Social Media Manager

At Lou Malnati’s and Tastes of Chicago, we’re passionate about delivering memorable experiences — both at the table and across every customer touchpoint. We’re seeking a creative, strategic, and results-driven Social Media Manager to shape the voice of two iconic brands and build meaningful connections with fans nationwide. This role is perfect for a passionate storyteller and hands-on content creator who excels at developing world-class content, strengthening brand identity, and driving measurable results. The social media manager will lead the strategy, execution, and optimization of cross-channel social campaigns, manage influencer partnerships, and oversee community engagement — all with the goal of elevating our brands and delivering impactful digital experiences. Location: Hybrid (On-site Tuesday–Thursday in Buffalo Grove, IL | Remote Monday & Friday) KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Develop and execute comprehensive organic strategies that align with business and marketing goals and support paid social strategies. Own the social content calendar and budget for Lou Malnati’s and Tastes of Chicago, planning engaging, timely content across platforms. Create and publish content across all social platforms — including short-form video, photography, graphics, and stories — that reflect the brands’ voice and personality. Lead influencer marketing initiatives, develop and execute social influencer strategy including paid partnerships, ambassador and affiliate programs, and ad whitelisting Stay ahead of trends and emerging platforms to keep our content relevant, fresh, and engaging; incorporate, as relevant, to drive engagement and performance Oversee community engagement and agency management ensuring proactive moderation and responses; escalating opportunities for thought leadership, engagement and crisis management to appropriate people Partner cross-functionally with internal teams to support campaigns, product launches, promotions, and events. Monitor, analyze, and report on key performance metrics to drive optimization and demonstrate ROI. Maintain brand consistency across all content, ensuring visual and verbal identity are upheld across channels. Qualifications/Experience: 5+ years of hands-on experience in social media marketing or digital content creation; restaurant or eCommerce experience is a plus Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, or a related field Passion for social media, community building, and brand storytelling Exceptional copywriting, storytelling, and visual communication skills Proficiency in video and basic design editing tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, CapCut) Proven success in developing and executing multi-platform social strategies Demonstrated ability to create content that drives engagement and supports business objectives Experience managing influencer partnerships and events Skilled in using social media scheduling, analytics, and content creation tools Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment