Social Media Manager

Ooika is bringing heritage Matcha home. We've earned an international reputation for our Matcha education, our relationships with award-winning farmers, and above all, our hospitality. We don't run paid influencer campaigns, and we'd rather donate that budget to local non‑profits and focus on the craft of Matcha. All of our Matcha is ground fresh in the United States, and we want to share it with the world. That's where you come in.

As Social Media Manager, you'll be the voice and eye of Ooika across every platform. You'll translate terroir, cultivar, and the "aroma of shadows" into content that makes people care about heritage Matcha as much as we do. Our aesthetic is elegant, understated, and minimalist. Matcha should always be the brightest thing in the room. As a mission‑driven company, you're excited to deepen your own Matcha education and share it honestly with the world. We're a fast‑paced, ground‑up startup: things change frequently, feedback is constant, and we move fast. We're looking for someone who rises to that and thrives in it.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Plan, edit, shoot, and publish content across Instagram, YouTube, TikTok.

Capture our drinks, milling process, and cafe life in our brand aesthetic.

Collaborate and utilize content from Ooika’s founder Marc who produces photo and video assets in Japan.

Own the content calendar and align posts with monthly specials, events (Sakura Fest, Pumpkin Fest), classes, and product launches.

Engage authentically with our community: replies, comments, and DMs handled with the same care as in‑store hospitality.

Track performance, test new formats and "risky" ideas, and report on what's working.

Network to create meaningful collaborations.

Stay aligned with Ooika's apolitical, mission‑first brand voice in all public content.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Proven experience managing social media for a brand, with a portfolio of original photo/video content.

Strong eye for composition, lighting, and minimalist, brand‑consistent visual storytelling.

Ability to shoot and edit on both phone and camera, and to work quickly in a high‑volume cafe setting.

Genuine interest in Japanese tea culture.

Reliable transportation to Ooika in Princeton, New Jersey.

Flexibility to capture content during open hours, including some weekends, events, and early shifts.

Consistent, thorough, and proactive communication skills.

Ideal, but not necessary: experience with paid social, light graphic design, or community management.

COMPENSATION:

Full time, salary negotiable depending on experience.

401(k) savings plan.

Mental health paid time off & sick time off.

Free drinks on and off shift.

Employees and family/friends discounts.

Open to limited remote‑work arrangements.

TO APPLY:

Email your resume, cover letter, links to your social/portfolio work, and your availability to hiring@ooika.co.

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