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Freelance Researcher Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

First Descents

Communications Director

Denver, CO · On-site

Translate program outcomes, research, and organizational learning into clear, credible and ... Manage relationships with graphic designers, freelance writers, photographers, videographers, and P ...

WorkInProgress

Director_Strategy + Insights

Boulder, CO · On-site

$135K - $175K/yr

... research platforms and formats. * Experience working directly with consumers in a variety of ways. $135,000 - $175,000 a year Compensation based on experience. Freelance-to-hire arrangements ...

WorkInProgress

Director_Strategy + Insights

Boulder, CO

$135K - $175K/yr

... research platforms and formats. * Experience working directly with consumers in a variety of ways. $135,000 - $175,000 a year Compensation based on experience. Freelance-to-hire arrangements ...

Strange Parts

Be Seen First

Video Producer for Popular YouTube Channel

Idaho Springs, CO · On-site

$500 - $1.0K/day

Research and identify potential shoot locations, including factories and rural property projects ... Hire and manage freelance staff (camera operators, fixers, translators, etc.). * Coordinate ...

Posted today

IGE

Exhibit Designer - Denver, CO

Englewood, CO · On-site

Research industry trends, materials, technologies, and innovative exhibit solutions. Project ... Coordinate freelance designers when assigned. Cross-Functional Collaboration * Participate in ...

RINGCENTRAL

Creative Operations Manager

Denver, CO

$250/day

With $2.5B+ in ARR and $250M invested in R&D annually, we're building the future of AI-powered ... Manage external agencies, freelancers, and production vendors, including onboarding and operational ...

IGE

Exhibit Designer - Denver, CO

Englewood, CO

Research industry trends, materials, technologies, and innovative exhibit solutions. Project ... Coordinate freelance designers when assigned. Cross-Functional Collaboration * Participate in ...

Founders Factory

Venture Builder (HealthTech)

Denver, CO · On-site

$80K - $94K/yr

... freelance). Our preferred location is New York, but we will be open to considering hybrid ... research, or volunteering (experience applying AI or developing innovative health/medical devices ...

MGMA-ACMPE

Product Owner, Web Experience

Englewood, CO

$105K - $120K/yr

Direct delivery through external agencies, freelancers, and technology vendors, holding them ... internet research. While performing the duties of this job, employee is regularly required to ...

MGMA-ACMPE

Product Owner, Web Experience

Englewood, CO · On-site

$105K - $120K/yr

Direct delivery through external agencies, freelancers, and technology vendors, holding them ... internet research. While performing the duties of this job, employee is regularly required to ...

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Freelance Researcher information

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$31.5K

$118.9K

$173K

How much do freelance researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance researcher in Colorado is $118,929.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,500.00 and $161,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance researcher?

Freelance researchers are independent professionals who conduct research on a contract or project basis, rather than being employed full-time by a single organization. They work across various industries, gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data to support clients’ projects or decision-making processes. Freelance researchers may work remotely or on-site, and their tasks can range from academic research and market analysis to background checks and report writing. They are responsible for managing their own schedules, finding clients, and delivering high-quality research within agreed deadlines.

What does a freelance researcher do?

As a freelance researcher, your responsibilities are to conduct research on a specific subject or topic, report to a project manager, other researchers, or directly to your client about the information you find, and help organize the research so other investigators or researchers can easily access and utilize the resources. Freelance researchers work in many industries, including news and media, marketing and advertising, entertainment, higher education, nonprofit and governmental organizations, and think tanks. Your specific duties may vary depending upon the industry in which you work.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Researcher, you need strong analytical skills, subject-matter expertise, and experience in research methodologies, often supported by an advanced degree or relevant coursework. Familiarity with data analysis software, academic databases, and citation management tools is typically required. Excellent communication, time management, and self-motivation are crucial soft skills for managing projects and delivering client-ready results. These skills ensure accurate, insightful research outputs and enable effective collaboration with diverse clients in a competitive freelance environment.

What are some common challenges freelance researchers face when managing multiple projects simultaneously?

Freelance researchers often juggle several projects for different clients at once, which can make time management and organization particularly challenging. Balancing varying deadlines, adapting to diverse research topics, and responding to different client expectations require strong planning and communication skills. Many professionals use project management tools and set clear milestones to keep work on track and ensure high-quality deliverables. Building a reliable routine and maintaining transparent communication with clients can help mitigate these challenges and lead to repeat business.

What is the difference between Freelance Researcher vs Academic Researcher?

AspectFreelance ResearcherAcademic Researcher
CredentialsVaries; often self-taught or with relevant degreesTypically holds advanced degrees (Master's or PhD)
Work EnvironmentIndependent, remote, project-basedUniversity or research institution, often on campus
Employer & IndustryClients across industries, including businesses and nonprofitsEducational institutions, government, or academia
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for flexible, project-based research servicesSeeking in-depth, scholarly research or academic collaboration

The main difference is that Freelance Researchers work independently on diverse projects for various clients, often remotely, while Academic Researchers are employed by educational or research institutions, focusing on scholarly studies and academic publishing. Both roles require strong research skills, but their work settings and credentials differ significantly.

More about Freelance Researcher jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Researcher jobs in Colorado?

The most popular types of Researcher jobs in Colorado are:

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For Freelance Researcher jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Freelance Researcher jobs in Colorado are:

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Cities in Colorado with the most Freelance Researcher job openings:

Freelance Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Researcher job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,929 per year, or $57.2 per hour.

Communications Director

Denver, CO • On-site

First Descents
Non-Profits • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about First Descentsexternal

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

First Descents (FD) is a nonprofit that provides life-changing outdoor adventures for young adults (ages 18-45) impacted by cancer and other serious health conditions. We believe in the healing power of adventure to build courage, foster belonging and inspire wellbeing.
The Communications Director leads an integrated communications strategy that strengthens the First Descents brand, expands national awareness and advances fundraising and organizational growth. Positioned within the Advancement team and reporting to the Vice President of Advancement, the Communications Director partners across the organization to ensure that communications support donor engagement, participant recruitment, alumni connection, corporate partnerships and mission delivery.
This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for brand strategy, organizational storytelling, public relations, digital engagement, executive communications and the management of communications staff and creative partners. The Communications Director translates participant experiences, program outcomes and organizational learning into authentic and compelling stories that move people to act.
Primary Responsibilities:
Summary
  • Serve as steward of the First Descents brand, voice, and messaging across all channels and units.
  • Develop and execute an annual integrated communications strategy aligned with organizational and Advancement priorities.
  • Establish messaging frameworks for donors, participants, alumni, partners, media and other key audiences.
  • Maintain brand standards and support staff in applying them consistently.
Storytelling and Content
  • Lead an organization-wide storytelling and editorial strategy.
  • Build a consistent pipeline of participant, alumni, donor, staff and partner stories
  • Produce and oversee written, visual and multimedia content
  • Translate program outcomes, research, and organizational learning into clear, credible and emotionally resonant communications
  • Ensure stories are gathered and shared ethically, with appropriate consent and sensitivity.
Fundraising and Partnership Activations
  • Partner with the Advancement team to develop communications and decks for major gifts, annual giving, year-end giving, planned giving, capital initiatives, stewardship and donor impact reporting.
  • Create communications strategies and materials that support fundraising and cultivation events.
  • Provide messaging, stories and impact language for foundation proposals.
  • Develop communications materials that support corporate prospecting, sponsorship activation, cause-marketing campaigns, product collaborations and employee engagement.
  • Support online fundraising campaigns in collaboration with Advancement colleagues.
  • Serve as a primary point of contact and activator for marquee fundraising events.
Digital Communications
  • Lead the strategy, content and performance of First Descents' website, email, social media and other owned digital channels.
  • Oversee the editorial calendar and coordinate digital campaigns across organizational priorities.
  • Use audience insights, analytics and testing to improve engagement and conversion.
  • Partner with internal staff, vendors and technology providers to maintain and improve digital platforms.

Secondary Responsibilities:
Executive Communications
  • Support communications for board meetings and major organizational announcements.
  • Develop executive communications, including talking points, presentations, speeches, opinion pieces and social-media content.
  • Partner with organizational leaders on internal communications that strengthen alignment and staff understanding.
  • Maintain crisis communications protocols and serve as a communications lead during sensitive or rapidly evolving situations.
Team Leadership
  • Supervision of Marketing and Events Coordinator.
  • Manage relationships with graphic designers, freelance writers, photographers, videographers, and PR agencies.
Other
  • Manage budget and performance plans for all marketing and communications functions with oversight from the VP of Advancement.
  • Utilize emerging AI technologies to improve output and productivity.
  • Other duties and projects as assigned.

Qualifications:
Required
  • Six or more years of progressive experience in strategic communications, public relations, journalism, marketing or a related field.
  • Exceptional writing, editing and verbal communication skills.
  • Demonstrated experience developing integrated communications strategies.
  • Experience producing donor-centered or mission-centered communications.
  • Experience managing staff, agencies, freelancers and creative vendors.
  • Strong understanding of digital communications, audience engagement and performance analytics.
  • Understands donor audiences and the role communications plays in building trust, engagement and long-term philanthropic relationships.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate across departments.
Preferred
  • Experience in a nonprofit, oncology healthcare, outdoor recreation or mission-driven organization.
  • Familiarity with Salesforce, Account Engagement/Pardot, GA4 and WordPress.
  • Experience with crisis and executive communications.
  • Competence with Adobe Creative Suite and Canva.
  • Demonstrated success securing earned media coverage.
  • Understanding of AI impacts and activating appropriate usage.
  • Experience communicating research, health information or program impact.

Desired Characteristics:
  • Strategic thinker who is equally comfortable setting direction and executing high-quality work.
  • Collaborative relationship builder who can align varied perspectives.
  • Creative and curious communicator who approaches participant stories with humility and care.
  • Calm and thoughtful leader in fast-moving or sensitive situations.
  • Data-informed practitioner committed to learning and continuous improvement.
  • Genuine connection to outdoor recreation, health, healing or mission-driven work.

Inside Details:
This is a full-time, exempt position based at our headquarters in Denver, CO. The position will be a hybrid of office/remote work with the expectation of being in the office at least two days per week. Occasional evening and weekend work and travel are required.
We offer competitive health benefits, 4% employer retirement matching, 25 days of PTO annually, paid parental leave, an annual professional development stipend, monthly health and wellness stipend, staff retreats and outings and trips to our programs to experience FD's work first-hand.
First Descents prides itself on being an inclusive community with an ongoing commitment to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI). We know that cancer and other serious health conditions do not discriminate, and we are dedicated to serving all categories of identity. Our programs use the healing power of adventure to build supportive networks and ignite the Out Living It spirit.
The salary range for this position is $73,000-$83,000.
Apply:
If you're passionate about contributing your skills and enthusiasm to help us serve countless more young adults impacted by cancer and other serious health conditions in the years to come, we want to hear from you!
Applications received by August 17th will be given priority.
First Descents is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, caregiver status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

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