📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior Copywriter - Freelance
🔹 Company: Matthews International
🔹 Location: Illinois, United States
🔹 Job Type: Part-time, Freelance
🔹 Category: Marketing & Communications
🔹 Date Posted: June 26, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: Remote OK (Portland, OR or Pittsburgh, PA studio visits may be required)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Crafting engaging, original brand and product storytelling for various brands, audiences, and channels
- Collaborating with other teams to build out large-scale concepts and campaigns
- Providing creative direction and inspiration to Art Directors and Creative Directors
- Occasionally traveling for client meetings or events
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong portfolio showcasing diverse writing styles and a proven track record in brand storytelling.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Ensures accurate, consistent, and timely completion of basic- to intermediate-level client copywriting deliverables within budget, based on objectives and concepts established by the client or team leadership
✅ Adapts writing tonality to a wide variety of brands and audiences, undertaking research where necessary to better understand a brand or their target audience
✅ Always meets quality standards and defined timelines for all assigned deliverables and makes recommendations to management for improvements in content, tools, processes, and/or assigned tasks
✅ Presents and participates in collaborative meetings with internal teams to help elevate ideas and collectively find the best answer to the clients’ ask
✅ Shows up consistently with strong analytical, prioritizing, interpersonal, problem-solving, time management, and planning skills
ASSUMPTION: This role may require working on multiple projects simultaneously, requiring strong organizational skills and the ability to manage time effectively.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Journalism, or related field
Experience: 6+ years progressive Communications, Journalism experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience
Required Skills:
- Proven copywriting experience with a strong portfolio
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills
- Ability to work well autonomously and within a team in a fast-paced and deadline-oriented environment
- Proficiency in MS Office Suite, Outlook, and Internet applications
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in brand storytelling and experiential marketing
- Fluency in additional languages
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the funeral services or consumer goods industries may have an advantage in understanding the target audience and brand voice.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $60,000 - $80,000 per year (pro-rated for part-time work, based on industry standards for experience level and location)
Benefits:
- Flexible work arrangement
- Opportunity to work with major global brands
- Potential for occasional travel and in-person collaboration
Working Hours: Flexible, with a focus on delivering high-quality work within defined timelines
ASSUMPTION: As a freelance role, compensation and benefits may vary based on project scope and duration.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Consumer Goods, specifically focused on funeral services and memorialization products
Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees, providing a large-scale environment with diverse opportunities for collaboration and growth
Founded: 1850, with a rich history and established reputation in the industry
Company Description:
- Matthews International is a global provider of memorialization products and solutions, helping families move from grieving to remembrance
- The company offers a wide range of products, including caskets, urns, stationery, and architectural signage and statuary
- Matthews Aurora Funeral Solutions™ and Matthews Cemetery Products are leading providers in their respective markets
Company Specialties:
- Funeral Services
- Cemetery Products
- Architectural Signage and Statuary
Company Website: Matthews Memorialization
ASSUMPTION: Matthews International is a well-established company with a strong brand presence and a commitment to helping families in their time of need.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior-level role, requiring a high degree of expertise and experience in copywriting and brand storytelling
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Storytelling, with opportunities for collaboration with Art Directors, Creative Directors, and other internal teams
Work Arrangement: Part-time, freelance role with flexible hours and the potential for occasional travel
Growth Opportunities:
- Expanding portfolio and skillset through diverse brand storytelling projects
- Building relationships with internal teams and key clients
- Potential for full-time employment or increased project scope based on performance
ASSUMPTION: This role offers the opportunity to work with major global brands and gain experience in the funeral services industry.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Flexible, with the option to work remotely or from the company's studios in Portland, OR or Pittsburgh, PA
Office Location(s): Two North Shore Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15212, US (with the option to work remotely)
Geographic Context:
- Illinois, United States
- Portland, Oregon, United States
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
Work Schedule: Flexible, with a focus on delivering high-quality work within defined timelines
ASSUMPTION: This role may require occasional travel for client meetings or events, with the potential for in-person collaboration at the company's studios.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the Hiring Manager
- In-person or virtual interview with the Director of Storytelling and other team members
- Portfolio review and writing test
Key Assessment Areas:
- Portfolio quality and diversity
- Writing skills and creativity
- Communication and presentation skills
- Problem-solving and analytical skills
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare a diverse portfolio showcasing your copywriting abilities across various brands and channels
- Be ready to discuss your approach to brand storytelling and provide examples of successful campaigns
ATS Keywords: Copywriter, Brand Storytelling, Digital Marketing, Social Media, Experiential Marketing, Collaboration, Research, Analytical Skills, Time Management, Presentation Skills, Project Management, Communication Skills, Problem-Solving, Attention to Detail, Budgeting, Interpersonal Skills
ASSUMPTION: As a freelance role, the interview process may be more flexible and tailored to the candidate's availability.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Adobe Creative Suite (optional, for portfolio creation)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, JIRA)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required may vary depending on the project and client needs.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Helping families move from grieving to remembrance
- Providing products of superior craftsmanship and exceptional service
- Fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment
Work Style:
- Flexible and adaptable, with a strong focus on delivering high-quality work within defined timelines
- Collaborative and team-oriented, with a willingness to contribute to and learn from others
- Proactive and self-motivated, with strong problem-solving and analytical skills
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a strong portfolio showcasing diverse writing styles and a proven track record in brand storytelling?
- Are you comfortable working autonomously and within a team in a fast-paced and deadline-oriented environment?
- Do you have strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence peers and management?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with Matthews International's company values and work style will be more likely to succeed in this role.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects simultaneously, requiring strong organizational skills and time management
- Adapting writing tonality to a wide variety of brands and audiences, with a focus on accurate and consistent deliverables
- Occasional travel for client meetings or events, which may require flexibility and availability
- Working in a freelance capacity, with potential fluctuations in project scope and duration
ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will be able to navigate these challenges and thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role differs from in-house copywriting positions in its flexible, project-based nature and potential for occasional travel
- In the funeral services industry, copywriters must be sensitive to the emotional needs of families and maintain a respectful and empathetic tone
- Career progression may involve expanding portfolio and skillset, building relationships with internal teams and key clients, or transitioning to a full-time role
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should research the funeral services industry and consider how their skills and experience align with the unique requirements of this role.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a comprehensive brand voice and messaging guide for a new product launch
- Crafting engaging and on-brand social media content for a major global campaign
- Creating persuasive and emotionally resonant copy for a funeral home's website and marketing materials
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are intended to illustrate the diverse range of copywriting tasks that may be required in this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the typical project timeline and deliverables for this role?
- How does this role collaborate with other teams, such as Art Directors and Creative Directors?
- What opportunities are there for growth and professional development within the company?
- How does Matthews International support work-life balance for its freelance employees?
- What is the company's approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and how does this role contribute to those efforts?
ASSUMPTION: These questions are intended to help candidates better understand the role, the company, and the opportunities for growth and development.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare a diverse portfolio showcasing your copywriting abilities across various brands and channels
- Be ready to discuss your approach to brand storytelling and provide examples of successful campaigns
- Follow up with the Hiring Manager one week after submission to confirm receipt of your application
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
