Lead Content Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Content Designer

Company: CYOS Solutions (Contracting for Department of Employment and Workplace Relations - DEWR)

Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Job Type: CONTRACTOR

Category: Content Design / UX Writing / Operations Support

Date Posted: October 01, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (Remote considered case-by-case)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role involves the strategic design, creation, and management of participant-facing digital content for the Workforce Australia program, focusing on web and notification channels.

• Key responsibilities include applying best practices in UX writing, web writing, and communication writing to ensure content is clear, accessible, and meets user needs.

• The position requires strong stakeholder management, collaboration within an agile multidisciplinary team, and the ability to provide strategic advice and mentorship.

• Success in this role will be measured by the ability to improve participant experience and support the effective delivery of government employment programs through high-quality content.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Lead Content Designer," the responsibilities and context suggest a strong overlap with operations support, particularly in user experience, process communication, and stakeholder engagement within a government program. The role requires a blend of creative content skills and operational adherence to government standards and project management.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design, plan, write, edit, structure, and maintain complex digital content for the Workforce Australia program, focusing on web and notification channels (public and authenticated environments).

• Implement best practices for content design, including adherence to style guides (WCAG 2.1, Government Style Manual, Digital Service Standards), content patterns, content strategies, and departmental policies.

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels, providing expert advice to management and senior executives on content design and strategy.

• Utilize evidence, data, and research (e.g., Google Analytics, Google Search Console) to continuously improve content quality, user experience, and program outcomes.

• Collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams in an agile project environment, utilizing tools like Azure Dev Ops for work management and participating in workshops and planning events.

• Manage multiple content projects simultaneously, tracking progress, identifying and managing risks, problem-solving, and ensuring deadlines are met.

• Mentor less experienced staff and potentially take on line management responsibilities.

• Prepare documentation, presentations, and talking points to communicate content strategies and project updates.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mention of "line management and leadership responsibilities" and "mentoring less experienced staff" alongside managing "many content projects at the same time" indicates this role has a significant leadership component beyond individual contributor work, aligning with a "Lead" designation. The emphasis on agile, Azure Dev Ops, and stakeholder management points to a structured operational approach to content delivery.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant communications field are desirable.

• Qualifications and/or training in writing, content design, online accessibility, or user experience (UX) design are preferred. Experience:

• Minimum of 5-10 years of professional experience in content design, UX writing, and web writing.

• Demonstrated experience in writing, editing, structuring, and maintaining complex content that meets user needs.

• Proven experience as a professional web writer/content designer producing written content for websites.

• Experience in providing advice to management and senior executives regarding content design.

• Experience in developing information architecture and content structures that improve user experience. Required Skills:

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong consultation and stakeholder management abilities.

• Proficiency in applying Australian Government and department style guides, including WCAG 2.1 and the Digital Service Standards.

• Experience with content production and analysis software such as GatherContent, Google Analytics, and Google Search Console.

• Understanding and application of HTML.

• Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team in an agile environment. Preferred Skills:

• Previous experience in system-related communications with a strategic communication approach.

• Experience in developing information architecture and content structures.

• Experience with Azure Dev Ops for project management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "Baseline clearance" suggests that candidates with existing or obtainable security clearances may have an advantage. The emphasis on government style guides and policy adherence is critical for this role, distinguishing it from purely commercial content design roles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 complex content projects, demonstrating your ability to design, write, and manage content across digital channels.

• Include examples of web content (both unauthenticated and authenticated environments) and notification content (email, SMS, app).

• Highlight projects that demonstrate adherence to accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1) and government style guides.

• Present case studies that explain your process, problem-solving approach, and the measurable impact of your content on user experience and program objectives.

• Demonstrate experience with information architecture and content structuring for improved user navigation and comprehension. Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how you have used evidence, data, and research (e.g., Google Analytics, user feedback) to inform content decisions and improvements.

• Illustrate your workflow for content creation, review, and publishing within an agile project environment, including collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.

• Detail your approach to managing multiple content projects simultaneously, including risk identification, progress tracking, and deadline management.

• Showcase your experience in developing and maintaining content strategies and style guides.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application specifically requests a CV (3-5 pages) and written responses to essential/desirable criteria (max 5000 characters each). A portfolio is not explicitly requested as a separate submission but should be prepared for potential review during the interview process, focusing on demonstrable skills and project outcomes relevant to the job description.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $100 - $120 per hour (inclusive of superannuation)

Benefits:

• As a contractor, benefits are typically managed through your contracting entity or personal arrangements.

• Opportunity to work on a high-impact government program that assists millions of Australians.

• Exposure to a dynamic, agile project environment within a government department.

• Potential for contract extensions beyond the initial term, depending on business requirements.

• Gain experience with government digital service standards and large-scale public sector projects. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are expected (approximately 40 hours per week).

• A hybrid WFH arrangement, including remote working, will be considered on a case-by-case basis, balancing business needs with individual circumstances.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hourly rate is specified. For a 40-hour work week, this translates to approximately $160,000 - $192,000 annually, aligning with senior-level content design roles in Australia. Superannuation is included in this rate, which is standard for Australian contractor positions. The "TELECOMMUTE" location type and hybrid work arrangement details suggest flexibility, but on-site presence in Melbourne may be required for hybrid arrangements.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government / Public Sector / Employment Services

Company Size: The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) is a large government department. CYOS Solutions is a recruitment/staffing provider.

Founded: DEWR has a long history as a government department.

Team Structure:

• The Participant Content Team is a specialized unit within DEWR, focusing on user-facing content for the Workforce Australia program.

• This team operates at the intersection of policy, service delivery, and digital channels, working closely with digital platforms and service providers.

• Roles are integrated into multidisciplinary teams working in an agile project environment.

• There is a clear reporting structure, with opportunities to provide advice to senior executives and mentor junior staff. Methodology:

• Content design is guided by user needs, evidence-based research, and adherence to government standards and style guides.

• Projects are managed using agile methodologies, with tools like Azure Dev Ops for tracking and planning.

• Collaboration is key, involving workshops, planning events, and regular interaction with cross-functional teams (policy, service delivery, digital development).

• Emphasis on continuous improvement through data analysis and user feedback.

Company Website: https://www.dewr.gov.au/ (Department of Employment and Workplace Relations)

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is a contract position through CYOS Solutions, but the work is for the Australian Government's Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR). Understanding the mission and operational context of DEWR and the Workforce Australia program is crucial. The culture is likely to be structured, process-driven, and focused on public service delivery and compliance.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a "Lead" within the Content Design function, indicating a senior level of expertise and responsibility. It bridges individual contribution with leadership and strategic advisory duties.

Reporting Structure: The Lead Content Designer will report into a higher-level manager within the Participant Content Team and will be expected to provide advice to senior executives. They will also mentor and potentially manage less experienced team members.

Operations Impact: The content designed directly impacts millions of Australians seeking employment and support. The role's success contributes to the effective delivery of government employment programs, improving participant experience, understanding of obligations, and access to services. This has a direct operational impact on program efficiency and public engagement.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in UX writing, accessibility standards, information architecture, and government digital service delivery.

• Leadership Development: Gain experience in mentoring, line management, and providing strategic advice to senior government officials.

• Project Management: Enhance skills in managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects within an agile, government framework.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Work with policy advisors, service delivery managers, and digital developers, broadening understanding of government program operations.

• Contract Extension: Potential for extended work on critical government initiatives, providing stability and further project experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a contract role, the "Lead" title and mentorship responsibilities suggest opportunities for career advancement within similar government or large-scale program environments, either through further contracting or potential permanent positions if they arise.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid WFH arrangement is considered. This implies that while remote work is possible, there may be an expectation of working from a DEWR office in Melbourne (or potentially other major Australian cities) for hybrid arrangements.

Office Location(s): Melbourne, Victoria, Australia is the primary specified location. DEWR has offices in Australia's major cities, and working from one of these may be an option for the virtual team aspect.

Workspace Context:

• Collaboration will occur within a virtual, multidisciplinary team using agile methodologies.

• Access to necessary digital tools, including Azure Dev Ops, and potentially content production software.

• The environment is government-focused, requiring adherence to specific standards and processes.

• Opportunities for interaction with policy experts, service delivery personnel, and digital development teams. Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week).

• Flexibility for hybrid/remote work will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, balancing business requirements with individual needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "TELECOMMUTE" designation indicates a strong remote component is possible, but the "hybrid WFH arrangement" and "working from one of our offices in Australia’s major cities" suggest a blended approach or the need for occasional office presence. Candidates should clarify these expectations during the application process.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit an updated CV (3-5 pages) and written responses to essential/desirable criteria (max 5000 characters each).

• Initial Screening: Applications will be reviewed based on demonstrated experience and potential to develop required capabilities.

• Interview Stages: Likely to include interviews with the hiring manager, team members, and potentially senior stakeholders. These will assess technical skills, stakeholder management, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit.

• Assessment/Case Study: A practical assessment or case study related to content design for government services may be part of the process. This will test your ability to apply style guides, write for user needs, and articulate your process.

• Security Clearance: Verification or ability to obtain Baseline clearance will be a prerequisite.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 projects that best showcase your experience in UX writing, web content for government/large organizations, accessibility (WCAG 2.1), and information architecture.

• Structure for Clarity: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role and process, the solutions implemented, and the measurable outcomes or impact on user experience/program goals.

• Highlight Government Context: If you have prior government or public sector experience, emphasize how you navigated those specific requirements (style guides, security, stakeholder complexity).

• Demonstrate Process: Explain your methodology for research, content strategy development, user testing, and iteration.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data (e.g., improved engagement, reduced support queries, higher task completion rates) to demonstrate the ROI of your content efforts.

Challenge Preparation:

• Style Guide Application: Be prepared to critique or rewrite content based on WCAG 2.1, the Government Style Manual, or Digital Service Standards.

• User-Centricity: Practice articulating how you would approach designing content for specific user personas within the Workforce Australia program.

• Stakeholder Communication: Prepare examples of how you've managed conflicting stakeholder requirements or communicated complex content decisions effectively.

• Agile Environment: Understand how content design integrates into agile sprints and how you would use Azure Dev Ops for task management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process emphasizes written responses to criteria. Candidates should focus on clearly articulating their experience against each point in the essential and desirable criteria, using specific examples.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Content Production & Management: GatherContent (desirable). Experience with similar content management systems (CMS) or authoring tools is transferable.

• Web Development: HTML (required). Basic understanding of how content is implemented in web pages.

• Project Management & Collaboration: Azure Dev Ops (required for agile workflow management).

• Analytics & Reporting: Google Analytics, Google Search Console (desirable). Experience with similar web analytics platforms is essential for data-driven content improvement.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Proficiency in interpreting data from web analytics tools to understand user behavior, content performance, and identify areas for improvement.

• Ability to generate reports and present findings to stakeholders. CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly listed, experience with large-scale digital platforms may involve understanding user journeys and potential automation points for content delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "desirable" tools are GatherContent, Google Analytics, and Google Search Console. Candidates should highlight any experience with these or comparable tools. The core requirement is the ability to use data and analytics to inform content strategy and demonstrate impact.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to designing content that meets the needs of participants, making complex information accessible and easy to understand.

• Excellence & Quality: Upholding high standards in writing, editing, and content structure, adhering to government style guides and best practices.

• Collaboration: Working effectively within multidisciplinary, agile teams, fostering open communication and knowledge sharing.

• Data-Driven Decision-Making: Using evidence, data, and research to inform content strategy and measure impact.

• Integrity & Compliance: Adhering to government policies, security protocols, and ethical communication standards.

• Efficiency: Streamlining content processes and improving user journeys to enhance program delivery.

Collaboration Style:

• Agile & Iterative: Participating in sprints, workshops, and planning events, with a focus on continuous improvement and adaptation.

• Cross-Functional: Working closely with policy advisors, service delivery specialists, UX researchers, and developers to ensure content aligns with program goals and technical capabilities.

• Advisory & Mentorship: Providing expert advice to senior management and mentoring junior team members, fostering a supportive learning environment.

• Transparent Communication: Clearly articulating content rationale, progress, risks, and recommendations to diverse stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is likely to be professional, outcome-oriented, and aligned with public service values. While innovative, it will operate within established government frameworks and compliance requirements.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Government Programs: Navigating the intricate policies and program structures of government employment services requires meticulous attention to detail and clear communication.

• Diverse User Needs: Catering to a broad spectrum of users with varying literacy levels, digital skills, and employment situations.

• Stakeholder Management: Balancing the requirements and expectations of multiple stakeholders, including senior executives, policy teams, and service providers.

• Agile Adoption: Integrating content design workflows seamlessly into an agile development process and managing dependencies.

• Security Clearance: The requirement for Baseline clearance may be a hurdle for some candidates.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Potential for training in advanced content design, accessibility, UX research, or government digital standards.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced professionals within DEWR and receiving guidance from senior leadership.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining deep insight into the operations of a major government employment program and the public sector digital landscape.

• Project Diversity: Working on various initiatives like assessment reforms, search enhancements, and digital fund streamlining provides broad experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical of large-scale government projects, requiring strong problem-solving and adaptability. The growth opportunities are significant for someone looking to build a career in public sector digital transformation.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex piece of content you designed for a government or large organizational website. What was your process, and how did you ensure it met user needs and accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG 2.1)?"

• "How would you approach developing content for a new feature within the Workforce Australia program, considering different user segments and potential policy changes?"

• "How do you use data and analytics (e.g., Google Analytics) to inform your content decisions and demonstrate the impact of your work?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you understand about the mission of the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations and the Workforce Australia program?"

• "How would you contribute to a multidisciplinary, agile team focused on delivering government services?"

• "Describe a time you had to manage conflicting stakeholder requirements for a content project. How did you resolve it?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each selected project, clearly articulate the challenge, your role, the specific content solutions you designed, the processes you followed (including research and collaboration), and the quantifiable results or impact.

• Key Deliverables: Be prepared to discuss specific examples of web content, notification copy, information architecture diagrams, or style guide applications.

• Conciseness: Focus on the most impactful aspects of your work, aligning them with the essential and desirable criteria outlined in the job description.

• Demonstrate Process: Clearly explain how you arrived at your content decisions, emphasizing user research, data analysis, and adherence to standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on written responses to criteria in the initial application means interview preparation should focus on verbalizing those same points with more depth and providing anecdotal evidence.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your updated CV (maximum 3-5 pages) through the application link provided.

• Craft detailed responses (max 5000 characters each) to the essential and desirable criteria, clearly demonstrating your suitability for the role with specific examples and achievements.

• Prepare your portfolio (even if not explicitly requested for submission), selecting 3-5 key projects that highlight your content design, UX writing, accessibility, and stakeholder management skills, especially within a government context.

• Research the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) and the Workforce Australia program to understand their mission, user base, and operational objectives.

• Practice articulating your experience and approach to content strategy, user-centered design, and agile methodologies, preparing to discuss your portfolio and respond to interview questions.

⚠️ 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.