Freelance Brand Designer / Creative Lead (Contract-to-Hire Potential)

Job Title: Freelance Brand Designer / Creative Lead (Contract-to-Hire Potential)

Type: Freelance, 40 hrs/week

Start: ASAP (January/February 2026)

Length: 3–6 months initial contract (strong potential for extension or conversion to full-time Associate Director, Creative)

Location: Fully remote (nationwide); no hybrid/office requirement

Compensation: $55–$85/hr (DOE; competitive for mid-senior brand leadership in nonprofit space)

A leading national nonprofit focused on product philanthropy and disaster relief is seeking a talented freelance Brand Designer / Creative Lead to drive an upcoming full rebrand and support mission-critical visual storytelling. In this role, you’ll serve as a hands-on thought partner to marketing leadership, delivering cohesive brand assets while providing strategic guidance on digital asset management (DAM) platform selection, implementation, and ongoing maintenance.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING:

· Lead brand design, visual development, and strategy for a major rebrand initiative, including guidelines, identity systems, and high-impact assets

· Design and produce quality materials such as annual/impact reports, executive presentations, digital/social content, campaign visuals, and infographics (including ESG reports)

· Collaborate closely with marketing leadership to translate brand research and strategy into mission-aligned, compelling creative

· Act as thought partner for Digital Asset Management (DAM) platform evaluation (e.g., MediaValet, Canto, Bynder, Aquia), RFP process, selection recommendations, implementation, best-practice maintenance, and ongoing hygiene/care

· Iterate on designs, incorporate feedback, and ensure deliverables align with nonprofit storytelling, brand standards, and organizational goals

· Provide light oversight and direction for team production once brand/templates are established (minimal administrative duties)

· Support ad-hoc creative needs to maintain momentum during transition to permanent Associate Director, Creative

MUST-HAVES (DON’T APPLY WITHOUT THESE):

· 5–8+ years of professional brand design experience, with proven expertise leading rebranding projects for high-visibility organizations

· Strong portfolio demonstrating consistent brand strategy, identity development, visual systems, and mission-driven storytelling (household-name brands/nonprofits preferred)

· Proven ability to build and evolve a strong organizational identity by creating brand systems that improve consistency, recognition, and trust. This includes defining and applying key visual elements such as typography, color palette, iconography, layout structure, photography style, templates, and brand usage standards.

· Hands-on experience with Digital Asset Management (DAM) platforms (e.g., MediaValet, Canto, Bynder, Aquia) including selection, implementation, governance, and/or ongoing maintenance

· Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) and related design tools

· Digital-first mindset (comfortable designing for web, video, and digital platforms; minimal print focus)

· Legally authorized to work in the US (no sponsorship available)

YOU’LL STAND OUT IF YOU…

· Have brand/rebranding experience at top nonprofits (e.g., Feeding America, World Central Kitchen, United Way, Rubicon, Red Cross) or major household-name brands (e.g., Google, Amazon, Coca-Cola)

· Bring experience with ESG reports/infographics (visualizing complex concepts)

· Have proven thought-leadership in DAM strategy, implementation, and governance for growing teams

· Have worked in fast-paced, mission-focused environments with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally while delivering hands-on design

· Are open to a long-term permanent opportunity if the fit is exceptional (contract-to-hire path available)