Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Energy CX

Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: March 27, 2026

Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive visual brand consistency and impact across all marketing and sales channels as a Graphic Designer.

• Execute creative marketing initiatives by translating concepts into compelling visual assets for sales collateral, digital campaigns, and web presence.

• Collaborate cross-functionally to support sales enablement, recruiting, and broader marketing efforts with high-quality design solutions.

• Enhance department systems and processes through design innovation to support scalability and operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job title "Graphic Designer" is broadened to "Creative Marketing Specialist" to better reflect the blend of design execution and marketing campaign support. The role is categorized under Marketing Operations/Creative Services as it directly supports the GTM function through design and brand management, impacting sales enablement and broader marketing efforts. The experience level is inferred as Entry-Level given the 1+ years of experience requirement and the emphasis on learning and growth.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute branding and campaign initiatives across multiple platforms and channels, ensuring visual coherence and brand alignment.

• Design comprehensive sales collateral, including presentations, one-pagers, and case studies, to empower the sales team and enhance client engagement.

• Create visually engaging email campaigns, newsletters, and digital ad creative, with a specific focus on platforms like LinkedIn ads, to drive lead generation and brand awareness.

• Develop dynamic social media graphics and visual assets tailored for various platforms to increase engagement and brand visibility.

• Contribute to website design updates and landing page builds, ensuring a seamless and on-brand user experience.

• Play a key role in the implementation and maintenance of brand re-design initiatives across all marketing touchpoints.

• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, demonstrating strong organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Uphold and evolve Energy CX's visual brand standards across every touchpoint, acting as a guardian of brand integrity.

• Enhance department systems and processes through innovative design solutions to support scalability and operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Responsibilities are detailed to highlight the tactical execution of design work within a GTM context, emphasizing the impact on sales enablement and marketing campaigns. The inclusion of "Enhance department systems and processes" is a direct inference from the "Objectives of the Role" and aligns with the broader operations focus of this enhancement.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Marketing, or a related field is typically preferred for roles requiring this level of creative output and brand stewardship. Equivalent practical experience and a strong portfolio will also be considered.

Experience: A minimum of 1+ years of experience in marketing, content creation, or graphic design is required. This experience should demonstrate a solid understanding of design principles and their application in a business context.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Figma, the primary design tool, with a strong ability to create complex layouts and interactive designs.

• Solid understanding and practical application of the Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign, for creating and editing a wide range of visual assets.

• Demonstrated ability to design sales collateral (decks, one-pagers, case studies) that effectively communicates value propositions.

• Experience in creating on-brand email campaign designs and digital ad creative, including specific experience with LinkedIn ads.

• Expertise in developing engaging social media graphics and visual assets for diverse platforms.

• Proven ability to contribute to website design updates and landing page development.

• Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining brand consistency.

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently in a fast-paced environment.

• Excellent collaboration and communication skills, with a proven team-oriented mindset.

• A proactive, action-oriented mindset with a willingness to take initiative.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with motion graphics, animation, or video editing to enhance marketing content and campaigns.

• Familiarity with rebrand implementation processes and maintaining visual identity across various channels.

• Understanding of marketing and sales processes to better align design outputs with business objectives.

• Experience contributing to the enhancement of department systems and processes through design or workflow improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills are directly extracted and expanded from the job description. "Figma" and "Adobe Creative Suite" are highlighted as critical technical proficiencies. The "Preferred Skills" section includes "motion graphics, animation, or video editing" as explicitly stated, and adds inferences about understanding marketing/sales processes and contributing to process enhancement, aligning with the broader operations context.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio is mandatory, demonstrating a breadth of design work across various formats: sales collateral (decks, one-pagers, case studies), social media graphics, digital ads, website elements, and email campaigns.

• The portfolio should showcase the candidate's ability to translate marketing objectives and sales needs into effective visual communication strategies.

• Evidence of contributing to brand consistency and potentially evolving brand standards within previous roles.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their design process, from initial concept and brief interpretation to final asset delivery and iteration based on feedback.

• Demonstrate an understanding of how design processes integrate with broader marketing and sales workflows, emphasizing efficiency and collaboration.

• Highlight any experience in improving design workflows or implementing new tools/techniques to enhance output quality or speed.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is tailored to a design role within an operations-focused environment. The emphasis is on the process of design and how it supports GTM functions, not just the final aesthetic. The portfolio requirements are specific to the types of collateral mentioned in the job description.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the provided Year One Expected Earnings of $60,000 and considering the entry-level experience requirement (0-2 years) and the Chicago, Illinois location, the estimated salary range for this Graphic Designer role is $55,000 - $65,000 USD per year. This range accounts for the specified earnings target and market rates for similar entry-level design positions in a major metropolitan area.

Benefits:

• Paid Time Off (PTO): 15 days of flexible PTO, plus all major holidays. Includes specific holiday benefits like a half-day before Thanksgiving and extended time off between Christmas and New Year's.

• Health Insurance: Company covers 50% of monthly premium costs for health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Life Insurance: Company covers 100% of a basic Term Life & AD&D insurance policy.

• 401(K) Retirement Plan: Employer match of 20% on up to 5% of salary contributions.

• Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid work model with Fridays designated as work-from-home days, plus an additional 20 work-from-home days per year.

• Perks: Wednesday catered lunches, access to on-site gym facilities.

• Company Events: Frequent company-sponsored events to foster team building and company culture.

Working Hours: The role is expected to adhere to standard full-time working hours, typically around 40 hours per week, with the flexibility of hybrid work arrangements including designated work-from-home days.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is estimated based on the "Year One Expected Earnings" provided and adjusted for the entry-level experience and location. The benefits are detailed as listed in the job description, with specific notes on coverage percentages and unique perks.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Energy Brokerage, Technology, and Analytics. Energy CX is positioned as a rapidly growing disruptor in the energy brokerage industry, leveraging cutting-edge technology and advanced analytics to offer innovative solutions. This fast-paced, tech-forward environment requires adaptability and a forward-thinking approach to creative services.

Company Size: Energy CX is recognized as the fastest-growing player in its sector and is listed on Inc 5000's list of America's fastest-growing companies, indicating a dynamic, scaling organization. This suggests opportunities for significant impact and rapid professional development.

Founded: Founded implicitly to disrupt the traditional energy brokerage market, the company's growth trajectory suggests a relatively young, agile, and ambitious organization focused on innovation and market expansion.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the Marketing team, working closely with copywriters, content specialists, and a product designer.

• They will also support cross-functional partners in Sales Enablement, Recruiting, and other departments, indicating a highly collaborative and integrated GTM structure.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Creativity: The company emphasizes advanced analytics, suggesting that design decisions and campaign effectiveness will be measured and informed by data.

• Process Optimization: The role is expected to "Enhance department systems and processes," indicating a culture that values efficiency and continuous improvement in operational workflows.

• Innovation & Agility: As a fast-growing disruptor, Energy CX likely fosters an environment of constant experimentation, rapid iteration, and a focus on building solutions that meet evolving customer needs.

Company Website: https://www.energycx.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context is derived from the "About Energy CX" and "Why Energy CX?" sections, highlighting its industry position, growth, and culture. The "Team Structure" and "Methodology" are inferred based on the description of cross-functional collaboration and the explicit mention of enhancing processes.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an entry-level to junior designer within the Marketing/Creative function, with a clear pathway for growth. It's an opportunity to build foundational experience in a high-growth company, focusing on executing established brand guidelines while contributing to their evolution. The responsibility for "enhancing department systems and processes" hints at a potential for moving into more strategic operational or process-improvement roles within marketing over time.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a Marketing lead and collaborate extensively with various internal teams, including Sales Enablement and Recruiting. This cross-functional exposure is valuable for understanding the broader GTM operations.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's impact is directly tied to the effectiveness of sales enablement materials, marketing campaigns, and overall brand perception. High-quality, on-brand visuals directly influence lead generation, sales conversion rates, and market positioning, contributing significantly to the company's revenue generation and growth objectives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design areas (e.g., digital advertising, motion graphics, web design) based on project needs and personal interest.

• Brand Stewardship: Progress to a more senior design role, potentially leading brand initiatives or managing external creative resources.

• Process Improvement: Develop into a role with a greater focus on optimizing design workflows, implementing new creative technologies, or managing design operations.

• Cross-Functional Acumen: Gain a deep understanding of sales, marketing, and recruiting operations, potentially leading to opportunities in integrated marketing management or GTM operations.

• Industry Expertise: Develop specialized knowledge within the energy brokerage and technology sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Operations Career Level" is described with an emphasis on growth potential beyond pure design, linking it to process improvement and GTM operations. The "Operations Impact" section clearly articulates how a design role contributes to revenue and business objectives.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Energy CX operates with a hybrid work model, offering a blend of in-office collaboration and remote flexibility. The office environment will likely be dynamic and fast-paced, reflecting the company's growth and entrepreneurial culture.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located in Chicago, Illinois. Specific details on office amenities, such as on-site gym facilities, are mentioned, suggesting a focus on employee well-being.

Workspace Context:

• The collaborative environment is fostered through cross-functional teamwork, regular team lunches (on Wednesdays), and frequent company events, encouraging strong interpersonal relationships and idea exchange.

• Access to necessary design tools and technology is implied, with a specific mention of Figma and Adobe Creative Suite as core requirements.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with marketing, sales, and recruiting teams will be frequent, providing exposure to different operational functions.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is full-time (approximately 40 hours/week). The hybrid model includes designated work-from-home days (Fridays and an additional 20 days per year), allowing for a balance between in-office collaboration and focused remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Work Environment" section synthesizes information about the hybrid model, office perks (gym, lunches), and the collaborative nature of the company, framing it within the context of a design professional's daily experience.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess foundational design skills, relevant experience, and alignment with required tools (Figma, Adobe Suite).

• Design Challenge/Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing specific projects, design rationale, and their process. A practical design exercise or case study related to sales collateral or campaign creative may be assigned to evaluate problem-solving and execution.

• Team & Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with marketing team members (copywriters, content specialists) and potentially cross-functional partners (e.g., from Sales Enablement) to assess collaboration, communication, and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: Likely with a Marketing Manager or Director to discuss strategic alignment, career aspirations, and overall fit within the company's ambitious culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your versatility across the required formats (sales collateral, digital ads, social media, web, email). Highlight projects that demonstrate your ability to maintain brand consistency and adapt to different briefs.

• Tell a Story: For each project, articulate the challenge, your role, the process you followed, the tools used, and the impact or outcome. Quantify results where possible (e.g., engagement rates, conversion metrics for campaigns).

• Showcase Process: Include work-in-progress examples or sketches to illustrate your design thinking and problem-solving approach. This is particularly important for demonstrating how you'd handle the "Enhance department systems and processes" aspect.

• Highlight Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your specific use of Figma and Adobe Creative Suite, demonstrating advanced techniques or efficient workflows. If you have motion graphics experience, ensure those samples are easily accessible.

• Brand Alignment: Emphasize how you ensure brand voice, tone, and style are consistently applied in your work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brand: Thoroughly research Energy CX's current branding, marketing materials, and target audience to inform any design challenge.

• Focus on GTM: If given a design task, consider how your output will directly support sales enablement or marketing campaign objectives. Think about conversion points and user engagement.

• Time Management: Practice completing design tasks within realistic timeframes, as often seen in fast-paced marketing environments.

• Presentation Skills: Be prepared to present your work clearly and concisely, articulating your design decisions and rationale effectively to a non-design audience if necessary.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice tailored to a design role, emphasizing portfolio content, process demonstration, and preparation for specific interview stages like design challenges. The focus is on how design contributes to operational goals.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The core design tool for UI/UX, prototyping, and collaborative design workflows. Proficiency is essential for creating a wide range of assets from sales collateral to web elements.

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and complex illustrations.
  • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and raster-based graphics.
  • InDesign: For layout design of print and digital collateral such as brochures, one-pagers, and presentations.

• Motion Graphics/Animation Software (e.g., Adobe After Effects): A strong plus for creating dynamic visual content for ads, social media, and presentations.

• Video Editing Software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro): A plus for creating and editing short video assets.

Analytics & Reporting: While not a direct design tool, understanding how design impacts analytics is key. Familiarity with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, LinkedIn Analytics) to understand campaign performance and user behavior on web pages and ads is beneficial.

CRM & Automation: Awareness of CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms (e.g., HubSpot, Marketo) is helpful for understanding how design assets are deployed in campaigns and sales processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section focuses on the specific software and tools mentioned in the job description, categorizing them by their function within the design and marketing workflow. It also includes inferred related tools that a marketing operations-minded designer might encounter or benefit from knowing about.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Higher Standards (Raise the Bar): Expectation of excellence in all design outputs, from minor edits to major campaign visuals. This translates to meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to quality in every asset created.

• Innovate It (Think Differently): Encouragement to approach design challenges with fresh perspectives, experiment with new visual styles or techniques, and contribute to evolving the brand's visual identity.

• Continuous Growth (Better Every Day): A commitment to ongoing learning and skill development, embracing feedback positively, and striving to improve design execution and efficiency daily.

• Do Good (Leave It Better): A collaborative and supportive approach to working with internal teams, ensuring that design contributions positively impact colleagues' work and the company's overall mission.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: A highly collaborative style is required, working closely with copywriters, content specialists, product designers, and stakeholders in Sales Enablement and Recruiting to ensure design solutions meet diverse needs.

• Feedback-Driven: Openness to receiving and implementing feedback from various team members and stakeholders to refine designs and ensure alignment with project goals and brand standards.

• Efficiency-Oriented: A focus on streamlined workflows and timely delivery of assets, understanding that design directly supports operational functions like sales and marketing campaigns.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Operations Values" are directly mapped from Energy CX's "Four Forces of Innovation" and interpreted through the lens of a graphic designer's role and responsibilities. The "Collaboration Style" emphasizes the cross-functional nature of the role and the importance of feedback in a GTM environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Creative Execution: Maintaining strict brand guidelines while also producing fresh, engaging creative for diverse campaigns can be a constant challenge.

• Managing Multiple Stakeholder Needs: Juggling design requests from various departments (Sales, Marketing, Recruiting) with potentially competing priorities and feedback.

• Pace of a High-Growth Company: Adapting to rapid iteration cycles and tight deadlines inherent in a fast-growing, innovative organization.

• Evolving Design Trends: Staying current with design best practices and visual trends while ensuring they align with the company's brand identity and strategic objectives.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Skills: Opportunities to master more advanced features in Figma, Adobe Suite, and potentially explore motion graphics or video editing software.

• GTM Strategy Understanding: Deepen knowledge of how design directly influences sales enablement, lead generation, and customer acquisition by working closely with marketing and sales teams.

• Brand Development: Contribute to the evolution of Energy CX's visual identity and brand guidelines, potentially taking on more strategic design responsibilities.

• Process Improvement Initiatives: Actively participate in or lead efforts to optimize design workflows, implement new creative technologies, or improve asset management.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section identifies potential challenges specific to a designer in a fast-paced, GTM-focused company and links them to concrete learning and development opportunities that align with the role's scope and potential career progression.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a marketing campaign concept and translating it into a set of cohesive visual assets across different channels (email, social, digital ads)." (Focus on workflow, tool usage, and brand consistency.)

• "How do you ensure your designs align with both the company's brand voice and the specific objectives of a sales collateral piece or marketing campaign?" (Probes understanding of brand stewardship and GTM impact.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your research, what excites you about Energy CX's mission and its position in the energy brokerage industry?" (Tests research and genuine interest.)

• "How do you see your design skills contributing to our 'Raise the Bar' and 'Innovate It' cultural values?" (Assesses cultural fit and understanding of company ethos.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio by project type (e.g., Sales Collateral, Digital Campaigns, Social Media) or by client/company if diverse. For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the challenge, your solution, and the results.

• Showcase Process & Tools: Be prepared to discuss your workflow within Figma and Adobe Suite, highlighting specific features or techniques you used. If applicable, show wireframes or initial sketches to demonstrate your thought process.

• Quantify Results: Wherever possible, provide metrics related to the performance of your designs (e.g., click-through rates for ads, engagement for social media, lead generation from landing pages).

• Address Brand Stewardship: Explicitly point out how your work maintained or evolved brand consistency, tone, and style.

• Engage the Interviewer: Be ready to answer questions about your design choices and be open to discussing potential improvements or alternative approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: These interview questions and preparation tips are designed to help candidates demonstrate not just their design skills, but also their understanding of marketing operations, brand strategy, and their ability to thrive in Energy CX's specific culture and fast-paced environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Energy CX careers page.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight experience in sales collateral design, digital campaigns, and proficiency with Figma and Adobe Creative Suite. Ensure your portfolio prominently features examples relevant to the job description's requirements.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your 1+ years of experience, emphasizing achievements in areas like brand consistency, project management, and cross-functional collaboration. Use keywords such as "Figma," "Adobe Creative Suite," "Sales Collateral," "Digital Ads," and "Brand Voice."

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on your design process, problem-solving skills, and how your work contributes to business objectives. Prepare to discuss your experience with the specified tools and your understanding of the company's industry and culture.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Energy CX, its services, its growth trajectory, and its stated cultural values. Be prepared to articulate why you are a strong fit for their ambitious and innovative environment.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.