Freelance Senior UX Designer and Strategist

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Freelance Senior UX Designer and Strategist

Company: The Mx Group

Location: Burr Ridge, IL, United States

Job Type: Contract

Category: UX/UI Design & Strategy

Date Posted: 2026-05-04T22:04:23

Experience Level: Senior (8-10 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead design execution and contribute to experience strategy for client engagements within a digital practice.

• Produce high-quality UX deliverables including wireframes, user flows, and high-fidelity UI designs.

• Integrate competitive analysis, SEO/AEO/GEO insights, and content strategy principles into design solutions.

• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including UX strategists, brand strategists, delivery leads, and developers.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is explicitly defined as freelance and senior-level, requiring a strong blend of design craft and strategic thinking. The emphasis on "independence," "minimal ramp time," and "shaping the work" indicates a need for a self-starter with a proven track record of delivering high-value design contributions in a client-facing environment. The integration of search and content strategy signals a modern approach to UX, focusing on discoverability and user intent.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Produce comprehensive wireframes, detailed user flows, refined interaction patterns, and polished high-fidelity design deliverables for client projects.

• Translate project briefs, client requirements, research findings, and strategic frameworks into clear, intuitive, and effective design solutions.

• Conduct and contribute to competitive analysis, including detailed UX audits, feature comparisons, and experience benchmarking against peer and aspirational brands.

• Interpret SEO, AEO, and GEO research reports, identifying actionable implications for information architecture, page structure, content hierarchy, and alignment with user intent.

• Actively participate in web content strategy discussions, providing a UX perspective on content organization, page flow optimization, messaging hierarchy, and call-to-action placement.

• Collaborate closely with developers to ensure design feasibility, provide clear documentation, and facilitate seamless design-to-development handoffs.

• Apply and extend established design systems, component libraries, and brand standards with meticulous consistency and precision.

• Proactively identify experience gaps or usability concerns during the design execution phase and escalate them to the UX Strategist or delivery lead.

• Participate in design reviews, client presentations, and feedback sessions, articulating design rationale and incorporating feedback effectively.

• Independently manage personal time and deliverables within project timelines, proactively flagging any risks or scope-related questions.

• Maintain high standards of design file hygiene and documentation, ensuring organized and accessible project assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of hands-on design execution and strategic input. The emphasis on interpreting SEO/AEO/GEO reports and participating in content strategy indicates that this role requires a candidate who understands the broader digital ecosystem and how UX impacts discoverability and user engagement beyond just interface design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a strong foundation in design principles, human-computer interaction, or a related field is implied by the experience requirements and the nature of the work.

Experience: 8-10 years of dedicated UX and interaction design experience, with significant exposure to agency environments or multi-client project portfolios.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in UX and interaction design, demonstrated through a strong portfolio.

• Fluency in Figma, including proficiency with component-based design, auto layout, and developer handoff workflows.

• Ability to produce detailed wireframes, user flows, and high-fidelity UI designs for web and digital products.

• Familiarity with competitive analysis frameworks and the ability to conduct structured UX and experience audits.

• Working knowledge of SEO, AEO, and GEO principles as they relate to content structure, discoverability, and user intent.

• Capability to read and translate search research reports into concrete design and content recommendations.

• Comfort and experience participating in web content strategy discussions, including content hierarchy and page architecture.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently within established strategy and design frameworks with minimal supervision.

• Clear, professional, and effective communication style for client and cross-functional team interactions.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with AI tools for design and content generation (e.g., Relume, Claude Design).

• Familiarity with CMS platforms such as WordPress, Contentful, or Hubspot.

• Experience utilizing SEO and search research tools like Ahrefs, Semrush, or Google Search Console.

• Proficiency with collaboration and project management tools such as Jira or Monday.com.

• Experience with generative AI tools like Claude, Gemini, or Firefly.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize practical application within a client-service context. The preferred skills point towards a candidate who is forward-thinking and embraces emerging technologies that can enhance efficiency and strategic output in the design process. The specific mention of AI tools suggests an interest in leveraging automation for design ideation and content structuring.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 8-10 years of UX and interaction design work.

• Demonstrate proficiency in wireframing, user flows, interaction design, and high-fidelity UI design across diverse web and digital products.

• Include case studies that highlight your ability to interpret client briefs, research findings, and strategic frameworks into tangible design solutions.

• Showcase examples of how you've leveraged competitive analysis and UX audits to inform design decisions.

• Present instances where you have considered and integrated SEO, AEO, and GEO principles into your design work, particularly concerning information architecture and user intent.

• Provide examples of your contribution to content strategy and information hierarchy.

Process Documentation:

• Case studies should clearly outline the design process followed, from initial brief interpretation and research to final deliverable and handoff.

• Demonstrate your approach to translating complex requirements into clear, actionable design steps.

• Illustrate how you manage design files, ensure hygiene, and maintain documentation standards for efficient collaboration and handoff.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior freelance role, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to not only showcase design quality but also strategic thinking, problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to integrate diverse inputs (research, SEO, content). The emphasis on "process" and "documentation standards" reflects the need for a professional who can integrate seamlessly into client projects and work efficiently.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a freelance, contract role, compensation is typically project-based or an hourly/daily rate. Based on industry standards for a Senior UX Designer and Strategist with 8-10 years of experience in the Chicago metropolitan area, an estimated hourly rate could range from $75 to $125+, depending on the project scope, duration, and The Mx Group's specific client billing rates. For a typical 40-hour work week, this would translate to a weekly earning potential of $3,000 - $5,000.

Benefits: As a freelance contractor, standard employee benefits (health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off) are typically not provided. Compensation is structured to reflect the independent nature of the role.

• Project-based compensation structure allowing for direct correlation between work delivered and earnings.

• Opportunity to work on diverse client projects, expanding portfolio and industry exposure.

• Flexibility in project selection and scheduling, within the constraints of client needs and project timelines.

• Potential for ongoing retainer or repeat project engagements based on performance and client satisfaction.

Working Hours: This role is structured around a 40-hour work week, consistent with a full-time engagement, but as a freelancer, the schedule may offer some flexibility. The primary requirement is availability and responsiveness during agreed-upon project cadences and client meeting times.

• Standard 40 hours per week, with potential for overtime based on project demands.

• Flexibility in daily schedule, provided deadlines are met and core collaboration hours are respected.

• Requirement for consistent availability for client meetings and team syncs, likely within standard US business hours for the Chicago time zone (America/Chicago).

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on typical freelance rates for senior UX professionals in a major US metropolitan area, factoring in the specified experience level and the "senior" designation. Benefits are adjusted to reflect a contract/freelance employment model, emphasizing project-based compensation and flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Marketing & Advertising, Digital Transformation, Consulting. The Mx Group operates within the digital marketing and consulting space, helping clients navigate digital transformation and create impactful online experiences.

Company Size: The Mx Group's career page indicates a medium-sized organization, likely employing between 50-250 individuals, which fosters a collaborative yet agile work environment. This size allows for direct impact and visibility for senior contributors.

Founded: The company was founded in 1994. With nearly three decades of experience, The Mx Group has a well-established presence and deep expertise in digital strategy and execution.

Team Structure:

• The UX team is part of the broader "digital practice," suggesting a specialized unit focused on user experience design and strategy.

• Senior UX Designers and Strategists are expected to operate with strong independence but integrate seamlessly with other UX team members, brand strategists, delivery leads, and development teams.

Methodology:

• The Mx Group emphasizes a data-driven and strategic approach to digital experiences, integrating insights from competitive analysis, SEO/AEO/GEO research, and content strategy.

• Design processes are likely agile and iterative, focusing on translating business objectives and user needs into effective digital solutions.

• Collaboration is key, with a focus on clear communication and efficient handoffs between strategy, design, and development.

Company Website: https://www.themxgroup.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context suggests a professional, client-focused environment where strategic thinking and execution are highly valued. The "digital practice" structure implies a dedicated group of experts collaborating on client solutions, with a clear understanding of how UX fits into the broader marketing and business objectives.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level freelance role, indicating a high degree of autonomy and responsibility. It's positioned for individuals who can lead design execution and contribute strategically, requiring minimal oversight. This level is typically for seasoned professionals with a deep understanding of UX principles and their application in a client-service context.

Reporting Structure: While a freelance role, the individual will integrate into project teams, reporting to Delivery Leads for day-to-day task management and project progress. Strategic design direction and mentorship may come from a UX Strategist or a senior leader within the Digital Practice.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is directly tied to the success of client engagements. By delivering high-quality UX design and contributing strategic insights, the freelancer influences client satisfaction, project outcomes, and ultimately, the client's business objectives. The emphasis on SEO/AEO/GEO and content strategy suggests an impact on client discoverability and engagement metrics.

Growth Opportunities:

• Portfolio Expansion: Gain experience with a diverse range of clients and industries, significantly enhancing the freelancer's professional portfolio and marketability.

• Skill Deepening: Opportunity to refine expertise in areas like SEO-informed design, content strategy integration, and advanced Figma workflows through project application.

• Strategic Contribution: Develop a stronger strategic voice by actively participating in client strategy sessions and contributing to the shaping of project direction.

• Network Building: Establish professional relationships within The Mx Group and with various clients, potentially leading to future freelance opportunities or collaborations.

• Emerging Tech Integration: Gain practical experience with AI tools for design and content, staying at the forefront of industry advancements.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a freelance position, "growth" is defined more by project experience, skill enhancement, and portfolio development rather than traditional internal promotions. The role offers significant exposure and the chance to deepen expertise in specialized, high-demand areas of UX.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as "embedded within the digital practice," and the location is Burr Ridge, IL, implying an on-site work arrangement. This suggests a hybrid or fully in-office environment within The Mx Group's facilities.

Office Location(s): The primary described location is Burr Ridge, IL. This is a suburban location west of Chicago, offering a professional office setting.

Workspace Context:

• The environment is likely collaborative, with opportunities to work alongside other UX designers, strategists, and project teams.

• Access to standard office amenities and potentially necessary software licenses (though freelance roles may require bringing one's own primary design tool licenses).

• Opportunities for direct interaction with team members for brainstorming, design reviews, and feedback sessions, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas.

Work Schedule: The role requires standard 40-hour work weeks. While freelance, maintaining consistent responsiveness and availability during core business hours (likely within the America/Chicago timezone) is crucial for client and team integration. Flexibility within the daily schedule is possible, provided project deadlines and meeting commitments are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "on-site" nature suggests a preference for in-person collaboration, which can be beneficial for complex design discussions and team cohesion. The location in Burr Ridge might appeal to professionals in the western suburbs or those who prefer a less urban commute.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of your resume and portfolio to assess experience, skill alignment, and the quality of your design work.

• Portfolio Presentation/Walkthrough: Expect to present key case studies from your portfolio, detailing your process, strategic contributions, and outcomes. Be prepared to discuss your role, challenges, and how you leveraged tools like Figma and integrated search/content strategy.

• Skills & Strategy Assessment: Interviews will likely delve into your approach to UX strategy, competitive analysis, content strategy integration, and your understanding of SEO/AEO/GEO principles. You may be asked hypothetical questions or presented with a small design challenge.

• Team/Cultural Fit: Discussions to assess your ability to work independently, collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, and communicate professionally with clients. Your responsiveness and reliability as a freelancer will also be evaluated.

• Client Integration Discussion: For embedded roles, there might be a discussion about how you approach integrating into client teams and understanding their specific business context.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest case studies that best represent the skills and experience listed in the job description (UX strategy, competitive analysis, SEO/content integration, Figma proficiency).

• Focus on Process & Impact: Clearly articulate your design process, the problems you solved, your strategic contributions, the tools you used (especially Figma), and the measurable outcomes or client satisfaction achieved.

• Highlight Relevant Expertise: Explicitly showcase projects where you've considered SEO, AEO, GEO, and content strategy. Detail how you interpreted research and translated it into design decisions.

• Demonstrate Figma Fluency: Be prepared to talk about your Figma setup, component libraries, auto layout usage, and how you approach developer handoffs.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Practice your presentation to be concise, engaging, and confident.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical UX challenge, focusing on your methodology, key considerations (including search and content), and how you would collaborate with stakeholders.

• Prepare to articulate your understanding of how UX design contributes to broader business goals like discoverability, user engagement, and conversion.

• Consider how you would manage your time and deliverables effectively in a fast-paced, project-based freelance environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a senior freelance role heavily relies on demonstrating past performance and strategic capability through the portfolio. Candidates should be prepared to "show, don't just tell" their expertise, particularly in the nuanced areas of SEO/content strategy integration.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for wireframing, user flows, interaction design, high-fidelity UI, component-based design, auto layout, and developer handoffs. Fluency is mandatory.

• AI Design & Prototyping Tools: Experience with tools like Relume or AI assistants (Claude Design) is preferred, indicating an interest in leveraging AI for efficiency.

• Prototyping Tools: Figma's built-in prototyping capabilities are standard.

Analytics & Reporting:

• SEO/Search Research Tools: Familiarity with Ahrefs, Semrush, or Google Search Console is preferred, enabling interpretation of search data for design and content strategy.

CRM & Automation:

• CMS Platforms: Working knowledge of WordPress, Contentful, or Hubspot is preferred, providing context for content implementation.

• Collaboration & Delivery Tools: Experience with Jira or Monday.com is preferred for project tracking and team coordination.

• Generative AI Tools: Familiarity with Claude, Gemini, or Firefly is preferred, suggesting an interest in AI for content ideation or design assistance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack reflects a modern digital design agency. Proficiency in Figma is non-negotiable for this role. The preferred tools indicate a forward-thinking approach, embracing AI and data analytics to inform and enhance the design process.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client Centricity: A strong focus on delivering valuable and meaningful experiences to clients, driving their business objectives.

• Strategic Thinking: Valuing a proactive approach to problem-solving, where design is not just execution but a strategic lever for business success.

• Collaboration & Integration: Emphasis on seamless teamwork across disciplines (UX, strategy, development) and with clients, fostering clear communication and shared understanding.

• Craftsmanship & Quality: Commitment to producing high-quality, well-executed design deliverables that meet rigorous standards.

• Efficiency & Accountability: Valuing independence, speed, and accountability in delivering work on time and on brief, crucial for freelance success.

Collaboration Style:

• Embedded & Integrated: The role requires smooth integration into existing client and internal project teams, working alongside diverse skill sets.

• Proactive Communication: A style that emphasizes clear, professional communication, flagging risks early, and providing regular updates.

• Feedback-Oriented: An openness to design reviews, client feedback sessions, and iterative refinement of work.

• Cross-Functional Partnership: Working closely with brand strategists, delivery leads, and developers to ensure holistic project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture values professionals who are not only skilled designers but also strategic partners who can integrate well into teams and client organizations. The emphasis on independence and accountability is particularly important for a freelance position.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Client Context Switching: Rapidly adapting to new client needs, brand guidelines, and project objectives across multiple engagements.

• Balancing Strategy and Execution: Effectively contributing to strategic discussions while also delivering high-quality design execution under project deadlines.

• Integrating Diverse Data Inputs: Synthesizing information from UX research, competitive analysis, SEO/AEO/GEO reports, and content strategy into cohesive design solutions.

• Managing Stakeholder Expectations: Effectively communicating design rationale and managing feedback from various client and internal stakeholders.

• Freelance Autonomy: Maintaining discipline, time management, and consistent quality as an independent contractor.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Figma Techniques: Deepen expertise in complex Figma workflows, component systems, and efficient handoff processes.

• Strategic UX Application: Enhance skills in competitive analysis, user intent mapping, and content strategy integration within real-world client projects.

• SEO/AEO/GEO for Designers: Gain deeper practical knowledge of how search engine optimization impacts UX and content design decisions.

• AI Tool Integration: Experiment with and incorporate AI tools into the design workflow for enhanced efficiency and ideation.

• Client Presentation Skills: Refine abilities in presenting design concepts and strategic recommendations to clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for senior, client-facing roles, especially in a freelance capacity. The growth opportunities are focused on deepening specialized skills and staying current with industry trends and tools, which is crucial for long-term freelance career success.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a project where you had to balance strong UX design execution with strategic considerations like SEO and content hierarchy. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your role, how you integrated search/content insights, and the results.)

• "How do you approach competitive analysis and UX audits? Walk us through a framework you've used and how the findings influenced your design decisions." (Be ready to explain your methodology and provide specific examples.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working freelance for The Mx Group, specifically within our digital practice?" (Research their clients, recent work, and company values.)

• "How do you approach integrating into a new project team and collaborating with individuals from different disciplines (e.g., brand strategists, developers)?" (Highlight your communication style and teamwork approach.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your strategic approach, your specific contributions (especially in Figma and strategic thinking), the solutions you designed, and the impact/outcomes.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals effectively. Showcase wireframes, user flows, high-fidelity mockups, and any interactive prototypes or relevant research outputs.

• Quantify Where Possible: If you have data on improved conversion rates, user satisfaction scores, or increased engagement due to your design, present it clearly.

• Highlight Core Responsibilities: Explicitly point out how your portfolio pieces demonstrate your ability to lead design execution, contribute to strategy, and integrate search/content considerations.

• Figma Demonstration: Be prepared to quickly navigate through Figma files if asked, showing your component structure, auto layout usage, and handoff process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a senior-level understanding of UX strategy, practical application of tools like Figma, and the ability to integrate search and content considerations into the design process. The portfolio is the primary tool for this demonstration.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this freelance Senior UX Designer and Strategist position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on The Mx Group's career page.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your 8-10 years of UX/interaction design experience, agency background, and specific skills in Figma, competitive analysis, and content strategy. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, showcases relevant case studies (especially those involving strategy, SEO/content integration, and Figma), and is easily navigable. Be ready to present it.

• Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse your portfolio walkthrough and prepare concise answers to common interview questions related to your process, strategic thinking, and collaboration style.

• Research The Mx Group: Understand their client base, recent projects, and company culture to 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 Mx Group before making application decisions.