Marketing Content Specialist & Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Marketing Content Specialist & Graphic Designer

Company: Lumi Brands LLC

Location: Elk Grove Village, Illinois, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Marketing & Creative Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-25

Experience Level: Entry to Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Develop and execute integrated marketing content strategies for both B2B and B2C audiences, requiring a nuanced understanding of distinct communication channels and buyer personas.

• Manage and optimize digital assets, including product imagery and lifestyle photos, ensuring brand consistency and accuracy across all platforms.

• Design compelling visual assets for a variety of marketing initiatives, from digital advertising and email campaigns to trade show materials and social media content.

• Drive brand awareness and consumer engagement through strategic social media management and the creation of fresh, dynamic content.

• Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure marketing content aligns with product launches, sales objectives, and overall company strategy within the furniture and lighting industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a hybrid Marketing Content Specialist and Graphic Designer, emphasizing the dual responsibility of content strategy and creative execution. The AI-generated "Entry to Mid-Level (2-5 years)" experience level suggests a need for candidates with foundational knowledge and some practical application in both design and marketing content creation, capable of working independently on defined tasks but also contributing to broader strategic discussions. The on-site requirement highlights the need for in-person collaboration and access to physical studio resources.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Image Management & Enhancement: Upload, edit, and finalize product images and lifestyle visuals for marketing use, leveraging Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Lightroom) and incorporating AI generation tools to enhance efficiency and creative output. Ensure all visual assets meet established quality standards and are consistent across internal systems and external-facing platforms.

• B2B/B2C Graphic Design: Create visually engaging promotional graphics, advertisements, email campaign assets, and trade show materials. This includes adapting messaging, tone, and design aesthetics to effectively target both B2B buyers (retailers, distributors, commercial clients) and B2C end consumers.

• Website & Digital Content Maintenance: Regularly update and maintain digital content on the company website to ensure accuracy, relevance, and synchronization with marketing campaigns. Support UI enhancements and content optimization efforts to improve user experience and conversion rates.

• Content Pipeline & Social Media Management: Develop and manage a comprehensive content calendar to schedule image usage and publishing timelines across all trade-facing and consumer-facing channels. Curate and post engaging, branded content on social media platforms to drive consumer engagement, build brand awareness, and support sales initiatives.

• Label Design & Production: Design and produce product labels that meet specific customer requirements and adhere to brand guidelines, ensuring clarity and professional presentation for all products.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication: Present creative ideas, campaign planning updates, and content strategies during team meetings. Effectively communicate with internal stakeholders, including marketing, sales, and product teams, to gather requirements and ensure alignment on content initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly delineate the need for both technical design skills and strategic marketing understanding. The emphasis on adapting content for B2B vs. B2C audiences is a critical differentiator, requiring a candidate who can think strategically about different market segments. The inclusion of "AI Integration" points to a forward-thinking approach to content creation, suggesting a need for adaptability and willingness to explore new tools.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Graphic Design, Communications, or a related field is typically expected for roles involving content strategy and design. Relevant certifications in Adobe Creative Suite or digital marketing may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Experience: 2-5 years of professional experience in graphic design and marketing content creation, with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and adapt to evolving priorities. Experience within the furniture or lighting industry is a strong plus.

Required Skills:

• Adobe Creative Suite Proficiency: Expert-level skills in Photoshop and Lightroom for image editing, manipulation, and retouching. Familiarity with Premiere for video editing is also beneficial.

• B2B & B2C Marketing Acumen: Proven ability to develop and execute marketing strategies tailored to distinct B2B (wholesale, trade) and B2C (direct consumer) audiences, understanding differences in messaging, channels, and design approaches.

• Graphic Design Principles: Strong understanding of visual design principles, typography, color theory, and layout for creating impactful marketing collateral across various media.

• Content Management & Strategy: Ability to develop and manage content calendars, understand content pipeline management, and contribute to overall content strategy.

• Project Management & Organization: Excellent organizational skills with a keen attention to detail, capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks, and meeting deadlines effectively.

• Microsoft Excel Proficiency: Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel for data tracking, content calendar management, and basic reporting.

• Adaptability & Collaboration: Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities, creative direction, and market demands. A self-motivated team player who thrives in a collaborative, hands-on work environment.

Preferred Skills:

• AI Integration: Experience with AI-powered design or content generation tools.

• UI/UX Fundamentals: Basic understanding of UI/UX principles for website content optimization.

• Studio Production Knowledge: Familiarity with studio production standards, terminology, and workflow for photographers, stylists, and editors.

• Social Media Management Tools: Experience with social media scheduling and analytics platforms.

• E-commerce Platforms: Familiarity with e-commerce platforms and their content requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for both Adobe Creative Suite proficiency and B2B/B2C marketing knowledge is central to this role. The emphasis on adaptability and collaboration suggests a dynamic team environment. The "2-5 years" experience level implies a need for candidates who can hit the ground running with core design and marketing tasks while also showing potential for growth and strategic contribution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Visual Design Excellence: Showcase a diverse range of graphic design projects, including digital ads, social media graphics, email banners, and print collateral (e.g., trade show one-pagers, brochures).

• B2B vs. B2C Differentiation: Include examples that clearly demonstrate your ability to tailor design and messaging for distinct B2B and B2C audiences. This could be through campaign examples for different client types or by showing how you've adapted a core message for varied channels.

• Image Editing & Manipulation: Provide examples of product image editing, retouching, and lifestyle image creation, highlighting your skill in Photoshop and Lightroom. Showcase before-and-after examples if possible.

• Content Strategy Examples: If applicable, include examples of content calendars, social media campaign plans, or website content updates you have managed, demonstrating organizational and strategic thinking.

• Brand Consistency: Demonstrate an ability to maintain brand consistency across all visual assets and marketing materials.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Showcase how you approach the design and content creation process from brief to final delivery. This could include process maps or descriptions of your workflow for managing image assets or developing campaign visuals.

• Implementation & Automation: Briefly describe how you ensure efficient implementation of content across various platforms and any use of automation or tools to streamline these processes.

• Measurement & Analysis: For any campaign-focused work, include metrics or insights that demonstrate the impact of your visual content. While this role is primarily execution-focused, showing an understanding of how content drives results is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role blending design and content, a strong visual portfolio is paramount. The emphasis on B2B/B2C differentiation means candidates should actively curate examples that highlight this specific skill. The portfolio should also demonstrate proficiency with core design tools and an understanding of content workflows, even if formal process documentation is not a primary deliverable.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the "Entry to Mid-Level (2-5 years)" experience, location in the Chicago metropolitan area (Elk Grove Village, IL), and the blend of graphic design and marketing content responsibilities, a competitive salary range would typically be between $55,000 and $75,000 annually. This estimate considers industry benchmarks for graphic designers and marketing specialists in a major metropolitan area, adjusted for the specific skill set and responsibilities outlined.

Benefits:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Comprehensive medical coverage options to support employee well-being.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Includes vacation days, sick leave, and paid holidays to promote work-life balance.

• 401(k) Retirement Plan: With potential company match, assisting employees in saving for their future.

• Employee Discount: On LumiSource products, a perk for employees in the furniture and lighting industry.

• Professional Development Opportunities: Support for continuous learning, workshops, and training relevant to design and marketing.

• Collaborative and Supportive Team Environment: A key benefit highlighted by the company, fostering a positive and engaging workplace culture.

• Opportunity to Start Career in a Growing Industry: For early-career professionals, this offers significant growth potential within the furniture and lighting sector.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours, likely 40 hours per week, with a primary focus on on-site presence. Flexibility may be offered based on project needs and team agreements, but the core expectation is regular office attendance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical market rates for similar roles in the Chicago area. The benefits listed are standard for full-time positions in this industry and location, with specific mentions of employee discounts and career growth opportunities highlighting company-specific advantages.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Furniture and Lighting. LumiSource LLC operates within a dynamic retail and commercial sector, supplying products to major retail chains, independent retailers, online partners, and commercial clients. This implies a fast-paced environment driven by product cycles, seasonal trends, and retail demands.

Company Size: LumiSource LLC is part of LumiSource, which is likely a mid-sized to large enterprise given its national reach and partnerships with top retail chains. The AI-derived company size suggests a structure that allows for specialized teams like marketing while maintaining a cohesive operational flow.

Founded: Founded in 1997, LumiSource has a substantial history in the industry, indicating stability and a deep understanding of the furniture and lighting market. This longevity suggests a company that has adapted to market changes and built strong relationships with suppliers and clients.

Team Structure:

• Marketing Team: The role is situated within the Marketing Team, which is responsible for crafting promotional materials. This team likely collaborates closely with sales, product development, and e-commerce departments.

• Reporting Structure: The Marketing Content Specialist & Graphic Designer will likely report to a Marketing Manager or Director, with direct collaboration with other marketing specialists and potentially designers.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: This role requires significant interaction with sales (understanding buyer needs), product teams (aligning visuals with product offerings), and e-commerce teams (ensuring website content is up-to-date and effective).

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Visuals: While creative in nature, the role implies using data (e.g., website analytics, social media engagement) to inform content creation and strategy.

• Agile Content Creation: The need to adapt quickly suggests an agile approach to content development, with iterative feedback loops and flexible planning.

• Brand-Centric Approach: All content and design efforts must align with LumiSource's brand identity and market positioning within the furniture and lighting industry.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history (since 1997) and broad distribution network (retail, online, commercial) indicate a mature and established business. This means the marketing operations likely have defined processes but also require agility to respond to diverse customer needs and market trends. The role is central to bridging the company's product offering with its various customer segments.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is ideal for an individual looking to establish or further their career in marketing operations, specifically within the creative and content domain. It bridges the gap between pure graphic design and broader marketing strategy, offering exposure to B2B and B2C dynamics. It's a foundational role for aspiring Marketing Managers, Content Strategists, or Senior Graphic Designers.

Reporting Structure: The role typically reports to a Marketing Manager or Director. This provides direct mentorship and exposure to higher-level marketing strategy, campaign planning, and performance analysis. The collaborative nature of the team means ample opportunity to learn from peers and other departments.

Operations Impact: The Marketing Content Specialist & Graphic Designer plays a crucial role in shaping brand perception and driving sales through visually compelling content. Effective execution directly impacts:

• Brand Recognition: Consistent and high-quality visuals enhance brand recall among consumers and B2B partners.

• Lead Generation: Engaging digital ads, emails, and social media content can drive traffic and inquiries.

• Sales Conversion: Accurate and attractive product imagery and marketing materials support purchasing decisions for both retail buyers and end consumers.

• Market Presence: Well-designed trade show materials and digital assets strengthen LumiSource's presence at industry events and online.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like digital advertising design, social media strategy, or AI-driven content creation.

• Strategic Marketing: Progress into roles with greater responsibility for marketing campaign planning, content strategy development, and budget management.

• Leadership: With proven performance, opportunities may arise to lead design projects, manage junior team members, or take on a Senior Specialist role.

• Industry Expertise: Develop specialized knowledge within the furniture and lighting industry, becoming a go-to expert for visual marketing in this sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for growth from a specialist to a more strategic or leadership position within marketing operations. The emphasis on B2B/B2C and industry-specific content means that developing deep expertise in these areas will be key to career advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is on-site at Lumi Brands LLC in Elk Grove Village, IL. This indicates a traditional office setting, likely with dedicated creative workspaces, meeting rooms, and collaborative areas.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located at 2950 OLD HIGGINS RD, ELK GROVE VILLAGE, IL 60007. Elk Grove Village is a suburb of Chicago, offering access to a large talent pool and a strong business infrastructure.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The company culture emphasizes a collaborative and supportive team environment. Expect to work closely with other marketing professionals, designers, and potentially sales or product teams in shared office spaces.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and potentially other marketing technology tools will be provided. This includes resources for image editing, graphic design, and digital content management.

• Team Interaction: Regular team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and project-specific discussions will be part of the daily routine, fostering open communication and idea exchange.

Work Schedule: Standard business hours, likely Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Central Time), totaling 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, some flexibility might be available depending on project deadlines and team needs, but consistent in-office presence is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is a key factor for candidates. It suggests a preference for in-person collaboration, team synergy, and direct access to company resources. The suburban Chicago location offers a balance of accessibility and a strong business community.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess basic qualifications and creative aptitude.

• Skills Assessment/Creative Challenge: You may be asked to complete a design exercise or a case study to demonstrate your proficiency in graphic design, image editing, and your ability to adapt to B2B/B2C marketing needs. This could involve creating a sample ad or social media post based on a LumiSource product.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager to delve deeper into your experience, problem-solving skills, understanding of marketing strategy, and cultural fit. Be prepared to discuss your portfolio in detail.

• Team/Cross-Functional Interview: You might meet with other members of the marketing team or individuals from departments you'd collaborate with (e.g., sales, product) to assess teamwork and communication skills.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader, focusing on overall fit, career aspirations, and alignment with company values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select your strongest, most relevant work. Prioritize pieces that showcase B2B/B2C adaptability, strong image editing skills, and engaging graphic design for marketing purposes.

• Highlight Process: For each piece, briefly explain the objective, your role, the tools used, and the outcome. For design work, explain your creative decisions and how they align with the target audience.

• Showcase B2B/B2C Nuances: Clearly label or explain which pieces are for B2B audiences and which are for B2C, articulating the strategic differences in your approach.

• Include Image Editing Examples: Demonstrate your proficiency in Photoshop and Lightroom with before-and-after images or examples of complex retouching/compositing.

• Keep it Concise: Aim for a portfolio that is easy to navigate and digest, focusing on quality over quantity.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brand: Familiarize yourself with LumiSource's current product lines, marketing materials, and brand aesthetic.

• Target Audience Awareness: Be ready to articulate how you would approach designing for both retail buyers and end consumers for furniture and lighting products.

• Tool Proficiency: Ensure you are comfortable using the required design software under potentially timed conditions.

• Strategic Thinking: For any case study, focus on how your design choices support broader marketing objectives like brand awareness, lead generation, or sales conversion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be multi-stage, with a strong emphasis on assessing both creative skills through a portfolio and a potential design challenge, as well as strategic marketing thinking and collaboration abilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential. This includes Photoshop (advanced image editing, manipulation, graphic creation), Lightroom (photo organization and editing), and potentially Premiere Pro (video editing for social media or product showcases).

• AI Generation Tools: Mentioned in the description, indicating a need for familiarity or willingness to learn tools like Adobe Firefly, Midjourney, or similar AI platforms for content enhancement or creation.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Specifically Excel for content calendars, data tracking, and basic reporting. Word and PowerPoint will also be used for documentation and presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Website Analytics Tools (e.g., Google Analytics): While not a primary responsibility, understanding how website content performs is beneficial.

• Social Media Analytics: Tools integrated within platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or third-party schedulers (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer) to track engagement and performance.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot): While this role is not directly CRM-focused, understanding how marketing content integrates with CRM data for lead nurturing or customer segmentation can be advantageous.

• Email Marketing Platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact): Experience designing email campaign assets for these platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. The mention of AI integration suggests a growing importance of these tools in content creation workflows. While not explicitly stated, familiarity with social media management tools and basic web content principles would be highly beneficial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: Continuously refreshing product offerings and embracing new tools like AI for creative execution.

• Customer Focus: Serving diverse audiences (retail buyers, commercial clients, end consumers) with tailored content and solutions.

• Collaboration: Thriving in a team environment, working hands-on to achieve shared marketing goals.

• Quality & Detail: Maintaining high standards for product imagery, data accuracy, and visual presentation.

• Efficiency: Streamlining processes for content creation and management, utilizing tools to optimize workflows.

Collaboration Style:

• Hands-On & Integrated: Expect a collaborative environment where team members actively contribute and support each other. The "hands-on" nature suggests a willingness to roll up sleeves and tackle tasks directly.

• Cross-Functional Partnership: Strong communication and partnership with sales, product, and e-commerce teams are crucial for aligning marketing efforts with business objectives.

• Feedback-Driven: A culture that likely encourages constructive feedback to refine creative output and improve processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's emphasis on innovation and collaboration suggests a dynamic and supportive team culture. Candidates who are proactive, adaptable, and enjoy working in a team setting will likely thrive. The "hands-on" aspect indicates a culture where individual contribution is valued and expected.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing B2B & B2C Needs: Effectively creating distinct content strategies and visual styles for two very different audience types within the same role can be demanding.

• Rapid Content Cadence: Maintaining a consistent flow of fresh, engaging content for multiple channels (social media, website, ads, trade shows) requires strong time management and organizational skills.

• Evolving Digital Landscape: Keeping up with new design trends, social media platform changes, and AI advancements in content creation.

• Resource Management: Working efficiently with available tools and potentially limited resources to meet ambitious marketing goals.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to hone skills in Photoshop, Lightroom, and potentially explore motion graphics or video editing.

• Marketing Strategy Exposure: Gaining deeper insights into B2B and B2C marketing strategy, content planning, and campaign execution by working closely with marketing leadership.

• Industry Specialization: Developing a niche expertise in marketing for the furniture and lighting industry, understanding its unique consumer behaviors and trade dynamics.

• AI Tool Proficiency: Becoming adept at leveraging AI tools to enhance design workflows and creative output, a valuable skill in the current market.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge lies in the dual nature of the role (B2B/B2C, design/content strategy). Growth opportunities are strong for those who can master this duality and embrace new technologies like AI.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach creating a product launch campaign for a new furniture line targeting both a B2B retailer and a direct-to-consumer audience?" (Focus on differentiating messaging, visuals, and channels.)

• "Describe your process for managing a content calendar and ensuring timely delivery of assets across multiple platforms." (Highlight organizational skills, project management, and communication.)

• "When using AI tools for design, what are the key considerations to maintain brand integrity and creative quality?" (Show awareness of AI's benefits and limitations.)

• "How do you stay updated on the latest design trends and marketing strategies relevant to the furniture and lighting industry?" (Demonstrate proactivity and industry interest.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What appeals to you about LumiSource and our position in the furniture and lighting market?" (Show research into the company and industry.)

• "Describe your ideal team environment. How do you contribute to a collaborative and supportive culture?" (Align with company values.)

• "How do you handle constructive criticism on your creative work?" (Demonstrate openness to feedback.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each portfolio piece, tell a brief story: the objective, your approach, the challenges, and the results.

• Highlight B2B/B2C: Clearly articulate your strategic choices for differentiating between B2B and B2C content.

• Showcase Technical Skill: Demonstrate your proficiency with Photoshop and Lightroom, especially in image editing and retouching.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your presentation is clean, professional, and visually appealing, mirroring the quality expected in the role.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to walk through your most impactful pieces efficiently, respecting the interviewer's time.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily focus on demonstrating the ability to cater to both B2B and B2C audiences, showcasing technical design skills with specific tool examples, and articulating a strategic approach to content creation.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Marketing Content Specialist & Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application: Via the provided link on the Paylocity recruiting portal.

• Tailor your Resume: Emphasize your experience with Adobe Creative Suite, B2B/B2C marketing, graphic design, and content management. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Increased social media engagement by X%").

• Curate your Portfolio: Select your strongest and most relevant design and content marketing samples, paying particular attention to showcasing your ability to adapt for B2B vs. B2C audiences. Ensure it's easily accessible online (e.g., personal website, Behance, PDF).

• Prepare your Portfolio Walkthrough: Be ready to discuss your portfolio pieces during interviews, explaining your process, design rationale, and any measurable impact.

• Research LumiSource: Understand their current product lines, marketing presence, and industry position to articulate your interest and how you can contribute.

⚠️ 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.