Freelance Design Director, UX and Brand

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Freelance Design Director, UX and Brand Company: Happy Cog Location: United States (Remote) Job Type: CONTRACTOR Category: Operations (UX & Brand Strategy) Date Posted: July 31, 2025 Experience Level: Senior to Director Level (5-10 years) Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead UX and Brand strategy for client engagements, ensuring alignment with business objectives and user needs.
• Lead and mentor design teams, fostering a collaborative environment and driving high-quality creative output.
• Manage the end-to-end lifecycle of web projects, from initial client contact and discovery through to final system delivery.
• Act as a player-coach, contributing directly to design execution while also guiding strategic direction.
• Drive process improvements and best practices in UX and brand design within a freelance consulting capacity.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Director," this role is framed as a freelance contract focused on UX and Brand. For the purpose of this enhancement, we are categorizing it under "Operations" due to the strategic oversight, project management, and process-driven nature of guiding design projects from inception to delivery, which are core operational functions within a creative agency context. The "player-coach" aspect suggests a hands-on contribution alongside leadership.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive UX research, including user interviews, surveys, and usability testing, to inform design decisions and identify user pain points.
• Develop user personas, journey maps, wireframes, and interactive prototypes to visualize and validate design concepts.
• Define and articulate brand strategy, including brand positioning, messaging, visual identity, and brand guidelines.
• Oversee the creation of compelling visual design systems and brand assets that are consistent across all touchpoints.
• Manage client relationships and expectations, ensuring clear communication and successful project delivery within scope and timeline.
• Lead design critiques and provide constructive feedback to team members to elevate the quality of deliverables.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including strategists, developers, and project managers, to ensure seamless project execution.
• Contribute to business development efforts by participating in proposals, pitches, and client presentations.
• Streamline and optimize the design process, identifying opportunities for efficiency and innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities are inferred from the title "Design Director, UX and Brand" and the "player-coach" description. The emphasis on shepherding projects from "first contact to system delivery" implies a strong project management and client-facing component, typical of senior operational roles in agencies.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Marketing, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: A minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in UX Design and Brand Strategy, with a proven track record of leading successful design projects. Experience in a senior or director-level capacity within an agency or consulting environment is highly valued.

Required Skills:

• UX Design Expertise: Deep understanding of user-centered design principles, information architecture, interaction design, and usability best practices.
• Brand Strategy & Development: Proven ability to develop and articulate compelling brand strategies, visual identities, and brand guidelines.
• Portfolio Management: A strong portfolio showcasing a range of UX and brand design projects, demonstrating strategic thinking, creative execution, and measurable impact.
• Client Relationship Management: Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and manage client expectations effectively.
• Project Leadership: Experience in leading design teams and managing projects from concept to completion, ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to translate business objectives and user needs into effective design solutions.
• Proficiency in Design Tools: Mastery of industry-standard design and prototyping software (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite, InVision).

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with web development processes and understanding of front-end technologies.
• Knowledge of accessibility standards and inclusive design principles.
• Experience in a freelance or contract role within a fast-paced agency environment.
• Familiarity with agile methodologies and iterative design processes.
• Strong understanding of digital marketing and content strategy principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "senior to director level" experience and the "player-coach" nature of the role suggest a need for both deep craft expertise and leadership capabilities. The focus on "shepherding web projects from first contact to system delivery" highlights project management and client-facing skills as crucial.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 5-7 diverse projects demonstrating expertise in both UX and Brand Design.
• Clearly articulate your role, the project's objectives, the challenges faced, your design process, and the measurable outcomes.
• Include examples of user research, wireframing, prototyping, visual design, and brand guideline development.
• Highlight instances where you led design efforts or mentored junior designers.
• Demonstrate a structured problem-solving approach and ability to adapt to different project needs.

Process Documentation:

• Include case studies that detail your approach to project initiation, client discovery, and requirement gathering.
• Present examples of how you manage design workflows, from ideation and iteration to final asset delivery.
• Showcase your methods for ensuring brand consistency and user experience quality throughout the project lifecycle.
• Provide insights into how you approach collaboration with development teams and ensure successful system implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a freelance Design Director role, a portfolio is paramount. The emphasis is on demonstrating not just creative output but also the strategic thinking, process management, and client delivery capabilities expected at a senior level. The "player-coach" aspect means the portfolio should also hint at mentorship and team leadership.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a freelance contract position, compensation will be based on an hourly rate. Given the senior to director level experience required for UX and Brand Design Director roles in the US, and considering the specialized skill set and project leadership involved, typical freelance hourly rates can range from $75 to $150+ per hour, depending on experience, portfolio strength, and specific project demands.

Benefits:

• Flexible Work Schedule: As a freelance contractor, you will have control over your working hours, provided project deadlines and client needs are met.
• Remote Work Opportunity: The role is fully remote, offering the flexibility to work from any location within the United States.
• Project Variety: Opportunity to work on diverse client projects, expanding your portfolio and gaining exposure to different industries and challenges.
• Potential for Extension: The initial contract is for 6-8 weeks, with the possibility of extension based on performance and ongoing project needs.

Working Hours: The role requires a commitment of approximately 40 hours per week. While the specific schedule is flexible, availability for client meetings, team collaborations, and project deliverables during standard business hours (and potentially some flexibility for time zone differences if the team is distributed) is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary for freelance roles is highly variable. The provided range is an industry estimate for a senior/director-level freelance UX/Brand professional in the US. The specific rate will depend heavily on the candidate's demonstrated expertise and the negotiation process. Benefits are typically limited for contractors compared to full-time employees, focusing more on flexibility and project scope.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Digital Agency / Web Design & Development / Branding & Strategy. Happy Cog is known for its expertise in digital strategy, design, and development, often working with clients to create impactful online experiences.

Company Size: Happy Cog is a mid-sized agency, which typically fosters a collaborative and close-knit team environment. This size often allows for direct impact and visibility for individuals.

Founded: Happy Cog was founded in 1999. With over two decades of experience, the company has established a strong reputation in the digital space, suggesting a culture that values expertise, innovation, and client success.

Team Structure:

• As a freelance Design Director, you would likely be integrated into project-specific teams.
• These teams typically include Project Managers, UX Designers, UI Designers, Brand Strategists, and Developers.
• You would report to a senior agency leadership member (e.g., Creative Director, VP of Design, or Account Director) for project oversight and agency-level guidance.
• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, working closely with project managers for timelines and client communication, and with developers to ensure design feasibility.

Methodology:

• Happy Cog likely employs a structured, yet agile, approach to project delivery, common in digital agencies.
• This involves phases like Discovery, Strategy, Design (UX/UI/Brand), Development, and Launch.
• Data-driven decision-making is probable, using user research and analytics to inform strategic and design choices.
• Emphasis on collaborative problem-solving and iterative design processes to meet client objectives.

Company Website: http://www.happycog.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Agency culture often emphasizes client-centricity, teamwork, and a fast-paced environment. For a freelance role, integration into existing project teams and adherence to agency methodologies are key.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior leadership position within operations, specifically focused on the design and brand strategy vertical of a digital agency. It requires a blend of strategic oversight, team leadership, and hands-on execution.

Reporting Structure: The Freelance Design Director will likely report to a Creative Director or a Senior Project Lead within Happy Cog. They will lead project teams consisting of designers and potentially collaborate with strategists and developers.

Operations Impact: The Design Director's impact is directly tied to the success of client projects. By ensuring high-quality UX and brand strategy, they contribute to client satisfaction, brand perception, and ultimately, the agency's revenue and reputation. Effective project management and process adherence by the Design Director are critical operational components that drive efficiency and profitability for the agency.

Growth Opportunities:

• Project Leadership: Successfully leading multiple projects can lead to opportunities for longer-term engagements or returning contracts with Happy Cog.
• Expanded Network: Building relationships within Happy Cog can open doors to other high-profile freelance opportunities or even full-time roles if they arise.
• Skill Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific industry niches or advanced design methodologies based on project exposure.
• Mentorship: The "player-coach" role offers opportunities to hone leadership and mentorship skills by guiding junior team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a freelance role, "growth" is often measured by the quality and duration of engagements, the ability to secure repeat business, and the expansion of professional networks. The "player-coach" aspect also provides a platform to develop leadership capabilities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: While Happy Cog may have physical offices, this specific role is fully remote. This implies a distributed team environment where collaboration and project management are conducted primarily through digital tools.

Office Location(s): Happy Cog has offices in locations such as Philadelphia, PA, and Denver, CO. However, for this freelance position, the physical office location is not a primary factor as the work is performed remotely across the United States.

Workspace Context:

• Digital Collaboration: Expect to work within a virtual team environment using collaboration platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams), video conferencing tools (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet), and project management software.
• Design Tools Integration: Seamless integration with design tools like Figma, Sketch, and Adobe Creative Suite will be essential.
• Client Interaction: Regular virtual meetings with clients and internal teams are standard for project updates, reviews, and strategic discussions.
• Autonomous Work: As a freelancer, you'll be expected to manage your own time and workflow efficiently to meet project milestones.

Work Schedule: The work schedule is flexible, aligning with the 40-hour per week expectation for the 6-8 week contract. This means managing your time to meet project deadlines, attend scheduled meetings, and be responsive to team and client communications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The fully remote nature of the role emphasizes the importance of self-discipline, proactive communication, and proficiency with digital collaboration tools.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume, portfolio, and stated hourly rate.
• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: You will likely be asked to present key projects from your portfolio, detailing your process, strategic thinking, and outcomes. Be prepared to discuss your player-coach approach.
• Skills Assessment: A discussion or practical exercise to evaluate your UX and Brand strategy expertise, including client management and project leadership capabilities.
• Cultural Fit & Collaboration Assessment: Interviews with members of the Happy Cog team to gauge your fit within their agency culture and your ability to collaborate effectively.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your leadership, strategic thinking, UX expertise, and brand development skills. Ensure a clear narrative for each project.
• Highlight Player-Coach Role: Explicitly call out instances where you both led and contributed hands-on. Explain the rationale behind this dual approach.
• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved conversion rates, increased user engagement, positive brand sentiment).
• Process Focus: Clearly articulate your design process, from discovery and research to ideation, iteration, and final delivery.
• Concise and Clear: Be prepared to walk through your portfolio efficiently, focusing on the most impactful aspects of each project.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Anticipate questions about how you would handle specific client challenges, team dynamics, or project roadblocks.
• Design Thinking Exercises: Be ready to discuss your approach to solving complex UX problems or developing a brand strategy from scratch.
• Client Communication Practice: Prepare to articulate your design rationale and strategic decisions clearly and persuasively, as if presenting to a client.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize the portfolio for evidence of strategic leadership, process management, and client-facing capabilities, aligning with the "Director" title and "player-coach" operational demands.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX/UI Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision, Axure RP. Proficiency in at least one primary tool (likely Figma or Sketch) is essential.
• Brand Development: Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) for creating brand assets, style guides, and presentation materials.
• Project Management & Collaboration: Tools like Asana, Trello, Jira, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace for task management, team communication, and file sharing.
• User Research & Testing: SurveyMonkey, Typeform, UserTesting.com, Lookback, or similar platforms for conducting user research and usability testing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics for understanding user behavior on websites.
• Hotjar, Crazy Egg for heatmaps and user session recordings.
• Tools for generating performance reports and presenting findings.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly managing CRM in this role, an understanding of how design impacts CRM data and user journeys is beneficial. Familiarity with CRM concepts (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) can provide context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in industry-standard design and prototyping tools is non-negotiable. Experience with collaboration and project management software is also crucial for a remote, team-based freelance role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client-Centricity: A strong focus on understanding and meeting client needs and objectives through excellent design and strategy.
• Collaboration: Valuing teamwork and open communication, both within project teams and across the agency.
• Excellence & Craftsmanship: A commitment to delivering high-quality, well-executed design work.
• Innovation & Adaptability: Embracing new ideas, technologies, and methodologies to stay at the forefront of digital design.
• Accountability: Taking ownership of projects and deliverables, ensuring commitments are met.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working seamlessly with project managers, strategists, developers, and other designers to achieve project goals.
• Constructive Feedback: Engaging in open and honest feedback sessions to improve design quality and team processes.
• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share expertise and best practices with team members.
• Agile Mindset: Embracing iterative development and being adaptable to project changes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Agency culture often prioritizes collaboration, client satisfaction, and a high standard of creative output. As a freelancer, demonstrating these values will be key to successful integration and potential for extended engagements.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Player and Coach Roles: Effectively managing personal design contributions while also leading and guiding a team can be demanding.
• Remote Collaboration: Maintaining strong team cohesion and effective communication in a fully remote environment requires proactive effort.
• Diverse Client Needs: Adapting design strategies and approaches to meet the unique requirements and brand identities of various clients.
• Tight Timelines: Delivering high-quality work within the specified 6-8 week freelance contract period requires efficient time management and prioritization.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Exposure to Varied Projects: Working on diverse client projects offers extensive opportunities to learn about different industries, user behaviors, and design challenges.
• Mentorship Experience: The "player-coach" aspect provides a platform to refine leadership and mentorship skills.
• Agency Best Practices: Gaining insights into the operational methodologies and client management strategies of a reputable digital agency like Happy Cog.
• Networking: Building professional connections within Happy Cog can lead to future freelance opportunities or collaborations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Freelance roles inherently involve challenges related to project scope, client management, and self-direction. The growth opportunities lie in the breadth of experience gained and the professional relationships forged.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for translating initial client contact into a clear project brief and design strategy."
• "How do you balance your role as a hands-on designer with your responsibilities as a director and mentor?"
• "Walk us through a time you had to adapt your design approach due to unforeseen client feedback or project constraints."
• "What are your key performance indicators for measuring the success of a UX and brand strategy project?"
• "How do you ensure brand consistency across multiple digital touchpoints and client projects?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you specifically about Happy Cog and this freelance opportunity?"
• "How do you approach collaboration with remote teams and different personality types?"
• "Describe your ideal working relationship with a client."
• "How do you stay current with the latest trends in UX and brand design?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each project, follow a clear narrative: Problem -> Your Role -> Process -> Solution -> Outcome.
• Highlight Leadership: Explicitly point out where you directed the team, made key strategic decisions, or mentored others.
• Showcase Process: Demonstrate wireframes, user flows, mood boards, style guides, and interactive prototypes to illustrate your methodology.
• Quantify Results: Use data and client testimonials to back up your claims of success.
• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your most impactful work within a set time frame. Practice your delivery to be smooth and engaging.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, a robust design process, and excellent communication skills, all tailored to the agency environment and the specific demands of a freelance Design Director role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your resume, portfolio, and desired hourly rate through the provided application link.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio's introduction and project selection to highlight your experience relevant to UX, Brand Strategy, and project leadership in a client-facing, agency context. Emphasize projects where you acted as a player-coach.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your senior/director-level experience, specific responsibilities in UX and Brand, and any project management successes. Use keywords like "UX Design," "Brand Strategy," "Client Management," "Project Leadership," "Remote Collaboration," and "Player-Coach."
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, strategic rationale, and client management approach. Be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail and answer scenario-based questions about managing remote teams and client expectations.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Happy Cog's client work, case studies, and company values to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment during the interview process. Understand their approach to digital strategy and design.

⚠️ 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.