Senior UX Content Designer, Design Operations - EN 762

Export Development Canada | Exportation et développement Canada
Full-time$97k-129k/year (CAD)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Content Designer, Design Operations

Company: Export Development Canada | Exportation et développement Canada

Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Job Type: Contract—14 months

Category: Design Operations / UX Content Design

Date Posted: 2026-09-15

Experience Level: 7+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in office)

🚀 Role Summary

  • Drive the development, maintenance, and governance of enterprise-wide content design standards, guidelines, and best practices to ensure consistency, accessibility, and usability across all digital experiences.

  • Coordinate and operationalize user research activities, including participant recruitment, logistics, documentation, and knowledge management to facilitate the effective reuse of research insights.

  • Act as a key liaison for external research vendors and partners, managing timelines, deliverables, and administrative processes to ensure smooth collaboration.

  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of design operations processes, governance, and team enablement initiatives, fostering a more efficient and mature design practice.

  • Partner closely with UX designers, accessibility specialists, product teams, and stakeholders to champion and support the adoption of content design and research best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a Design Operations framework, emphasizing process, standards, and enablement for UX content and research functions. The "EN 762" likely refers to an internal job code or reference number. The role requires a blend of strategic content design expertise and operational execution within a large enterprise.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Develop, refine, and govern enterprise content design standards, guidelines, patterns, and best practices for digital experiences.

  • Conduct content reviews to ensure alignment with established standards, accessibility requirements (WCAG), and plain language principles.

  • Support the integration of content standards within enterprise design systems, templates, and delivery workflows.

  • Coordinate user research operations, including participant recruitment, scheduling, consent management, and documentation.

  • Manage research logistics, maintain research repositories, and contribute to the synthesis and dissemination of user insights.

  • Act as the primary point of contact for external research vendors, managing contracts, timelines, deliverables, and communications.

  • Drive the continuous improvement of design operations processes, governance, and team enablement initiatives.

  • Maintain team standards, templates, repositories, and shared resources for design and research practices.

  • Assist in developing metrics and reporting to measure the adoption and effectiveness of design practices and operational programs.

  • Support onboarding, knowledge-sharing, training, and enablement activities for the Experience Design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong focus on process ownership, standardization, and operational efficiency within the UX and content design domains. The role requires both strategic input on standards and tactical execution of operational tasks.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Design, Communications, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field is typically expected for roles requiring 7+ years of experience.

Experience: 7+ years of experience in Content Design, UX Writing, Design Operations, or a closely related discipline.

Required Skills:

  • Proven experience creating, maintaining, or governing UX content standards, guidelines, design systems, or content frameworks.

  • Strong understanding of user-centered design principles, inclusive design, digital content best practices, and information architecture.

  • Experience conducting content reviews and applying standards to digital products and experiences.

  • Familiarity with qualitative and quantitative research methods, synthesis techniques, and insight development.

  • Experience coordinating user research activities, participant recruitment, or research operations.

  • Knowledge of accessibility standards and inclusive content design practices (WCAG).

  • Strong organizational, planning, and project coordination skills with exceptional attention to detail.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear, actionable guidance.

  • Experience working within large-scale enterprise digital product environments.

  • Experience building strong working relationships across multidisciplinary teams.

  • Experience developing governance models, standards, or operating practices for UX content design and UX research.

  • Experience measuring adoption and effectiveness of standards, frameworks, or operational programs. Preferred Skills:

  • Experience working within a dedicated UX Design Operations or UX Research Operations function.

  • Familiarity with collaboration and research platforms such as Figma, Miro, Mural, UserTesting, Dovetail, Fable Engage, Azure DevOps, Microsoft 365, or similar.

  • Fluency in both English and French, with the ability to support content design practices in both official languages.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement is substantial, indicating a need for seasoned professionals who can operate autonomously and contribute strategically to the design operations framework. The preferred skills point towards specific tool proficiency and bilingual capabilities, which would be significant advantages.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Demonstrations of developed and governed content design standards, guidelines, or frameworks.

  • Case studies showcasing the application of content standards to improve digital product content quality, accessibility, and usability.

  • Examples of contributions to enterprise design systems, component libraries, or content repositories.

  • Evidence of user research coordination, operational support, or contribution to research synthesis and knowledge management.

  • Documentation of process improvements implemented within a design or research operations context.

  • Examples of collaboration with cross-functional teams (UX designers, product managers, developers) to implement standards and processes. Process Documentation:

  • Showcase an understanding of how to document and maintain content design standards, workflow processes, and operational procedures.

  • Provide examples of creating resources, templates, and enablement materials to support the adoption of design best practices.

  • Illustrate experience in establishing metrics and reporting mechanisms to track the effectiveness and maturity of design operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role, as it needs to visually and contextually demonstrate the candidate's ability to define, govern, and operationalize UX content and research processes within an enterprise setting. Emphasis should be placed on tangible improvements and scalable solutions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $96,557 to $128,743 CAD annually, based on qualifications and experience.

Benefits:

  • Competitive compensation package.

  • Comprehensive benefits plan.

  • Strong work-life balance.

  • Hybrid work options with 3 days in office.

  • 3 to 4 weeks paid vacation.

  • Corporate closure period.

  • Summer early Fridays.

  • No meeting Fridays.

  • Continuous learning opportunities, including training programs, workshops, and language training.

  • Inclusive and diverse workplace culture.

  • Wellness programs, including mental health support and fitness programs.

  • Community engagement and volunteer opportunities.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, likely around 40 hours per week, with provisions for work-life balance initiatives like summer early Fridays and no meeting Fridays.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is typical for a Senior UX Content Designer or Design Operations specialist in Canada with 7+ years of experience. The benefits package is extensive, emphasizing work-life balance, professional development, and employee well-being, which are strong selling points for attracting experienced professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services / Development Finance. Export Development Canada (EDC) is a Crown corporation supporting Canadian businesses in global trade.

Company Size: Large enterprise (specific number not provided, but implied by scope and number of locations).

Founded: 1944. EDC has a long-standing history of supporting Canadian exporters.

Team Structure:

  • The Experience Design team is part of EDC's Customer Experience Centre of Excellence.

  • It comprises experts in user experience design, content design, accessibility, user research, service design, and design operations.

  • The team collaborates closely with product teams, technology partners, business stakeholders, and customer-facing teams.

  • The reporting structure likely places this role within the Design Operations or Content Design function, reporting to a Manager or Director of Experience Design. Methodology:

  • Data-driven approach to understanding customer needs and translating insights into meaningful digital experiences.

  • Emphasis on collaboration, continuous learning, and problem-solving around customer outcomes.

  • Focus on establishing and evolving standards, patterns, research practices, and design capabilities for consistent and scalable experiences.

  • Commitment to advancing accessibility and inclusive design across all digital touchpoints.

  • Use of an enterprise design system to ensure consistency and efficiency.

Company Website: https://www.edc.ca

📝 Enhancement Note: EDC's mission to support Canadian businesses globally provides a unique context for UX and Design Operations. The culture is described as inclusive, focused on continuous learning, and driven by customer outcomes, which are positive indicators for a collaborative and impactful work environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Contributor. This role is at a senior individual contributor level, requiring significant expertise and the ability to influence standards and processes. It's a step beyond a standard UX Content Designer, with a strong operational and governance focus.

Reporting Structure: This Senior UX Content Designer, Design Operations role likely reports to a Design Operations Lead, Manager of Experience Design, or a similar leadership position within the Customer Experience Centre of Excellence.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts the quality, consistency, and efficiency of digital experiences for Canadian exporters. By establishing and enforcing standards, the role contributes to a more seamless and effective customer journey, ultimately supporting EDC's mission and potentially influencing business outcomes through improved user engagement and task completion.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Specialization: Deepen expertise in Design Operations, UX Content Strategy, Accessibility, or Research Operations.

  • Leadership: Transition into a Design Operations Lead role, managing a team or specific operational functions.

  • Mentorship: Mentor junior content designers, UX writers, or research coordinators.

  • Strategic Influence: Play a key role in shaping enterprise-wide design standards and methodologies.

  • Cross-functional Exposure: Gain deeper experience working with various product teams and business units across EDC.

📝 Enhancement Note: The contract nature (14 months) suggests this role might be project-based or a strategic hire to address specific operational needs. While it's a senior role, growth into a permanent leadership position would depend on performance and business needs. The experience gained in a large Crown corporation like EDC is highly valuable for future career opportunities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model, requiring 3 days per week in the office. This indicates a blend of remote flexibility and in-person collaboration.

Office Location(s): This role can be performed from EDC’s headquarters in Ottawa or from Community Hubs in Toronto, Mississauga, Montreal, Brossard, Laval, Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, or Vancouver. The specific office location for the candidate would depend on their preference and proximity to one of these hubs.

Workspace Context:

  • Collaborative: The hybrid model and team structure suggest a collaborative environment where in-office days are likely used for team meetings, workshops, and brainstorming sessions.

  • Tools & Technology: Access to standard enterprise tools for collaboration (Figma, Miro, Mural), research (UserTesting, Dovetail, Fable Engage), and project management (Azure DevOps, Microsoft 365).

  • Team Interaction: Opportunities to interact with a diverse team of UX designers, content designers, researchers, and other operations specialists.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours, with emphasis on work-life balance through initiatives like summer early Fridays and no meeting Fridays, allowing for focused work on complex design and operational tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model offers flexibility, but candidates must be comfortable working from an office 3 days a week. The availability of multiple community hubs across Canada is a significant advantage for remote candidates looking for localized office presence.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio against essential qualifications.

  • Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion focused on experience, approach to content design standards, research operations, and design operations. Expect questions about past projects, challenges, and how you've influenced standards.

  • Portfolio Presentation/Workshop: A session where you'll present key pieces from your portfolio, likely focusing on a relevant case study demonstrating your ability to define, govern, or operationalize UX content or research processes. This may involve a practical exercise or a deep dive into your project methodologies.

  • Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with UX designers, product managers, or other key stakeholders to assess collaboration skills, communication style, and cultural fit.

  • Final Interview: Potentially with a Director or Senior Leader to discuss overall fit, strategic thinking, and long-term impact.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Showcase Governance & Standards: Highlight examples where you've developed, maintained, or governed content design standards, guidelines, or design systems. Clearly articulate the problem, your solution, and the impact.

  • Detail Operational Execution: Include case studies demonstrating your ability to coordinate research operations, manage vendors, or improve design operational processes. Quantify improvements where possible.

  • Emphasize Collaboration & Communication: Provide examples of how you've worked with cross-functional teams, facilitated workshops, or created enablement materials.

  • Focus on Impact: For each piece, clearly articulate the business problem addressed, your role, the actions taken, and the measurable outcomes achieved (e.g., improved adoption, consistency, efficiency).

  • Tailor to Design Ops: Ensure your portfolio reflects an understanding of the operational aspects of UX design, not just the creative output.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Be prepared for a case study or practical exercise related to content standards, research operations, or process improvement.

  • Practice articulating your thought process, problem-solving approach, and how you would implement solutions within a large enterprise like EDC.

  • Prepare to discuss how you would measure the success of your initiatives.

  • Research EDC's mission, values, and recent initiatives to tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely multi-stage, involving technical assessments (portfolio review, potential exercises) and behavioral interviews. The emphasis on Design Operations and Content Standards means candidates should be ready to discuss process, governance, and impact measurement in detail.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Content Design & Writing: Tools for creating and managing content standards, guidelines, and potentially content management systems (CMS).

  • Design Collaboration: Figma, Miro, Mural (for wireframing, prototyping, ideation, and collaborative documentation).

  • User Research Platforms: UserTesting, Dovetail, Fable Engage (for conducting usability tests, gathering feedback, and synthesizing research findings).

  • Project Management & Workflow: Azure DevOps, Microsoft 365 (including tools like Planner, Teams, SharePoint) for task management, documentation, and team communication.

  • Knowledge Management: Internal wikis, SharePoint, or dedicated knowledge base tools for organizing and sharing standards, research insights, and operational procedures.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • Tools for tracking adoption of standards, effectiveness of content, and maturity of design operations. This could involve custom dashboards or reporting within project management tools. CRM & Automation:

  • While not explicitly mentioned as a primary focus for this role, understanding how UX content and research integrate with CRM (e.g., Salesforce) and automation platforms is beneficial for context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in tools commonly used in UX Design Operations and Research Operations is highly desirable. The mention of specific tools like Figma, Miro, UserTesting, and Dovetail suggests these are actively used within the Experience Design team.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Customer-Centricity: A core value at EDC, driving all efforts to understand and meet the needs of Canadian exporters.

  • Collaboration: Strong emphasis on working together across disciplines and departments to achieve shared goals.

  • Excellence & Continuous Improvement: A drive to deliver high-quality experiences and constantly refine processes and standards.

  • Inclusivity & Diversity: Commitment to creating an equitable and welcoming environment for all employees and customers.

  • Integrity: Upholding high ethical standards as a Crown corporation.

  • Innovation: Encouraging new ideas and approaches to solve complex problems.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-functional Integration: Expect close collaboration with UX designers, product managers, developers, accessibility specialists, and business stakeholders.

  • Process-Oriented: A culture that values well-defined processes, documentation, and clear communication channels to ensure consistency and efficiency.

  • Feedback-Driven: An environment that encourages constructive feedback and open dialogue to foster learning and improve outcomes.

  • Knowledge Sharing: Active participation in sharing best practices, insights, and learnings across the team and wider organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's commitment to inclusion, diversity, and customer-centricity, combined with a focus on continuous improvement and collaboration, forms the bedrock of its team culture. Candidates should demonstrate alignment with these values.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Scaling Standards: Ensuring consistent adoption of content design and research standards across a large, diverse enterprise with multiple product teams.

  • Balancing Rigor and Agility: Maintaining high standards for content quality and research operations while supporting fast-paced product development cycles.

  • Cross-Functional Alignment: Gaining buy-in and alignment from various stakeholders with different priorities and levels of understanding of UX best practices.

  • Vendor Management Complexity: Navigating procurement, contract management, and performance oversight for external research vendors.

  • Measuring Impact: Developing robust metrics to demonstrate the value and ROI of design operations and content standardization efforts.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Deep Dive into Design Ops: Gain extensive experience in building and scaling design operations functions within a large financial institution.

  • Advanced Content Strategy: Develop expertise in enterprise content governance, design systems, and information architecture.

  • Research Operations Maturity: Contribute to evolving and maturing user research operations practices.

  • Industry Standards: Stay abreast of and implement the latest trends in UX content design, accessibility, and design operations.

  • Bilingualism Development: If not already fluent, there's an opportunity to enhance French language skills through daily use and specific training programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a senior role in a large organization, focusing on scale, alignment, and impact measurement. The growth opportunities are significant, offering specialized skill development and strategic influence.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe your process for developing and governing enterprise-wide content design standards. How do you ensure adoption?"

  • "How would you approach operationalizing user research activities for multiple product teams simultaneously? What are the key challenges?"

  • "Walk me through a time you had to influence stakeholders to adopt new UX content guidelines or research processes. What was the outcome?"

  • "How do you measure the effectiveness and impact of design operations initiatives or content standards?"

  • "Describe your experience managing external vendors for research or content-related services. What are your best practices?" Company & Culture Questions:

  • "Why are you interested in Export Development Canada and this specific role?"

  • "How do you align your work with a customer-centric mission like EDC's?"

  • "Describe your ideal team collaboration style. How do you contribute to an inclusive work environment?"

  • "How do you stay current with trends in UX content design and design operations?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure: Organize your presentation around 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your capabilities in content standards, research operations, or design operations. For each project, clearly outline the challenge, your role, the process/solution, and the results/impact.

  • Highlight Operations: Emphasize the how – how you structured processes, governed standards, managed logistics, or facilitated collaboration.

  • Quantify Impact: Use metrics wherever possible to showcase the tangible benefits of your work (e.g., "Increased content consistency by X%", "Reduced research setup time by Y hours").

  • Tell a Story: Make your case studies engaging. Explain the context, the problem, your critical thinking, and the positive outcome.

  • Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, trade-offs you made, and how you would adapt your approach to different scenarios within EDC.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions will likely probe your strategic thinking, operational execution capabilities, and ability to influence and collaborate within a large, regulated environment. Your portfolio presentation is your primary opportunity to demonstrate practical application of your skills.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

  • Submit your application through the Workable application link provided.

  • Tailor your Resume: Highlight keywords and experiences directly related to Content Design, Design Operations, UX Writing, Research Operations, Accessibility (WCAG), and Design Systems. Quantify achievements wherever possible.

  • Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest projects that best showcase your experience in defining/governing standards, operationalizing research, or improving design processes. Ensure clear documentation of your process and impact.

  • Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your experience and how it aligns with the responsibilities and requirements outlined. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your portfolio during interviews.

  • Research EDC: Understand EDC's mission, values, and the services they offer to Canadian businesses. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate 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.

Application Requirements

Candidates must have 7+ years of experience in Content Design, UX Writing, or Design Operations with a strong understanding of user-centered and inclusive design principles. Proficiency in accessibility standards, research methodologies, and enterprise-scale digital product environments is essential.