Director of Communications & Brand Strategy

Director Of Communications & Strategy

For almost 30 years, One Off Hospitality has developed and operated some of Chicago's most beloved places to eat and drink. More importantly, we're a group of people – chefs, hospitality veterans, managers and creators – who believe in the power of treating our guests like family and our restaurants like home.

OOH is currently seeking an analytical, strategic, and highly motivated individual to join our team as Director of Communications & Strategy. This is an exempt position that will oversee the Marketing Team, and report to the CEO.

The Director of Communications & Brand Strategy will oversee brand communications and corporate messaging, maintaining consistent brand standards and identifying data-driven opportunities to strengthen market position, while leveraging deep knowledge of industry trends and competitive positioning.

The role requires an in-depth knowledge of different facets of marketing including but not limited to advertising, digital and email marketing, performance reporting, promotional event development, campaign management, and grassroots marketing. Candidates should possess strong analytical and writing skills along with a high-level ability to multitask.

This is a fast-paced role, in a fast-paced industry. Strong communication skills, the ability to work well with others in different positions, sound business judgment, a strong attention to detail, and genuine interest in the food and beverage industry are necessary.

This is a fantastic opportunity to work directly with leaders in the food & beverage industry and grow with the organization!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership:

• Define the company's long-term marketing vision and ensure it aligns with overarching corporate and financial goals.
• Develop marketing collateral and email campaigns to promote initiatives and drive revenue.
• Work alongside and ideate with Chefs and Managers on specials, events, private events, catering, and more.
• Bring ideas to the table on new and creative ways to put our brands at the forefront of consumers' minds to drive first-time visits and repeat visits.
• Manage relationships with strategic partners (PR agency, third-party technologies, etc).

Brand Positioning:

• Own the global brand identity, narrative, and corporate communications to maintain market authority.
• Aid in development of grassroots marketing plans in various neighborhoods throughout Chicago.
• Stay abreast of market trends (food & beverage, lifestyle, etc.) for real-time marketing opportunities.

Team Leadership:

• Lead and support the internal Marketing Team, providing direction, feedback, and coordination to ensure strong execution of marketing, communications, and creative work.
• Work with the Marketing Manager and the Marketing Coordinator to develop annual calendars for upcoming marketing and event campaigns.
• Be an integral part of the marketing team – join weekly marketing meetings and events led by the marketing team. Some evening and weekend work may be required.

Revenue & Growth:

• Lead growth strategy and performance marketing initiatives, with responsibility for planning, managing, and optimizing paid media budgets to drive customer acquisition, retention and measurable ROI.

Programming:

• Responsible for updating marketing assets and information across partner platforms, brand websites, and other digital footprints.
• Set-up ticketing event, experience, pre-order, and to-go pages via third-party technology platforms.
• Oversee and drive the One Off Rewards loyalty program and mobile app.

Minimum Qualifications (Education, Experience, Skills):

• 5+ years professional marketing experience; food & beverage/restaurant experience preferred but not required.
• Knowledge of Canva and Mailchimp (or equivalent platform) required.
• Knowledge of Asana, Tock, Google My Business, BentoBox, SquareSpace and Adobe Suites.
• Experience drafting annual content calendars of marketing and event efforts.
• Hands-on experience creating and designing email marketing campaigns and optimizing future ones based on analytics.
• Confident with creative writing.
• A passion for having fun, dining out, and trying new restaurants
• Ability to multitask, stay organized, and prioritize effectively
• Strong understanding of how marketing, public relations, business development and social media work together is a must.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Ability to work autonomously as well as with a team
• Ability to adapt and work efficiently in a rapidly changing dynamic environment with deadline pressures
• Ability to be flexible with job demands and open minded when being asked to complete tasks
• Ability to travel to different locations around the Chicago area, as needed
• Onsite work environment – comfortable working from restaurant locations.
• Ability to sit and/or stand for up to 8-10 hours a day
• Ability to carry equipment with travel including camera, laptop, etc.

One Off Hospitality provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Salary Description $80,000 - $100,000