Content Designer

The Open University; Milton Keynes; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Open University is seeking a Knowledge Management Content Designer to optimise information architecture and the content lifecycle for the KMS. You will work with the Senior Manager, Knowledge Management to audit content, improve user experiences, and guide experts to ensure high-quality, accessible information for staff and students.

You will also lead analytics initiatives, create diagnostic tools, and contribute to the Digital Governance Framework, supporting a hybrid working environment

Qualifications

• Experience creating accessible online materials for diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to design content using established IA and UX principles.
• Strong data analysis and reporting skills to inform content decisions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with stakeholders at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Audit KMS content with Senior Manager, Knowledge Management and recommend improvements.
• Analyse user needs to enhance front-end and back-end experiences.
• Ensure high-quality, accessible KMS content and guide SMEs in content creation.
• Lead analytics tooling design: reports, diagnostic wizards and UI aids.
• Produce raw training materials on content design and UX with replication-ready outputs.
• Participate in Digital Governance and ongoing professional development.
• Take a leadership role within the KMS team, including project coordination.

Skills

Content design

Content auditing

User experience

Data analysis

Communication

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

The Open University is the UK's largest university, a world leader in flexible part-time education, combining a mission to widen access to higher education with research excellence, transforming lives through education. Find out more about us and our mission by watching this short video (you will be taken to YouTube by clicking this link).

About the Role

This role is central to the creation of online (and offline) resources for frontline staff operating within a multichannel contact environment, which delivers the Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) service to enquirers and students. The post holder will be responsible for optimising KMS (Knowledge Management Systems) Information Architecture (IA), operationalising the content lifecycle and improving the quality of content produced across the KMS community.

Key Responsibilities

• Working closely with Senior Manager, Knowledge Management to conduct focused, periodic content audits of KMS. Responsible for analysing results and making recommendations for change and improvement.
• Analysing the needs of our users, both front-end and back-end, with a view to improving their experience of KMS, and maximising their effectiveness and efficiency within their day-to-day roles.
• Responsible for the quality of KMS-wide content, with particular focus on the most popular results. Demonstrating and championing excellent content design skills and Influencing, guiding and supporting subject-matter-experts to produce high-quality, accessible content.
• Acting as a technical lead for the design and provision of analytics and aids to support users. For example, reports, diagnostic wizards, decision trees and digital workspaces/user interfaces (UI).
• Responsible for production of raw training materials, relating to content design and user experience (UX), working closely with the Senior Manager, Knowledge Management and learning and development professions.
• Contributing to and operationalising the University’s Digital Governance Framework, proactively seeking out and participating in continuous professional development.
• Taking a key management role within the KMS team, which may include managing people, projects and other activities as directed.

About You

• Experience of structuring and writing accessible materials for the online environment and for a variety of different audiences, using a range of techniques.
• Demonstrable experience of content design and good knowledge and understanding of the associated principles.
• Experience of using standard office software, including Microsoft Excel, to a high standard including expertise with functions and formulae. Ability to compile, analyse and evaluate data, and report results in a logical and professional way to influence continuous improvement.
• The ability to anticipate problems, consider solutions and make decisions. Adopting a logical approach to problem solving and managing issues with confidence whilst remaining calm and professional under pressure, to take tasks through to successful completion under minimal supervision.
• Time management, organisation and planning skills working within multidisciplinary teams, demonstrating teamwork, negotiation and influencing skills, working with stakeholders at all different levels.
• Able to develop and maintain effective working relationships with multiple stakeholders, both internally and externally.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to express views and ideas both verbally and in writing.
• Commitment to own personal and professional development including mandatory/role-specific training and development to ensure knowledge and skills remain up-to-date.
• Experience of management, with the ability to carry out the role in a way that is consistent with equality legislation and University policies.

What's in it for you?

At The Open University, we offer a range of benefits to recognise and reward great work, alongside policies and flexible working that contribute towards a great work life balance.

It is anticipated that a hybrid working pattern can be adopted for this role, where you can work from home and the office. However, as this role is contractually aligned to our Milton Keynes, Nottingham, Manchester office it is expected that some attendance in the office will be required when necessary and in response to business needs. We’d expect this to be approximately once per quarter.