Director of Social Media
Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid – 3 days/week in office)
Compensation: $100,000–$130,000 base salary + bonus + benefits
About the Opportunity
Our client is a fast-growing, consumer-packaged goods (CPG) company with over 100 years of culinary heritage and a reputation for innovation in the premium protein space. With a commitment to natural ingredients, bold flavors, and small-batch production, they’re expanding their distribution nationwide and redefining what’s possible in the protein category.
As they scale their national presence, they’re seeking a Director of Social Media to lead strategy and execution across all social and influencer platforms.
Reporting directly to the VP of Marketing, this individual will play a key role in building the social function from the ground up—shaping the brand’s voice, driving awareness and trial, and ultimately influencing retail velocity. The ideal candidate combines creative storytelling with performance-driven thinking and is excited to build and lead a best-in-class team.
Key Responsibilities
Social Strategy & Leadership
- Own both paid and organic social media strategy across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Facebook, and other emerging platforms
- Establish a consistent brand voice, visual identity, and content pillars that resonate with target consumers
- Develop a comprehensive content calendar aligned with national campaigns, cultural moments, and shopper trends
- Bridge the gap between digital and in-store experiences through QR codes, co-marketing, and retail-specific activations
Influencer & Creator Program Development
- Design and manage influencer strategies that drive brand engagement and retail impact
- Cultivate relationships across a range of influencer tiers, ensuring alignment with brand values and storytelling
- Manage end-to-end influencer execution including contracts, briefing, content review, activation, and compliance
- Optimize influencer content for both social media and shopper marketing channels
Content & Community Execution
- Lead the development of high-performing, platform-specific content that builds emotional connection and product discovery
- Monitor social trends and consumer sentiment to adapt messaging and content strategy in real-time
- Engage directly with followers to foster community and loyalty
- Work with internal design and shopper teams to extend content into retail and omni-channel environments
Team & Partner Leadership
- Build and manage a social media team, including content creators, community managers, and influencer leads
- Oversee social/digital agencies with clear objectives, feedback loops, and performance metrics
- Collaborate cross-functionally with shopper marketing, creative, sales, and leadership teams to ensure alignment
Analytics & Optimization
- Report on key metrics including reach, engagement, traffic, conversions, and in-store impact
- Use data to optimize strategy, content mix, cadence, and partner selection
- Present performance insights and strategic recommendations to senior leadership
Qualifications
- 8–10 years of brand marketing experience with a deep focus in social media and influencer marketing
- Strong background in CPG or retail-driven businesses; food, beverage, or wellness experience is preferred
- Proven success developing and scaling short-form video content and creator partnerships
- Expertise with tools such as Meta Business Suite, Ads Manager, boosting, whitelisting, etc.
- Strong leadership skills and experience building internal teams and managing agency partners
- Excellent communication skills with a balance of creative vision and strategic thinking
- Data-literate and results-driven with a passion for digital storytelling and cultural trends
