Content Strategist/Designer

About This Position The Content Strategists serve as strategic partners to City departments, providing guidance on website content, information architecture, accessibility, and digital best practices. This role works closely with content owners, subject matter experts, and cross-functional teams to develop, organize, and improve digital content that is accurate, accessible, user-centered, and aligned with City standards. In addition to supporting departments, Content Strategists contribute to the ongoing evolution of the City's website by developing content standards, analyzing website performance, participating in user research, collaborating on new website functionality, and providing training and guidance to content authors across the organization. Job Description: Content Strategist/Content Designer Purpose: Under general supervision, responsible for the planning, development, and management of informational content produced by the City to ensure that access to City services and information is equitable and understandable to all. The Content Strategist/Content Designer will produce user-focused content that can be deployed across multiple digital and analog channels to reach our constituents and employees. Duties, Functions and Responsibilities: Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned. Works on assignments that are complex in nature where judgment and initiative are required in resolving problems and making recommendations. Assumes primary responsibility for larger individual projects or acts as an account representative for client departments and programs. Serves on multi-disciplinary teams to concept, prototype, and implement content solutions for City services. Conducts requirement-gathering sessions to determine/design content production workflow and documentation based on the needs of stakeholders and department staff. Develops and implements short- and long-term strategies for content deliverables and performance monitoring. Collaborates with clients to assign, edit, and/or produce service-oriented content that is consistent and aligned with the organization’s voice and values. Collaborates with developers and designers to create, test, and deploy effective content models for web content, user guides, social media, newsletters, applications, printed resources, and in-person transactions. Develops consistent and sustainable content standards for products, services, and projects across the City that improve usability, equitable access, comprehension, and efficiency. Contributes to the development of editorial standards, style guides, taxonomies, metadata frameworks, and SEO strategies. Develops and leads training programs that guide and coach departments, team members, and stakeholders on content strategy and writing for the Web. Conducts research on software products and technology services to verify that they meet business and user requirements. Collaborates with developers, designers, and researchers to execute thoughtful and ethical user research related to content delivery. Participates, as needed, on Agile product development scrum teams. Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised: May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed. Knowledge of concepts related to user experience design, including Web publishing and content management systems. Knowledge of current Web publishing standards to include best practices related to accessibility, usability, and writing for the Web. Knowledge of user experience research methodologies and best practices. Knowledge of current Web content management systems, social media, and other common tools used to deliver content. Knowledge of processes for importing/exporting data for use in reporting and documentation. Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances governing digital content, archiving, and privacy. Skill in developing and delivering effective training to a diverse audience. Skill in developing and documenting processes, procedures, standards, and guidelines. Skill in writing in simple, easy-to-understand language consistent with commonly adopted plain language writing standards as detailed in the Federal Plain Language Guidelines. Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing. Skill in using computers and related software applications. Skill in research design, data analysis, and problem solving. Ability to accurately identify/determine customer needs and recommend appropriate actions/steps to address them. Ability to recognize, value, and include different perspectives, experiences, approaches, and cultures in achieving organizational goals. Ability to give, receive, and share thoughts, ideas, and perspectives to create shared understanding. Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with City employees and the public. Ability to take complex language and processes and make them simple to understand. Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities. Ability to train others. Minimum Qualifications: Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a field related to the job, plus four (4) years of related experience, including one (1) of which was in designing digital content or marketing communications. OR Graduation with an associate degree from an accredited college or university with major course work and/or certifications in a field related to the job, plus six (6) years of related experience, including one (1) of which was in designing digital content or marketing communications. Licenses and Certifications Required: None. Preferred Qualifications Experience developing and implementing content strategies for complex websites or digital services. Proficiency with enterprise content management systems. Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams in Agile or iterative work environments. Experience using web analytics and user research to evaluate and improve digital content. Strong understanding of search engine optimization (SEO) best practices. Knowledge of web accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG). Excellent editorial skills, including copyediting, proofreading, and writing in plain language. Notes to Candidate: Austin Communications and Engagement helps connect the community with City programs, services, and information through accessible, user-centered digital experiences. The department develops, manages, governs, and continuously improves the City's digital content and web platforms to ensure information is accurate, accessible, easy to find, and aligned with organizational standards, accessibility requirements, and community needs. The Content Strategist position is part of the Austin Communications and Engagement Web Services team, which is responsible for the administration, governance, and continuous improvement of austintexas.gov. When completing the City of Austin employment application: Please be sure to detail on the application all previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications. A detailed, complete employment application is required. It helps us to better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position. Be sure to provide job titles and employment dates for all jobs you wish to be considered. A résumé is required, but will not substitute for a complete employment application. Please include contact information from previous employers. A cover letter is also required. In the cover letter candidates should describe, in concise detail, their interest in th