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Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurants · 4 days ago

Senior Manager of Strategic Communications & Channel Innovation

Downers Grove, IL

Full-time

Hybrid

Mid, Senior Level

$110K/yr - $140K/yr

7+ years exp

Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurants is a lifestyle brand that combines a modern dining experience with a renowned wine club. The Senior Manager, Strategic Communications & Channel Innovation is responsible for establishing and leading a scalable internal communications strategy to enhance clarity and influence behavior across the organization.

Food and BeverageRetailWine And SpiritsWinery

Responsibilities

Build and own the enterprise-wide internal communications and channel innovation strategy across Executive, Field, RSC, and crisis needs

Personally author executive messages, field communications, weekly updates, scripts, decks, and high-visibility enterprise communications

Reimagine current channels (newsletter, weekly comms, SharePoint/intranet) and develop a long-term roadmap for modern, digital-first communication vehicles that enhance connection and engagement

Leverage new technologies, including AI tools, analytics, and automation to personalize communication and improve efficiency

Own the internal communications editorial calendar for enterprise audiences

Establish structured feedback loops with restaurant leadership and field teams to inform message design and improve adoption

Develop metrics and dashboards to measure communication effectiveness, engagement, and business impact

Align internal communication with brand, marketing, and guest-facing standards to ensure narrative consistency

Partner with Marketing to ensure internal storytelling supports campaigns, guest experience moments, and brand voice

Collaborate with cross-functional leaders to connect enterprise strategy with culture and operational execution through communication

Own content management and governance — including SharePoint/intranet organization, accuracy, version control, and retirement of outdated materials

Own audience segmentation and distribution — ensuring the right messages reach the right populations at the right time

Explore new content formats (video, podcasts, live broadcasts, and interactive digital events) to enhance storytelling and engagement

Build standards, templates, and toolkits to enable consistent, repeatable communication practices across the organization

Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure communications are integrated, timely, and in service of enterprise priorities

Benchmark internally and externally to introduce sustainable, innovative communication practices

Act as a thought partner to senior leadership on internal influence, culture activation, and change communication

Manage timelines, protect message integrity, and handle confidential information with discretion

Qualification

Strategic communicationsExecutive communicationDigital communication platformsData-driven strategiesContent managementAI toolsCollaboration platformsJudgmentStorytellingPresentation skillsOrganizational skillsConfidentiality

Required

7+ years of progressive communications experience

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Business, Marketing, or related field

Exceptional writing, storytelling, and executive presentation skills

Experience shaping communication strategies with a mix of planning and hands-on delivery

Demonstrated ability to influence and partner with senior leaders

Experience managing communication across multiple stakeholder groups

Strong understanding of digital communication platforms, analytics, and AI-enhanced content tools

Proficiency with Microsoft Office and collaboration platforms (SharePoint)

Proven ability to design data-driven strategies that improve clarity, engagement, and adoption

Strong judgment, organization, and ability to navigate evolving priorities

Proven ability to distill complex information into clear, accessible messages

Experience handling confidential information with discretion

Preferred

Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite or enterprise content platforms

Experience launching or managing new communication technologies (e.g., intranet redesign, digital employee experiences platforms, or collaboration apps)

Experience leveraging AI tools and automation to support and enhance communication workflows and copywriting

Strong curiosity for emerging trends in digital storytelling, employee engagement, and organizational communication

Benefits

Incredible Discounts:

+ Monthly Dining Allowance

+ 50% Dining and Carryout

+ 40% Retail Wine

+ 20% Retail and Private Events

+ Monthly Complimentary Wine Tasting for Two

Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision Insurance plus Telemedicine and Wellness Program

Company Matching 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan

Flexible Savings Accounts- Health and Dependent Care

Health Savings Account

Long-Term Disability; Voluntary Short-Term Disability

Basic Life and AD&D Insurance (with option to purchase additional coverage)

Paid Parental Leave

Highly Competitive Pay plus Team Member Incentives & Rewards

Paid Time Off

Milestones Recognition Program

Complimentary Gym Membership in RSC Building

Hybrid Work Week (3 days in office, 2 days remote, depending on role)

Company

Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurants

Glassdoor3.8

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants was created with the inspiration of bringing the Napa Valley experience to all of America, by combining an elegant tasting room with a polished casual restaurant and scratch kitchen.

Founded in 2005

Woodridge, Illinois, USA

5001-10000 employees