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Freelance Magazine Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Westminster University

Design Lead

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$53K - $72K/yr

Strategize, design, and produce the Westminster Review magazine, annual event invitations, and ... of freelance creatives and specialty vendors * Maintain Westminster's brand portal (CLC Brand ...

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Freelance Magazine information

What is a freelance magazine writer?

A freelance magazine writer is an independent professional who writes articles, features, or other content for magazines without being a permanent employee. They pitch story ideas to editors, research topics, conduct interviews, and submit completed pieces according to the magazine’s guidelines. Freelance magazine writers often work for multiple publications at once and are paid per article or assignment. This role offers flexibility and variety, but requires strong self-motivation and networking skills to secure assignments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance magazine writer?

To thrive as a Freelance Magazine Writer, you need strong writing, research, and editing skills, often supported by a background in journalism, communications, or English. Familiarity with content management systems (CMS), AP Style, and digital publishing tools is typically required. Self-motivation, adaptability, and the ability to pitch creative ideas help writers stand out in a competitive market. These skills are essential for consistently producing high-quality, engaging content that meets editorial standards and deadlines.

What are some common challenges freelance magazine writers face when working with multiple editors or publications?

Freelance magazine writers often juggle assignments from different editors, each with their own style preferences, deadlines, and editorial guidelines. Managing these varying expectations requires strong organizational skills and clear communication to ensure each piece meets the specific needs of the publication. Additionally, freelancers may encounter challenges such as negotiating rates, securing timely payments, and maintaining a steady workflow. Building good relationships and being adaptable can help writers navigate these challenges successfully.

What is the difference between Freelance Magazine vs Freelance Journalist?

AspectFreelance MagazineFreelance Journalist
CredentialsPortfolio, writing samples, possibly journalism or media-related certificationsJournalism degree or related certifications, strong writing portfolio
Work EnvironmentMagazines, publishing houses, online media platformsNewsrooms, online outlets, freelance assignments across various media
Employer & Industry UsageMagazines, publishing companies, media outletsNews organizations, online media, independent clients

Freelance Magazine writers focus on creating content specifically for magazines, often with a style suited to print or digital magazine formats. Freelance Journalists have a broader scope, covering news stories, reports, and articles across various media outlets. While both roles require strong writing skills and industry knowledge, Freelance Magazine writers typically specialize in feature or editorial content for magazines, whereas Freelance Journalists may cover a wider range of topics and formats across different platforms.

How much do freelance magazine writers make?

Freelance magazine writers typically earn between $0.10 and $1.00 per word, with annual incomes ranging from $20,000 to over $100,000 depending on experience, niche, and publication. Rates vary based on the writer's reputation, the complexity of topics, and the publication's budget, and many writers supplement income through multiple assignments or by building a strong portfolio.

How to become a freelance magazine writer?

To become a freelance magazine writer, develop strong writing skills, build a portfolio of published work, and research magazines that fit your interests. Pitch story ideas to editors or submit queries, and consider networking with industry professionals to find opportunities. Familiarity with editing tools and meeting deadlines are essential for success in this field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Magazine jobs in Utah?

The most popular types of Magazine jobs in Utah are:

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Magazine jobs in Utah?

For Freelance Magazine jobs in Utah, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Magazine jobs in Utah look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Magazine jobs in Utah are:

Freelance Magazine jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Magazine job openings in Utah as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 62% Full Time, 35% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution.

Design Lead

Westminster University

Salt Lake City, UT • On-site

$53K - $72K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Originate creative concepts and campaign thinking, translating institutional strategy into visual solutions.

  • Manage and ensure the quality, consistency, and brand alignment of marketing and communications materials across print and digital platforms.

  • Mentor the Junior Graphic Designer and student employees, and present creative work and brand direction to stakeholders.

Job description



Design Lead

Westminster University


Supervisor: Director of Marketing

Department: Office of Marketing, Communication, and Events


Position Summary

The Design Lead is Westminster's visual brand steward, reporting to the Director of Marketing. This role moves beyond brand maintenance into proactively shaping where Westminster's brand goes next, bringing initiative, strategic vision, and hands-on craft to every project.

Reporting to the Director of Marketing and in partnership with the Junior Graphic Designer, the Design Lead originates creative concepts and campaign thinking, translates institutional strategy into compelling visual solutions, and actively problem-solves to elevate the brand across print, digital, social, advertising, and editorial materials. They work cross-functionally with the internal MarComm team and campus partners.

The ideal candidate pairs strong design execution with strategic, big-picture thinking: someone who is constantly asking how Westminster's brand can be stronger, more cohesive, and more distinctive. They're excited to bring that thinking to a mission-driven institution with a strong sense of community and a real commitment to educational values, and they're energized by the cultural and creative life around them.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

CREATIVE DIRECTION AND BRAND

  • Serve as vision holder for Westminster's brand, proactively identifying opportunities to strengthen and evolve the university's visual identity, and contributing creative concepts and strategic design solutions that advance university goals and elevate projects from concept through execution
  • Develop wireframes and visual direction for campaign initiatives, partnering with the web team and other campus partners
  • Evaluate creative work across departments to identify where visual direction should shift, translating institutional priorities into cohesive visual communications
  • Ensure consistency, quality, and brand alignment across all marketing and communications materials, print through digital
     

BRAND OPERATIONS AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT 

  • Participate in project intake with the Director of Marketing, bringing design-specific questions to define project goals and creative briefs
  • Manage individual design projects and deadlines to ensure high-quality, timely execution
  • Strategize, design, and produce the Westminster Review magazine, annual event invitations, and other institutional publications
  • Translate campaigns across mediums — platform specs, reformatting, ensuring one campaign holds together from print to web
  • Develop and maintain university-wide design templates (Canva, PowerPoint, and other branded resources)
  • Co-manage print production and vendor relationships (estimates, specs, timelines, delivery); support sourcing of freelance creatives and specialty vendors
  • Maintain Westminster's brand portal (CLC Brand Manager 360)
  • Present creative work and brand direction to stakeholders, advocating for strategic design
  • Solve production and creative challenges proactively
  • Stay current on design trends and production best practices


TEAM LEADERSHIP AND MENTORSHIP

  • Mentor the Junior Graphic Designer and student employees, fostering craft and creative growth; track the team's project pipeline with the Director of Marketing
  • Present creative work and brand direction to external stakeholders/clients and internal teams
  • Partner closely with the Director of Marketing as a strategic creative counterpart — helping shape direction, not just receiving it


Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or related field
  • 7+ years of professional graphic design experience, including meaningful agency or client-facing time and demonstrated growth into higher-level creative ownership
  • Strong portfolio demonstrating brand identity and systems-level thinking — not just campaign execution — across print, digital, social, web, and editorial
  • Demonstrated experience developing wireframes or UX/interface design for websites or digital products
  • Familiarity with Canva and PowerPoint, to support campus clients effectively
  • Demonstrated experience presenting creative work to executive stakeholders and/or external clients, and navigating feedback with confidence
  • Proven ability to translate a campaign or brand across multiple channels while maintaining cohesion
  • Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Figma; working proficiency in XD or similar
  • Exceptional written, verbal, and visual communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
  • Motion graphics or animation experience (After Effects, Premiere Pro, or similar)
  • Illustration skills, or experience writing briefs for and managing illustrators/specialty creatives
  • Experience in higher education or another complex, multi-stakeholder institutional environment
  • Mentorship experience
  • Editorial design experience for print publications (magazines, annual reports, or similar)
  • Familiarity with brand portal/DAM systems (e.g., CLC Brand Manager 360) or similar platforms


Diversity and Inclusion:

Promote an Inclusive Westminster through demonstration of the commitments included in the Westminster University Diversity Statement. Participate in developmental activities to increase understanding and awareness of issues related diversity, equity and Inclusion both individually and as related to my field of work, profession or discipline.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
Westminster University is committed to a diversified workforce, equal opportunity, and nondiscrimination. To this end, Westminster prohibits any form of discrimination or harassment based on race or ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identification, disabilities, genetic information, status as a veteran, or any other category or classification protected by applicable federal, state, or city laws.