- Freelance Gig
Location requirement: Gloucestershire Applicants Only
Because The Uplift is a community-first, independent news site built on local trust, we are strictly seeking freelancers based in Gloucestershire (Cheltenham, Gloucester, or surrounding local areas). Please do not apply if you are located outside the county.
Role 1: Freelance Web Developer
About The Role
The Uplift UK is a funded, independent, solutions-focused digital news platform launching in Gloucestershire before scaling across the South West. We are building a modern, fast, mobile-first alternative to local press.
An experienced web developer is needed to customise a premium Ghost theme, configure regional news routing (splitting news between Cheltenham and Gloucester, with scope to expand across Gloucestershire and the broader South West in future years), and set up integrated sponsor ad slots and voluntary membership workflows.
- Fixed Fee: £1,200 (Website Development)
- Payment Structure: Paid via milestone instalments (e.g., 30% upfront on project start, 30% upon initial theme/routing setup, 40% upon final sign-off and site launch).
Scope of Work
- Theme Customisation & Setup: Customise a premium Ghost news/magazine theme using our brand guidelines (colours, typography, responsive headers, logo assets).
- Regional Routing (
routes.yaml): Configure dynamic collections and custom landing pages for geographical sections (e.g.,/cheltenham/,/gloucester/) alongside core topic categories, styled like mini-BBC regional hubs. - Ad Banner Architecture: Build responsive, fast-loading direct sponsor ad slots (Leaderboard, In-Article, Sidebar) with light JavaScript logic for banner rotation/cycling.
- Contextual Ad Logic: Enable basic tag-based ad matching (e.g., displaying local green business ads automatically on Environment articles).
- Voluntary Memberships: Configure Ghost’s native Stripe integration for “pay-what-you-want” or tiered voluntary subscriptions—with 100% open access and zero paywalls.
- SEO & Analytics: Configure custom domain, SSL, site performance optimisation (Core Web Vitals), and privacy-friendly analytics integration (e.g., Plausible or GA4).
- Infrastructure & Hosting Setup: Assist with setting up the hosting environment (e.g., Magic Pages or Ghost Pro), connecting our custom domain/DNS, and installing the chosen theme.
Skills and Requirements
- Essential: Demonstrated, hands-on experience building and customising Ghost CMS websites (
routes.yaml, Handlebars.js, CSS/HTML). Deep understanding of mobile-first performance, page speed, and editorial layouts. - Desirable: Prior experience building digital publishing/media sites; knowledge of light JavaScript for ad rotation.
Role 2: Freelance Graphic Designer
About The Role
We need a creative, digital-first graphic designer to build the visual brand identity, digital design guidelines, and launch templates for The Uplift across web and social media.
- Fixed Fee: £500 (Brand Identity & Launch Package)
- Payment Structure: Paid via milestone instalments (e.g., 50% upfront on concept approval, 50% upon final asset handoff).
Scope of Work
We need a creative, digital-first graphic designer to build the visual brand identity, digital design guidelines, and launch templates for The Uplift across web and social media.
-
Fixed Fee: £500 (Brand Identity & Launch Package)
- Payment Structure: Paid via milestone instalments (e.g., 50% upfront on concept approval, 50% upon final asset handoff).
Skills & Requirements
- Essential: Proven portfolio in visual brand identity, publication design, or digital media. Expertise in Adobe Creative Cloud or Figma with an understanding of web accessibility. Ability to deliver editable templates in Canva.
- Desirable: Experience designing for news outlets, magazines, or digital content platforms.
Why Work With Us?
The Uplift is dedicated to high-quality, community-first journalism. Working on this launch gives you complete creative ownership over a high-visibility local build—whether that’s shaping the tech architecture from scratch or crafting the visual identity that defines our brand across Gloucestershire.
You’ll get direct collaboration with the founder, prompt milestone payments, full credit for a standout portfolio piece, and the chance to help shape a brand-new media outlet right on your doorstep.
How To Apply
To apply, please email editor@theupliftnews.co.uk with the subject line:
[Role Title] Application – [Your Name]
(e.g., “Web Developer Application – Jane Doe” or “Graphic Designer Application – John Smith”)
A Quick Note On Applying
No formal CVs or corporate cover letters required. There are no AI scanners or automated filters here—just me, a human founder, reading every application.
All I Need in Your Email
- A brief introduction highlighting your Gloucestershire location or local connection.
- A link to your portfolio or 2–3 live links/examples of past work.
- Your estimated timeline to complete the project.
