Freelance UX Strategists & UX Designers (All Levels)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Freelance UX Strategists & UX Designers (All Levels) Company: Contravent Location: Salt Lake City, Utah, United States (Remote OK) Job Type: CONTRACTOR Category: User Experience (UX) Operations & Design Date Posted: 2025-09-18 Experience Level: Entry to Senior Level (0-2 years implied for some roles, but "All Levels" suggests broader scope) Remote Status: Remote OK

🚀 Role Summary

• Seeking versatile freelance UX Strategists and UX Designers to collaborate on innovative brand experiences that blend physical and digital touchpoints.
• Focus on creating user-centered designs that foster emotional resonance, community building, and measurable business impact through robust user journey mapping and data-informed strategies.
• Opportunity to work with a diverse range of leading brands, contributing to projects that require a deep understanding of user needs and market trends.
• This role emphasizes a hybrid approach, integrating analog experiences with digital reach to create holistic brand interactions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "All Levels" designation indicates a need for candidates across the experience spectrum, from junior practitioners to seasoned strategists. The company's focus on "analog to digital" and "experiences that matter" suggests a need for creative problem-solvers who can translate abstract concepts into tangible, engaging user interactions. This is not a traditional operations role but leverages operational thinking in design and strategy execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define comprehensive user journeys, detailed personas, and strategic experience roadmaps for client projects.
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative user research, analyze findings, and translate insights into actionable design recommendations and direction.
• Develop user flows, sitemaps, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups using industry-standard design tools.
• Collaborate effectively with clients, Contravent's internal strategists, designers, and developers to ensure alignment of business objectives, creative vision, and technical feasibility.
• Lead or significantly contribute to the UX aspects of client projects, adapting responsibilities based on individual experience level and project scope.
• Champion user experience best practices, innovative design thinking, and forward-thinking approaches to client engagements and internal knowledge sharing.
• Contribute to the generation of first-party data through user interactions and track the impact of designed experiences on brand connection and purchase intent.

📝 Enhancement Note: Responsibilities will vary significantly based on the candidate's level of experience. Junior candidates will focus more on execution (wireframing, prototyping, research support), while senior candidates will be expected to lead strategy development, client presentations, and project management from a UX perspective. The emphasis on "measurable impact" and "first-party data" indicates a need for UX professionals who can articulate the business value of their design decisions.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a background in HCI, Design, Computer Science, Psychology, or a related field is beneficial. Demonstrated understanding of UX principles is paramount. Experience: Proven experience in User Experience (UX) strategy, UX design, or a hybrid role. Experience with freelance or project-based work is a significant plus. A foundational understanding of how user experience drives business outcomes is expected.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated experience in UX strategy, user journey mapping, and persona development.
• Proficiency in UX research methodologies, including user interviews, usability testing, and data analysis.
• Expertise in creating wireframes, sitemaps, user flows, and interactive prototypes.
• Strong command of design and prototyping tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (XD), or similar.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions and rationale clearly.
• A robust portfolio showcasing a range of UX projects, problem-solving approaches, and design outcomes.
• Curiosity and a proactive approach to exploring new design trends and methodologies.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in leading UX initiatives or projects, including client management and presentation.
• Ability to mentor junior designers or strategists.
• Familiarity with front-end development concepts and constraints to inform design decisions.
• Experience in designing for both digital and physical/experiential touchpoints.
• Understanding of brand strategy and its intersection with user experience.
• Experience in generating and analyzing first-party data from user interactions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "All Levels" implies that candidates with 1-3 years of experience might focus on execution tasks and supporting senior team members, while those with 5+ years will be expected to lead strategic initiatives, manage client relationships, and potentially mentor others. The portfolio is critical for assessing problem-solving skills and design thinking.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated collection of UX projects demonstrating a strong understanding of user-centered design principles and problem-solving methodologies.
• Case studies that clearly articulate the project's objective, the user's needs, the design process undertaken, and the resulting impact or outcomes.
• Examples of deliverables such as user journey maps, personas, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and final UI designs.
• Demonstrations of proficiency in key UX tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD) and research methods.
• For senior-level candidates, evidence of strategic thinking, client presentation skills, and leadership in UX projects.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase an understanding of structured design processes, from initial research and ideation through to prototyping and testing.
• Highlight how user data and insights were integrated into the design process to inform decisions and iterate on solutions.
• Demonstrate experience in collaborating with cross-functional teams (e.g., developers, strategists, marketers) to bring designs to fruition.
• Provide examples of how designs were tested for usability and effectiveness, and how feedback was incorporated for iterative improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio should not just present final designs but also the thought process and rationale behind them. For this role, clearly showing how user insights were translated into actionable design strategies and how those strategies led to tangible results (even if qualitative, like emotional resonance) is crucial. Candidates should be prepared to walk through their process and explain their choices.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As a freelance role, compensation will be project-based and competitive, reflecting the candidate's experience level, skillset, and the specific project scope. Rates can range from $50-$150+ per hour, depending on expertise and the complexity of the engagement.

Benefits:

• Flexible work schedule and remote work options, offering a strong work-life balance.
• Opportunity to collaborate with a diverse portfolio of high-profile brands.
• Exposure to innovative projects that blend physical and digital experiences.
• Professional development through challenging project work and collaboration with experienced professionals.
• Potential for ongoing project opportunities based on performance and client needs.

Working Hours: This is a freelance, project-based role. Working hours are flexible and can be adjusted to accommodate project deadlines and personal schedules, with an expectation of approximately 40 hours per week for full-time project engagements, though this can be variable.

📝 Enhancement Note: For freelance roles, it's common for compensation to be structured as an hourly rate or a fixed project fee. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their rate expectations based on their experience and the scope of work. The benefits listed are typical for freelance engagements, emphasizing flexibility and project variety over traditional employee benefits.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Experiential Marketing, Brand Strategy, Technology, Design. Contravent operates at the intersection of creative technology and brand engagement, focusing on unique, impactful experiences. Company Size: Contravent is a relatively small to medium-sized agency, fostering a collaborative and agile work environment. This typically means more direct interaction with leadership and a flatter organizational structure. Founded: Contravent was founded to bridge the gap between traditional brand activations and cutting-edge digital experiences, emphasizing a forward-thinking approach to brand storytelling.

Team Structure:

• Freelancers will integrate into project-specific teams, working alongside Contravent's core strategists, designers, developers, and project managers.
• Collaboration is highly cross-functional, requiring seamless communication between disciplines to achieve integrated brand experiences.
• Reporting lines will be project-driven, with clear points of contact for project direction and feedback.

Methodology:

• Data-driven approach to experience design, using user insights and performance metrics to inform strategy and iteration.
• Emphasis on iterative design processes, from concepting and prototyping to testing and refinement.
• Collaborative problem-solving, encouraging open communication and idea sharing across teams and with clients.
• Focus on creating "analog to digital" experiences that are cohesive and impactful, requiring a blend of creative thinking and technical execution.

Company Website: https://contravent.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Contravent's emphasis on "creative partner," "technology, design, and experiences," and "analog to digital" suggests a culture that values innovation, collaboration, and tangible results. Freelancers will need to be adaptable and comfortable working within an agency structure on diverse client projects.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role offers opportunities for UX Strategists and Designers at all career stages, from junior practitioners gaining foundational experience to senior professionals leading complex projects. The freelance nature allows for a diverse range of project exposure. Reporting Structure: Freelancers will typically report to a Contravent Project Manager or Lead Designer/Strategist for specific projects. Direct collaboration with clients will also be a key aspect of the role. Operations Impact: UX professionals at Contravent directly influence brand perception, customer engagement, and ultimately, measurable business outcomes like purchase intent and data generation. Their work is central to delivering value for clients.

Growth Opportunities:

• Expand skill sets by working on diverse projects across various industries and brand types.
• Develop expertise in blended physical-digital experiences and emerging technologies.
• Build a professional network through collaboration with Contravent's team and clients.
• Gain exposure to high-profile brands and contribute to award-winning campaigns.
• For senior talent, opportunities to lead project teams, mentor junior designers, and contribute to Contravent's strategic offerings.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a freelance role, it offers significant growth potential through project variety and exposure. The opportunity to work on innovative "analog to digital" projects can be a strong differentiator for career development in the UX field.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Contravent operates with a remote-first or hybrid model, allowing freelancers to work from anywhere within the US. The emphasis is on distributed collaboration and effective digital communication tools. Office Location(s): While the company may have a physical presence, the role is designed for remote work across the United States.

Workspace Context:

• A fully remote work environment, requiring strong self-discipline and communication skills.
• Collaboration heavily relies on digital tools for communication, project management, and design work.
• Opportunities for virtual collaboration sessions, workshops, and team meetings to foster connection and shared understanding.
• Access to a network of talented creatives and strategists for knowledge sharing and inspiration.

Work Schedule: Flexible, project-dependent. While core hours for collaboration may be established, the ability to manage one's own schedule to meet project deadlines is essential. Expect a dynamic workload based on project pipelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote nature of this role requires candidates to be proactive communicators and self-starters, comfortable with digital collaboration tools and managing their own time effectively.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application, portfolio, and relevant experience against role requirements.
• Portfolio Review & Discussion: A deeper dive into selected portfolio pieces, discussing design process, problem-solving, and strategic thinking. This may involve a live walkthrough or presentation.
• Skills Assessment/Challenge (Potential): Depending on the level and specific project needs, candidates might be asked to complete a small design exercise or case study to demonstrate their approach.
• Team/Culture Fit Interview: Conversation with a Contravent team member to assess collaboration style, communication, and alignment with company values.
• Final Discussion/Onboarding: For successful candidates, a discussion about project specifics, rates, and contract terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Storytelling: Clearly narrate the "why" behind your design decisions, focusing on user needs and business objectives.
• Process Emphasis: Showcase your UX process, from research and ideation to iteration and final deliverables. Explain your methodology.
• Impact & Results: Quantify impact where possible (e.g., improved conversion rates, user satisfaction scores) or describe qualitative outcomes (e.g., enhanced brand perception, emotional connection).
• Tool Proficiency: Demonstrate your ability to use relevant design and prototyping tools effectively.
• Conciseness: Present key projects clearly and efficiently. Be prepared to speak in detail about any project showcased.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with Contravent's work and their "analog to digital" approach.
• Be ready to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical design challenge for a brand looking to create integrated experiences.
• Practice articulating your design rationale and problem-solving process concisely.
• Consider how you would measure the success of an experiential campaign.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the most critical component of the application. Candidates should select projects that best represent their ability to think strategically, solve user problems, and create engaging experiences. Be prepared to discuss the "analog to digital" aspect and how it informs your approach.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop). Proficiency in at least one of these is essential.
• Collaboration & Project Management: Slack, Zoom, Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides), potentially project management tools like Asana, Trello, or Jira.
• Research & Analysis: Tools for user testing (e.g., UserTesting.com), survey platforms (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Typeform), and potentially analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics) for understanding user behavior.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with analytics tools to understand user engagement and campaign performance is beneficial, especially for demonstrating impact.
• Ability to synthesize data from various sources to inform design iterations.

CRM & Automation:

• Less direct involvement with CRM/automation systems for this specific role, but an understanding of how user data is collected and utilized within broader marketing/sales operations can be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: While direct operations tools are not the focus, proficiency in design and prototyping software is non-negotiable. An understanding of how UX impacts data capture and customer journeys within a broader CRM context is a plus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: Valuing novel approaches to brand engagement and experience design.
• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where ideas are shared freely across disciplines.
• Impact-Driven: Focusing on creating experiences that deliver measurable results for clients, both emotionally and commercially.
• User-Centricity: Placing the user at the heart of every design decision and experience.
• Adaptability: Embracing new technologies and methodologies to stay at the forefront of experiential design.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional teamwork is key, with designers, strategists, and developers working closely together.
• Open communication and constructive feedback are encouraged to refine concepts and solutions.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and a willingness to contribute ideas beyond one's immediate role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Contravent's culture values a blend of creative artistry and strategic execution. Freelancers are expected to be team players who can contribute to a shared vision while bringing their unique expertise to the table.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing client expectations with user needs and technical constraints in "analog to digital" experiences.
• Translating abstract brand concepts into tangible, engaging user interactions.
• Measuring the ROI of experiential and blended digital-physical campaigns effectively.
• Staying ahead of rapidly evolving trends in technology and user behavior.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Exposure to a wide array of brand challenges and creative problem-solving scenarios.
• Opportunities to work with cutting-edge technologies and develop expertise in experiential design.
• Collaboration with a diverse pool of talented professionals to learn from.
• Potential to gain a strong portfolio of diverse, high-impact projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents the challenge of innovating at the intersection of physical and digital, requiring creative problem-solving and a flexible mindset. The growth comes from tackling these unique challenges and expanding one's portfolio with impactful work.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting stakeholder needs (e.g., client, user, technical) in a design project." Focus on your process for negotiation and finding a unified solution.
• "How do you approach user research for a new product or experience, and how do you translate those insights into actionable design?" Emphasize your methodology and the link between research and design output.
• "Walk us through a project in your portfolio where you designed for both physical and digital touchpoints. What were the key considerations?" Be prepared to discuss the integration challenges and your solutions.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What appeals to you about Contravent's 'analog to digital' approach to brand experiences?" Research their website and recent projects to articulate your understanding and interest.
• "How do you stay updated on the latest UX trends and technologies?" Highlight continuous learning and your sources of inspiration.
• "Describe your ideal collaboration environment when working with a distributed team." Focus on communication, feedback, and tools.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, typically by project. For each project, cover the problem, your role, your process, the solution, and the outcome/impact.
• Visuals: Use high-quality visuals of your work. Ensure prototypes are interactive or well-represented through videos/GIFs.
• Narration: Speak clearly and confidently about your contributions and decision-making process. Be ready to answer detailed questions about your work.
• Key Metrics: If possible, include any metrics or testimonials that demonstrate the success of your designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to articulate your UX process and problem-solving skills clearly, with specific examples from your portfolio. Understanding Contravent's unique approach to blended experiences will be key to demonstrating your fit.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through Contravent's Breezy HR portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date and highlights projects relevant to user experience strategy and design, particularly those showcasing problem-solving and creative thinking. Tailor your presentation to align with Contravent's focus on impactful brand experiences.
• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your UX experience, highlighting key skills in research, strategy, and design tools. Use keywords such as "UX Strategy," "UX Design," "Journey Mapping," "Wireframing," "Prototyping," and specific tool names (Figma, Sketch, etc.). Quantify achievements where possible.
• Preparation for Discussion: Be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail, explaining your design process, how you approach user research, and how you translate insights into actionable design solutions. Prepare to discuss your hourly rate expectations.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Contravent's work and their philosophy on creating blended "analog to digital" brand experiences. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your 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 hiring organization before making application decisions.