Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurants
Senior Manager of Strategic Communications & Channel Innovation
Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurants, Downers Grove, Illinois, United States, 60516
Overview
Ready to be part of something extraordinary? At Cooper’s Hawk, connection is at the heart of everything we do, and we’re looking for passionate people to join us. When you become part of our team, you step into a collaborative, supportive culture built on Uncompromising Hospitality, where standards and genuine care come together to create something truly unforgettable. As we continue our exciting journey, you’ll help us deliver unforgettable experiences to our Wine Club Members and the entire Cooper’s Hawk community. Join us, and let’s turn moments into lasting memories.
The
Senior Manager, Strategic Communications & Channel Innovation
is a strategic storyteller and change leader who establishes and leads a scalable internal communications strategy across Cooper’s Hawk — with emphasis on Executive, Field, RSC, and crisis communication. This role is responsible for designing how information, ideas, and inspiration flow through the organization to drive clarity, influence behavior, and ensure consistent execution that ultimately impacts the guest experience. This leader balances strategy with hands-on execution — personally writing enterprise-level communications and modernizing communication systems through innovation, digital transformation, and data-informed practices.
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
Qualifications
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
Compensation Compensation Range: $110,000-$140,000 + bonus potential. The final offered salary will be based on several factors, including but not limited to the candidate’s depth of experience, skill set, qualifications, and internal pay equity.
What You’ll Get / 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)
Cooper’s Hawk is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to the person’s race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Cooper’s Hawk makes reasonable accommodations during all aspects of the employment process, including during the interview process.
About Us Cooper's Hawk features a Napa-style tasting room with wine-inspired retail for entertaining and a full-service restaurant, bar and private event space, offering a modern-yet-casual dining experience. Each scratch-kitchen menu item is designed to pair with our wines. Speaking of wine...the Cooper's Hawk Wine Club is perhaps the largest in the world, offering not only top-notch award-winning wines but also exclusive Wine Club membership benefits, including curated dining and travel experiences. Since 2005, we've brought the Napa Valley experience to our guests and Wine Club members, and now, with Piccolo Buco by Cooper’s Hawk, we’re bringing the vibrant flavors of Rome to them as well. Together, we’re creating a lifestyle brand like no other.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The
Senior Manager, Strategic Communications & Channel Innovation
is a strategic storyteller and change leader who establishes and leads a scalable internal communications strategy across Cooper’s Hawk — with emphasis on Executive, Field, RSC, and crisis communication. This role is responsible for designing how information, ideas, and inspiration flow through the organization to drive clarity, influence behavior, and ensure consistent execution that ultimately impacts the guest experience. This leader balances strategy with hands-on execution — personally writing enterprise-level communications and modernizing communication systems through innovation, digital transformation, and data-informed practices.
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
Qualifications
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
Compensation Compensation Range: $110,000-$140,000 + bonus potential. The final offered salary will be based on several factors, including but not limited to the candidate’s depth of experience, skill set, qualifications, and internal pay equity.
What You’ll Get / 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)
Cooper’s Hawk is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to the person’s race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Cooper’s Hawk makes reasonable accommodations during all aspects of the employment process, including during the interview process.
About Us Cooper's Hawk features a Napa-style tasting room with wine-inspired retail for entertaining and a full-service restaurant, bar and private event space, offering a modern-yet-casual dining experience. Each scratch-kitchen menu item is designed to pair with our wines. Speaking of wine...the Cooper's Hawk Wine Club is perhaps the largest in the world, offering not only top-notch award-winning wines but also exclusive Wine Club membership benefits, including curated dining and travel experiences. Since 2005, we've brought the Napa Valley experience to our guests and Wine Club members, and now, with Piccolo Buco by Cooper’s Hawk, we’re bringing the vibrant flavors of Rome to them as well. Together, we’re creating a lifestyle brand like no other.
#J-18808-Ljbffr