As the Social & Marketing Manager, you'll be responsible for developing and executing social media strategies, broadening our reach and creating content for the Rustic Canyon Family’s 9 restaurants. Given we’re a small team, you’ll have the opportunity to take on other creative marketing projects outside of social media, reporting to the Director of Communications.
This role does not require you to be online 24/7, 7 days a week! Previous hospitality experience isn’t required, but a passion for restaurants and food is a must, as you’ll be a key storytellerand leading the social media presence for our group.
We’re seeking someone with a creative and entrepreneurial mind-set, who has strong social media, photography and writing skills, along with a great eye for graphic design. You must be a self-starter, extremely organized and very detail-oriented when it comes to processing and prioritizing a lot of information, news and content. Being a team player and receptive to feedback is also crucial, as this position works with a variety of personalities (i.e., chefs, partners, managers) to help set the agenda and think big on social media strategy and exciting marketing campaigns.
Duties and Responsibilities
Overall
● Work with the Director of Communications in developing and executing quarterly and annual social media & marketing strategies for each restaurant in the group, which includes Rustic Canyon, Huckleberry Bakery & Café, Milo + Olive, Sweet Rose Creamery, Cassia, Esters, Tallula’s, Birdie G’s, The Dutchess and any forthcoming restaurants/initiatives, cookbook projects and affiliated events (i.e., LA Chefs for Human Rights).
● Attend and contribute to quarterly meetings with each restaurant’s leadership team to brainstorm and finalize a plan for marketing upcoming holidays, initiatives and events for the following quarter.
● Attend occasional weekly manager meetings with restaurants when social media/marketing strategy and guidance is needed.
Social Media
● Manage end-to-end content, which includes ideation, creation, curation, copyrighting and posting on each restaurant’s social media accounts. This currently includes Instagram for all restaurants and TikTok for Sweet Rose Creamery & Tallula’s. While we still have Facebook and Twitter accounts for all 9 restaurants, we are not actively engaging, so we can focus on Instagram and TikTok.
● Shape an overarching strategy that’s unique to each concept’s “personality” that includes:
o Developing new social media style & content guides for each restaurant to ensure consistent, in-brand fonts, colors, photography style and tone
o Increasing follower growth and engagement
o Aligning event/holiday/promotional announcements with PR & Marketing and sharing press hits
o Identifying potential, new platforms for outreach, such as leveraging TikTok for other restaurants
● Help oversee the independent contractor at The Dutchess (Ojai-based) and guide/train them in strategy, content creation and community management.
● Conduct community management and engagement on weekdays (Monday-Friday), and nurture/cultivate relationships to create an interactive two-way dialogue amongst the respective audiences.
● Vet and facilitate social media influencer requests/visits and conduct proactive outreach to influencers or partners who are in-brand and can help organically raise awareness.
● Create monthly reports for each restaurant, showcasing growth, engagement and analyzing trends, so we can adjust strategy.
Marketing
● Design occasional printed and digital marketing collateral, such as promotional flyers, holiday signs, e-newsletter graphics, etc. We work with a variety of external graphic designers to support us with larger design projects and branding/logo development.
● Help write copy and select photos for Digital Integration Specialist to update the restaurants’ websites and review sites for holidays, events, promotions and more.
● Support Director of Communications with occasionally designing, writing and disseminating e-newsletters for the Rustic Canyon Family, Esters and Sweet Rose Creamery.
Photography
● Serve as the group’s in-house photographer on key shoots that serve a greater storytelling purpose and can be utilized across social media, websites, marketing materials and press, such as major holiday offerings or the launch of a new service.
● Help vet and hire professional photographers for new restaurant openings, periodic major refreshes and large-scale events (i.e., LA Chefs for Human Rights, 8 Nights at Birdie G’s).
Requirements
Experience
● Minimum 3-5 years of experience working in social media for businesses.
● Excellent time management, organization and prioritization skills, with proven ability to work effectively, independently and accurately with minimal supervision. Being detail-oriented is key.
● Strong project management skills: proactive problem solving and resourcefulness.
● Must be able to work collaboratively and assist others.
● Excellent interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential situations.
● Excellent written communication skills, strong work ethic, professionalism and sophistication.
● Excellent photography and editing skills.
● Basic graphic design skills, with an excellent eye for good design.
● Basic knowledge of Adobe Creative Programs (i.e., InDesign, Photoshop/Lightroom, Illustrator) and Canva.
● Familiarity with social media scheduling & monitoring programs like Buffer are preferred, but not required.
● Familiarity with e-mail marketing programs, like Mailchimp & Square are preferred, but not required.
● Familiarity with website platforms, like Wordpress and Squarespace are preferred, but not required.
License and Insurance
● Must have reliable personal transportation, a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance.
Accessibility
● Must have a telephone or other reliable method of communicating with all managers – we provide a $75 monthly stipend to offset mobile phone bills
● Maintains an open-door policy
Hours
● Able to work a minimum of 45 hours per week
● Must be able to work flexible hours necessary to help market and promote the group effectively and be on-call for emergencies
Salary Range
$70-85k, commensurate with experience
Benefits
● 100% covered Anthem Platinum PPO Plan
● 50% dining discount across all of our restaurants
● Free meal at any of our restaurants while working
Uniform
We ask that all levels of management take into consideration the venue in which they are leading and embody the tone of that venue. We have more casual outlets and others that are more elegant. Please dress accordingly. Your attire should never distract from the environment. Please take into account that you’re a leader in the restaurant group and your attire should reflect the image of a professional.