Executive Director (Wine Jobs: Management & Administration)

  Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance

  Paso Robles, California

Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance

Executive Director – Position Summary

The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance is seeking a dynamic, charismatic and visionary Executive Director to lead all facets of the organization. The position works in conjunction with the Board of Directors to develop and implement the organization’s strategic plans. The position manages an 8 person staff and multiple contractors. In addition to general operations, the Executive Director is responsible for the financial success of the organization including membership, efficient and effective event management and all controllable expenses. The Executive Director works with outside organizations and serves as the spokesperson in the local community and California wine industry upholding all Alliance standards.

The Alliance represents wineries, wine grape growers, allied businesses and hospitality partners in the Paso Robles American Viticulture Area (AVA) and has an annual budget of $1.8M. The Alliance is a 501 C 6 voluntary trade association funded by membership dues, event marketing and grants/contracts. Located halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Paso Robles is home to more than 200 wineries and 26,000 vineyard acres. The Alliance is a leader in the global wine community and its mission is to position, promote and enhance the Paso Robles AVA.
For more information about the organization visit www.pasowine.com

General Management:
• Oversee day-to-day operations and administration of Alliance programs managing program timeline, budget and evaluate results.
• Responsible for Alliance personnel operations including: hiring, performance evaluation and recognition and/or discipline of staff.
• Develop and manage reports on annual budgets.
• Work with the Board Executive Committee and Board to effectively manage and provide support to the Board to implement their goals and objectives.
• Manage the physical office operations: office lease, maintenance, etc.

Branding, Marketing and Public Relations:
• Work with Marketing Committee, Board and Staff to develop and implement integrated marketing programs focused on trade relations, media relations, direct-to-consumer target marketing and demographic specific marketing.
• Participate in the development of key messages to position the Paso Robles AVA among local, regional, national and global audiences.
• Create key messages specific to industry issues (i.e., frost, harvest, etc.)
• Serve as the industry’s official spokesperson to represent the Paso Robles AVA to media, members, elected officials, industry groups, community groups and general public.
• Work to develop marketing programs specific to grower members (i.e., Interactive AVA map; Grower Quality Improvement Process, etc.).

Membership:
• Work with the Board and staff to maintain and grow membership with-in the categories of wineries, growers, allied businesses and hospitality partners.
• Maintain effective member services, including timely communication of Alliance activities through multiple communication channels: membership meetings, newsletter, email communications, web site, etc.
• Listen to member issues and work to address concerns demonstrating membership value.
• Demonstrate membership value through programs by showcasing results and how members’ dollars are leveraged through regional programs.
• Work effectively with local and regional partners (i.e., San Luis Obispo County Visitors and Conference Bureau, Travel Paso Robles Alliance, Paso Robles Promotions Coordinating Committee, Farm Bureau, Wine Institute, California Association of Winegrape Growers, Family Winemakers of California, regional AVA associations, charitable organizations, etc.).

Public Policy:
• Monitor issues and potential regulations locally and countywide that will impact Wine Alliance members. Work with Government Affairs Coordinator to serve as a participating partner in countywide government. Utilize relationships with Wine Institute, California Association of Winegrape Growers and Family Winemakers of California to monitor state and federal concerns.
• Work to foster positive community relations between the wine community and general public. Create ongoing positive messaging about industry’s community support. Work to mitigate neighbor disputes with County Ag Department.

Requirements:
• Executive Management and/or non-profit experience of no less than 5-years with specific emphasis on membership organizations
• Manage and work with a Board of Directors (9 person Board/2 year terms)
• Ability to lead, manage and supervise personnel
• A comprehensive understanding of wine and winegrape industries and the current marketplace is preferred
• Excellent organization and time management skills
• Ability to effectively develop and manage financial resources
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; highly motivated, results oriented, creative thinker
• Professional, mature, responsible, and enthusiastic attitude
• Available to work at designated weekend or evening events
• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, communications or related field

How To Apply

Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance Executive Director Search Committee P.O. Box 3707; Paso Robles, CA 93447 Deadline: July 22, 2011 No phone calls or follow-up e-mails.

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