behavioral questions and scenario-based questions.

• Portfolio Presentation/Workshop: Candidates may be asked to present their portfolio samples in detail, explaining their approach, challenges, and outcomes. A practical exercise or a simulated workshop facilitation might also be included.

• Team/Culture Fit Interview: Discussion with potential team members or leadership to assess alignment with Skylight's values and collaborative style.

• Client Scenario/Case Study: Potential for a case study or a discussion around a hypothetical government service challenge to gauge strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.

• Final Interview: Discussion with senior leadership to finalize hiring decisions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select samples that best demonstrate your capabilities in user-centered content design, strategic thinking, and improving public services. Highlight your role and impact.

• Tell a Story: For each sample, clearly articulate the problem, your process (research, ideation, iteration), the solution (content examples), and the results or impact achieved. Quantify outcomes where possible.

• Showcase Process: Demonstrate your understanding of content strategy, governance, user testing, and collaboration. This is key for senior roles.

• Accessibility: Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible, with any passwords or access details provided.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Skylight's Mission: Be prepared to discuss why you are passionate about improving public services and how your skills align with Skylight's mission.

• Government Context: Familiarize yourself with common challenges in government service delivery and how content design can address them.

• Plain Language & Accessibility: Be ready to discuss best practices and provide examples of applying these principles.

• Stakeholder Management: Prepare examples of how you've managed diverse stakeholders and advocated for user needs in complex environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes practical application and strategic thinking, with a strong focus on the portfolio. Senior candidates should be ready to discuss leadership, mentorship, and client strategy.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Content Management Systems (CMS): Experience with various CMS platforms used by government agencies may be beneficial.

• Collaboration Platforms: Proficiency with tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace for communication and collaboration.

• Project Management Tools: Familiarity with tools such as Asana, Trello, Jira for managing workflows and project timelines.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or similar tools for understanding user behavior and content performance.

• User Research Platforms: Tools for conducting user interviews, surveys, and usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Qualtrics, Typeform).

• Data Visualization: Tools like Tableau, Looker, or Google Data Studio to present findings and performance metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how content integrates with user journeys and engagement platforms can be valuable.

• Familiarity with basic HTML for direct content editing is mentioned as a requirement.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, the role implies a need for proficiency in standard digital design, collaboration, and analytics tools, with a particular emphasis on user research and content performance measurement. Basic HTML knowledge is a concrete technical requirement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Public Interest: A deep commitment to using design and technology to create better public services and positive societal impact.

• User-Centered: Prioritizing the needs and experiences of end-users in all design and content decisions.

• Collaboration: Working effectively within cross-functional teams and closely with clients to achieve shared goals.

• Excellence & Impact: Striving for high-quality work that delivers measurable improvements and meaningful outcomes for government and citizens.

• Inclusivity: Ensuring that content and services are accessible and welcoming to all users, regardless of background or ability.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Content designers are integral members of project teams, working hand-in-hand with researchers, designers, developers, and product managers.

• Client Partnership: A consultative approach, building trust and working collaboratively with government agency stakeholders.

• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: Senior roles are expected to mentor junior team members and contribute to the collective knowledge and best practices within the organization.

• Feedback-Oriented: An environment that encourages constructive feedback to continuously improve content, processes, and team dynamics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is deeply rooted in its mission to serve the public good. This mission likely attracts individuals who are driven by impact and value collaborative problem-solving over individual accolades.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Government Bureaucracy: Working within government agencies can involve complex processes, legacy systems, and diverse stakeholder needs, requiring adaptability and strong communication.

• Measuring Impact: Quantifying the impact of content design on public services can be challenging, requiring creative approaches to data collection and analysis.

• Advocating for User Needs: Balancing user needs with client requirements and organizational constraints requires strong advocacy and negotiation skills.

• Staying Current: The landscape of digital services and content best practices is constantly evolving, necessitating continuous learning.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Access to a $2,000 annual professional development allowance for courses, workshops, conferences, and certifications.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to be mentored by and to mentor senior/junior colleagues, fostering skill development and career growth.

• Diverse Projects: Exposure to a wide range of government services and challenges, allowing for broad skill development and domain expertise acquisition.

• Industry Engagement: Potential to contribute to the civic tech community through thought leadership or participation in industry events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company actively supports professional growth, recognizing that the challenges inherent in government modernization require a team committed to continuous learning and adaptation.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to advocate for a user-centered content approach with stakeholders who had different priorities. How did you navigate that situation, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on stakeholder management, advocacy, and results.)

• "How do you approach developing content strategy for a complex government service? Walk us through your process from initial research to implementation and iteration." (Focus on strategic thinking, process, and user-centricity.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What specifically about Skylight's mission to improve public services resonates with you, and why are you interested in this role?" (Focus on mission alignment and genuine interest.)

• "How do you contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment, especially in a remote setting?" (Focus on teamwork, communication, and remote work dynamics.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Clearly define the problem, your role, the process, the solution (content examples), and the impact/results for each sample.

• Storytelling: Weave a narrative that highlights your strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and user advocacy.

• Metrics: Quantify success whenever possible (e.g., improved task completion rates, reduced support inquiries, increased clarity scores).

• Interaction: Be prepared for questions about your decisions, challenges faced, and alternative approaches considered. Engage with interviewers and make it a dialogue.

**📝 Enhancement