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Freelance Researcher Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Marketing Intern- Fall 2026

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Conduct market research, prospecting projects, and data collection to support leasing strategies ... Freelance or personal projects Examples may include (but are not limited to): * Graphic design ...

Freelance Researcher information

See Iowa salary details

$28.2K

$106.2K

$154.5K

How much do freelance researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance researcher in Iowa is $106,233.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,900.00 and $144,600.00 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.

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

The most popular types of Researcher jobs in Iowa are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Researcher jobs in Iowa look for?

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

Infographic showing various Freelance Researcher job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,233 per year, or $51.1 per hour.

Marketing Intern- Fall 2026

R&R INVEST INC

West Des Moines, IA • On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Temporary

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Looking for an internship to complement your academic studies this fall? Are you a driven and talented college student looking for a way to distinguish yourself and grow your experience? If so, this opportunity could be a great fit for you! We are looking for qualified undergraduates to intern for our Fall 2026 internship program, which runs from August - December. We are also open to students who are able to join us for the entire academic school year - both the Fall (2026) and Spring (2027) semesters. This is a paid internship and we are looking for students who can work 15-20 hours per week. Who We Are

At R&R Realty Group, we believe great spaces are built by great people. For more than 40 years, we've helped shape communities across Iowa and Nebraska through commercial, multifamily, retail, and industrial real estate. But what truly sets us apart isn't our properties, it's the culture we've built.

We're a team that values collaboration, integrity, continuous improvement, and making a positive impact. Whether it's supporting one another, investing in professional development, giving back to our communities, or celebrating successes together, we believe people do their best work when they feel connected and supported.

If you're looking for a place where you can grow your career, contribute meaningful work, and be part of a team that genuinely enjoys working together, we'd love to meet you.

What You’ll Do: Assists the R&R Real Estate Advisors team with marketing, leasing, and business development initiatives by supporting property marketing, customer relationship management (CRM), market research, and administrative projects. This position provides hands-on experience in commercial real estate marketing, sales support, and brokerage operations.

  • Assist brokers with leasing, marketing, and business development initiatives through proposal preparation, marketing materials, email campaigns, direct mail, and other sales support activities.
  • Prepare, format, and maintain property marketing materials, including proposals, tour packets, floor plan flyers, and presentation materials.
  • Maintain and update marketing databases, CRM systems, customer and prospect records, and other brokerage databases to ensure accurate and organized information.
  • Conduct routine audits of online property listings, marketing materials, shared drives, and brokerage systems to ensure information remains accurate and up to date.
  • Assist with deal management, transaction tracking, and leasing activity reporting.
  • Compile monthly reports and other recurring reports for brokerage leadership.
  • Capture property photography and assist with Matterport 3D tours and other digital marketing assets for available properties.
  • Travel to R&R properties and other locations as needed to photograph spaces, gather marketing information, and support brokerage initiatives.
  • Conduct market research, prospecting projects, and data collection to support leasing strategies and identify business opportunities.
  • Assist with open houses, broker events, customer events, and other marketing initiatives as needed.
  • Participate in weekly team meetings and collaborate with brokers and the marketing team on ongoing projects.
  • Perform other administrative, marketing, and brokerage support duties as assigned.

Who We’re Looking For

  • Currently pursuing a degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Real Estate, Communications, or a related field

  • Organized, detail-oriented, and eager to learn

  • Interest in commercial real estate and marketing

Please submit 1-2 examples of work you're most proud of. These may include projects completed for:

  • A previous internship or job
  • College coursework or class projects
  • Student organizations
  • Freelance or personal projects

Examples may include (but are not limited to):

  • Graphic design (flyers, social media graphics, brochures, presentations, branding)
  • Marketing campaigns or campaign concepts
  • Written content (blogs, press releases, social media copy, email campaigns)
  • Photography or video projects
  • Website or digital marketing projects
  • Market research or marketing strategy projects

Why R&R Realty
We invest in our employees and offer a supportive, engaging culture with opportunities to learn and grow. Benefits for interns may include professional development, exposure to real projects, and networking with industry leaders.

All job offers are contingent upon successful completion of a drug test, excluding marijuana, within 3 business days.

R&R Realty Group is an equal opportunity employer.