UX Designer
📍 Job Overview
Job Title: UX Designer
Company: VicGov People Careers
Location: Footscray, Victoria, Australia
Job Type: Full-time
Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Product Design
Date Posted: April 16, 2026
Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)
Remote Status: Hybrid
🚀 Role Summary
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Lead the design of compelling, personalized, and universally accessible digital experiences for Victorians, focusing on low/no-touch interactions.
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Collaborate extensively with Product, Engineering, Delivery, Policy, and Design leaders to translate user needs and business objectives into innovative government services.
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Drive the end-to-end design process, from discovery and research through to prototyping, testing, and validation, ensuring products meet quality benchmarks and organizational goals.
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Champion user-centered design principles and advocate for the customer within cross-functional teams, influencing outcomes and achieving impactful design solutions.
📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for designing government services, implying a strong focus on accessibility, inclusivity, and serving a broad public audience. The "low/no touch, effortless interactions" requirement suggests a need for highly intuitive and user-friendly design solutions. The "rare opportunity" and leadership aspect indicate this is a pivotal role within the digital transformation efforts of the Victorian Government.
📈 Primary Responsibilities
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Design and validate innovative solutions that balance customer needs, business objectives, technical constraints, and regulatory requirements.
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Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Product, Engineering, Delivery, and Policy, to ensure cohesive and effective service delivery.
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Plan and conduct user research, including usability testing, to gather insights and inform design decisions, ensuring designs are user-validated.
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Design and facilitate workshops (remote or in-person) for stakeholder alignment, ideation, and iteration on design concepts.
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Develop and maintain design systems, style guides, and interaction patterns to ensure consistency and coherence across all digital platforms.
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Present design strategies and decisions compellingly to a variety of stakeholders, guiding them through the design journey and securing buy-in.
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Manage and influence relationships with internal and external stakeholders at peer and senior levels, using formal and informal communication to achieve project goals.
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Ensure digital products align with organizational goals, meet quality benchmarks, and are released regularly.
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Actively present design decisions for review, provide justifications, and incorporate feedback from diverse stakeholders.
📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic leadership and hands-on design execution. The emphasis on stakeholder management and workshop facilitation suggests the need for strong communication and influencing skills, crucial for navigating complex government projects. The requirement to contribute to design systems points towards a role that values scalability and consistency in design.
🎓 Skills & Qualifications
Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for this level of role. Relevant certifications or equivalent practical experience will also be considered.
Experience: A minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in UX/Product Design, with a proven track record of delivering successful digital products and services. Experience within government or public sector digital transformation initiatives is highly advantageous.
Required Skills:
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Deep understanding of end-to-end product design lifecycle: discovery, research, prototyping, testing, and validation.
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Proficiency in UX and Service Design tools and methodologies.
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Expertise in user research techniques and platforms.
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High-level proficiency in Figma for high-fidelity UI design and FigJam for collaborative activities.
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Experience in contributing to and utilizing design systems.
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Strong understanding of responsive web design principles and web design foundations.
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Experience working within cross-functional product teams.
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Proven ability to manage and influence stakeholders at various levels.
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Demonstrated success in advocating for the customer and achieving design outcomes within regulatory and policy constraints.
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Excellent storytelling and presentation skills for crafting and communicating design strategies.
Preferred Skills:
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Knowledge of HIG (Human Interface Guidelines) and Material Design guidelines.
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Experience with Android and iOS platform design considerations.
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Experience in designing complex government or public sector services.
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Facilitation of design thinking workshops and collaborative sessions.
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Understanding of Agile development methodologies.
📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a strong technical craft in design tools like Figma, alongside strategic acumen in stakeholder management and product lifecycle understanding. The mention of "regulatory and policy requirements" is critical for government roles, indicating the need for an awareness of compliance and public service constraints.
📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
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Showcase a range of end-to-end product design projects, demonstrating your process from initial concept to final implementation.
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Include case studies that detail user research findings, design challenges, problem-solving approaches, and the impact of your design solutions.
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Highlight examples of how you have collaborated with cross-functional teams (Product, Engineering, Policy) to deliver successful outcomes.
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Demonstrate your proficiency with design tools, particularly Figma, including examples of UI design, prototyping, and system design contributions.
Process Documentation:
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Clearly articulate your design process, from discovery and research phases through to prototyping, testing, and validation.
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Detail how you have utilized design systems, style guides, and interaction patterns to ensure consistency.
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Showcase examples of how you've facilitated workshops for alignment and ideation.
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Include evidence of how you've incorporated accessibility best practices into your design work.
📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is crucial for this role, as it needs to visually communicate the candidate's design process, problem-solving skills, and ability to translate complex requirements into user-friendly solutions. The emphasis on collaboration and stakeholder influence should also be evident in the project narratives.
💵 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: As this is a Victorian Government role (VPS Grade 5), the salary is likely to be within a defined public sector pay scale. Based on current Victorian Public Service Enterprise Agreements for VPS Grade 5 roles, the salary range is estimated to be between AUD $85,000 - $105,000 per annum, depending on experience and progression within the grade.
Benefits:
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Flexible working arrangements (Hybrid model).
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Opportunity to work on impactful projects that directly serve the Victorian community.
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Professional development opportunities and access to training.
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Contribution to a design system that impacts numerous government services.
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Standard public sector leave entitlements and superannuation.
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Inclusive and diverse workplace culture.
Working Hours: A standard full-time work week, typically around 38-40 hours, with flexibility offered through the hybrid work arrangement.
📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on common Victorian Public Service (VPS) Grade 5 remuneration bands. Specific details would be available in the official Enterprise Agreement. The emphasis on flexible working and professional development aligns with public sector offerings.
🎯 Team & Company Context
🏢 Company Culture
Industry: Government & Public Sector, Technology, Art & Design. This role is part of the Digital Victoria initiative, focused on modernizing government services through digital transformation.
Company Size: VicGov People Careers represents various departments within the Victorian Government. The specific department for this role is likely substantial, with potentially thousands of employees across multiple agencies, indicating a large, established organizational structure with diverse functions.
Founded: The Victorian Government was established in 1851. The digital services division, which this role supports, is a more recent and evolving entity focused on modernizing government operations.
Team Structure:
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The UX Designer will be part of a cross-functional digital product team, likely including Product Managers, Engineers, Delivery Leads, Policy Advisors, and other Designers.
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The team operates within a broader digital or IT department, potentially reporting up through a Head of Digital Design or similar leadership role.
Methodology:
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Data-driven decision-making, informed by user research and analytics.
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Agile and iterative development processes to ensure continuous improvement of digital services.
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Emphasis on co-design and stakeholder collaboration to ensure services meet diverse needs.
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Commitment to universally accessible design patterns and inclusive service delivery.
Company Website: https://careers.people.vic.gov.au/
📝 Enhancement Note: Working within the Victorian Government means adhering to public sector values, which prioritize integrity, fairness, and service to the community. The culture is likely to be structured but also increasingly embracing innovation and agile methodologies for digital projects.
📈 Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Mid-Senior level (VPS Grade 5), indicating a significant level of autonomy and responsibility. It's a key contributor role, expected to lead design initiatives and influence strategy, rather than a junior or entry-level position.
Reporting Structure: The UX Designer will likely report to a Design Lead, UX Manager, or Head of Digital Design, and will work closely with Product Managers and Delivery Leads on specific projects.
Operations Impact: The UX Designer will have a direct impact on the effectiveness and user satisfaction of critical government services, influencing how Victorians interact with their government. This role contributes to improving public access to services, driving efficiency, and enhancing citizen engagement through user-centered design.
Growth Opportunities:
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Opportunity to specialize further in areas like service design, accessibility, or user research leadership.
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Potential to move into senior or lead design roles within the Victorian Government.
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Development of expertise in designing for public sector challenges and large-scale digital transformation.
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Mentorship opportunities with senior design leaders and exposure to policy development.
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Continued learning through access to design conferences, workshops, and internal training programs.
📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path in government can be structured, often involving progression through VPS grades. This role offers a unique opportunity to build a career in public sector digital design, contributing to meaningful societal impact.
🌐 Work Environment
Office Type: The role is based in Footscray, Victoria, and operates under a hybrid work arrangement. This suggests a modern office environment that supports collaboration, with access to necessary design tools and technology.
Office Location(s): Footscray, Victoria. This location is well-connected by public transport, making it accessible for employees.
Workspace Context:
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A collaborative workspace designed to foster teamwork and innovation among digital teams.
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Access to standard office equipment, meeting rooms, and potentially dedicated design studios or collaboration zones.
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The hybrid model allows for remote work, providing flexibility for focused design tasks and personal work-life balance.
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Opportunities to engage with a diverse range of government professionals, fostering a rich learning environment.
Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approx. 38-40 hours per week) with flexibility. The hybrid arrangement allows for a mix of in-office and remote work, supporting efficient workflow for design tasks, research, and team collaboration.
📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment is a key aspect, requiring individuals to be self-motivated and adept at managing their time effectively across different work settings. The office in Footscray is a tangible base for collaborative activities and team cohesion.
📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
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Application Submission: Submit a resume and a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria (within three pages).
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Initial Screening: Review of applications against the advertised requirements.
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Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, demonstrating their design process, problem-solving skills, and impact. This is a critical stage.
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Interview(s): Typically includes behavioral and technical questions, potentially with a design challenge or case study. You may meet with the hiring manager, team members, and stakeholders.
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Pre-employment Screening: For preferred applicants, this may include reference checks and potentially a police check.
Portfolio Review Tips:
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Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio to clearly tell the story of each project. Start with the problem, explain your process and role, highlight key decisions, and showcase the results/impact.
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Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (wireframes, mockups, user flows, research findings) to illustrate your design thinking.
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Quantify Outcomes: Where possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced task completion times, increased user satisfaction).
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Address Government Context: If you have experience with public sector projects, highlight it. Emphasize how you've navigated complex requirements, ensured accessibility, and served diverse user groups.
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Tool Proficiency: Clearly indicate your proficiency with tools like Figma and FigJam.
Challenge Preparation:
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Design Thinking: Be prepared to articulate your approach to problem-solving using design thinking principles.
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User-Centricity: Demonstrate how you prioritize the user in every stage of the design process.
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Stakeholder Management: Practice explaining how you would manage competing stakeholder needs and gain buy-in for your design recommendations.
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Accessibility: Be ready to discuss how you ensure designs are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.
📝 Enhancement Note: The cover letter addressing key criteria is essential. The portfolio is the primary tool for showcasing design capabilities, and candidates should tailor their presentation to highlight the specific requirements mentioned in the job description, especially those related to government services and accessibility.
🛠 Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
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Figma: Core tool for UI design, prototyping, and collaboration. High proficiency is expected.
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FigJam: Used for ideation, workshops, and collaborative design activities.
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Service Design Tools: Various tools may be used for journey mapping, process flows, and service blueprints (e.g., Miro, Mural, Lucidchart, or specialized service design software).
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User Research Platforms: Tools for conducting surveys, interviews, and usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, Lookback).
Analytics & Reporting:
- Familiarity with web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) to understand user behavior and measure design impact.
CRM & Automation:
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While not a direct CRM role, an understanding of how CRM systems and data influence user experience and service delivery might be beneficial.
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Familiarity with project management and collaboration tools like Jira, Confluence, Asana, or Trello.
📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma and FigJam is explicitly called out and is a critical requirement. Experience with a range of research and collaboration tools is also expected, reflecting the multifaceted nature of modern UX design.
👥 Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
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Service to the Community: A core value of public service, focusing on creating positive outcomes for all Victorians.
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Inclusivity & Accessibility: Commitment to designing services that are usable and accessible to everyone, regardless of ability or background.
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Integrity & Fairness: Upholding public trust through ethical design practices and equitable service delivery.
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Innovation & Efficiency: Continuously seeking better, more efficient ways to deliver government services through technology and design.
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Collaboration: Emphasis on working together across departments and with citizens to co-create solutions.
Collaboration Style:
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Highly collaborative, working within agile, cross-functional teams.
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Open to feedback and iterative design processes, valuing input from diverse perspectives.
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Proactive in communicating design rationale and engaging stakeholders to build consensus.
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A culture that encourages sharing knowledge and best practices within the design community.
📝 Enhancement Note: The Victorian Government's public sector values will heavily influence the team's culture. Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of and alignment with these values, particularly regarding public service, inclusivity, and ethical considerations.
⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
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Designing for a diverse and broad user base with varying needs and digital literacy levels.
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Navigating complex policy, regulatory, and political landscapes inherent in government projects.
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Balancing the needs of multiple stakeholders with potentially competing priorities.
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Ensuring scalability and maintainability of design systems across a large organization.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
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Access to Victorian Government training programs and professional development initiatives.
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Opportunities to attend industry conferences and workshops focused on UX, service design, and digital transformation.
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Potential for certifications in specialized design or accessibility fields.
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Mentorship from experienced design leaders within the public service.
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Exposure to high-impact projects with significant societal benefit.
📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for roles in the public sector, requiring resilience, strong problem-solving skills, and a commitment to public service. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering a chance to shape public services and advance a career in a stable, impactful environment.
💡 Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
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"Describe a complex government service you've designed or improved. What were the key challenges, and how did your design solutions address them?" (Focus on process, user advocacy, and outcomes.)
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"How would you approach designing a new digital service for citizens with low digital literacy? What research methods would you employ?" (Demonstrate user-centricity and accessibility planning.)
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"Imagine you have conflicting feedback from a policy lead and an engineering lead regarding a design. How would you facilitate a discussion to reach a consensus?" (Showcase stakeholder management and negotiation skills.)
Company & Culture Questions:
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"What interests you about designing for the Victorian Government specifically?" (Connect your passion for public service and impact.)
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"How do you stay updated on design best practices and emerging technologies relevant to public sector digital services?" (Showcase continuous learning.)
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
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Narrative Flow: Structure your presentation logically, guiding the interviewer through each project's journey.
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Highlight Your Role: Be specific about your contributions and responsibilities within each project, especially in cross-functional settings.
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Data & Impact: Clearly articulate the metrics and outcomes achieved by your designs. Quantify success whenever possible.
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Tool Showcase: Briefly mention and demonstrate your proficiency with Figma and other relevant tools.
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Q&A Readiness: Be prepared to answer in-depth questions about your design decisions, challenges, and how you've incorporated feedback.
📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to discuss their experience with government-specific challenges like accessibility, policy constraints, and serving diverse user groups. The portfolio presentation is a crucial opportunity to demonstrate not just design output but also the thought process and collaborative skills required for this role.
📌 Application Steps
To apply for this UX Designer position:
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Submit your application through the provided link on the VicGov People Careers portal before the closing date of April 30, 2026, 11:59 PM.
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Craft a compelling cover letter that directly addresses the key selection criteria outlined in the position description and this enhanced job analysis. Use specific examples to demonstrate your qualifications and experience.
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Optimize your resume to highlight your most relevant UX/Product Design experience, skills (especially Figma, research, and stakeholder management), and achievements, tailored to the requirements of designing government digital services.
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Prepare your portfolio for presentation. Ensure it clearly showcases your end-to-end design process, problem-solving abilities, collaborative efforts, and measurable impact, with a focus on the skills and experiences requested in the job description.
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Thoroughly research the Victorian Government's digital initiatives and public sector values to articulate your understanding and alignment during the interview process. Understand the context of designing for public services.
⚠️ 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
Requires deep expertise in end-to-end product design, including research, prototyping, and validation within regulatory frameworks. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in Figma, design systems, and stakeholder management to influence design outcomes.