Smartlead Cold Email Specialist — List Setup & Deliverability (Long-Term Potential)

We're replacing our previous email operator and looking for an experienced Smartlead specialist for the initial setup phase of our cold outreach infrastructure. This posting is specifically for the setup work — a defined, fixed-price project. If it goes well, we'll move to a separate ongoing monthly contract with the same person for list management, and there's a second project launching in the next couple of months that could add further work. So while this contract is scoped to setup only, we're hiring with a long-term relationship in mind. Background: We have an existing list of 14,000 contacts (coaches and consultants) that needs to be audited and re-segmented, plus a separate list of 500 contacts that's already warmed from a prior campaign. International contacts need to be segmented and held separately from US contacts due to differing SPAM compliance rules. Scope of this project (setup phase only): Audit and validate the 14,000-contact list Segment the list by geography (US vs. international) Recommend domain and mailbox architecture Configure sending domains; set up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC Connect inboxes to Smartlead Configure custom tracking domains Establish warm-up and ramp-up schedules Create suppression and unsubscribe controls Load and segment a first test group Configure campaign sending rules Launch a small controlled test Provide written documentation AND a recorded walkthrough (not just screenshots) Compliance requirements (non-negotiable): Clear sender name/email (secondary domain OK if transparent) Truthful subject lines Footer with company name, physical address, and a working unsubscribe link, with immediate suppression on opt-out What we're looking for: Hands-on Smartlead experience (not just general email marketing tools) Strong understanding of SPF/DKIM/DMARC and deliverability troubleshooting Experience segmenting lists by geography/compliance requirements Clear, responsive written and spoken English communication — you'll be working directly with me, and communication quality matters as much as technical skill Location/rate: Open to candidates anywhere. US-based freelancers are welcome at a higher rate; overseas candidates are equally welcome at a more moderate rate — the deciding factor for us is communication quality and responsiveness, not location. Please quote accordingly. Budget: Total budget listed is a starting point — happy to discuss and set specific milestones once we're talking (e.g., audit/segmentation, technical setup, test launch + documentation). To apply, please include: Your specific Smartlead experience (list sizes, campaign types) How you'd approach warming a brand-new sending domain Start your proposal with the specific words in quotes "I am a Smartlead Expert" A note on your availability and typical response time