Marketing & Communications Manager (Wine Jobs: Sales & Marketing)

  Lodi Winegrape Commission

  Lodi, California

Established in 1991, the Lodi Winegrape Commission (LWC) represents approximately 750 winegrowers who collectively farm more than 110,000 acres of winegrapes. Its mission is to serve the common interests of all California Crush District 11 winegrape producers, enhancing the profitability and visibility of winegrape production through marketing and promotion of Lodi winegrapes, viticultural research, sustainable viticulture, and grower and public education. The Commission’s activities also include managing the Lodi Wine & Visitor Center – a regional tasting room and marketing center –as well as a broad array of marketing and public relations initiatives. In addition, the Commission conducts the state’s leading sustainable viticulture program, Lodi Rules.

Position

The Marketing and Communications Manager is responsible for coordinating various marketing, communications, and public relations strategies for the Commission. The position will have specific projects to complete and will assist with fulfilling the daily demands of the Lodi Winegrape Commission. Occasional regional travel, as well as evening and weekend event attendance, will be required. This position reports directly to the Executive Director, but requires working with all Commission staff and departments.

PLEASE NOTE: This role is based in Lodi, California; only local candidates and those who indicate intent to relocate to the area will be considered.

Job Duties

•  Under the direction of the Executive Director and Program Manager, serve as lead liaison between the LWC and advertising and public relations agencies of record to ensure that all marketing and public relations initiatives are executed in a timely, accurate, effective manner. 
•  Manage all brand social media channels including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and You Tube. Respond to consumers through social media channels in a timely manner and with an appropriate and professional brand voice; exhibit a sense of urgency by monitoring, prioritizing, and responding in near real-time (as appropriate).
•  Coordinate LWC internal and external communications pertaining to PR/marketing/event activities with Lodi growers and vintners, media and trade, and consumers through email newsletters and direct mail. 
•  Fulfill wine sample requests for interested media and trade. Develop and implement travel itineraries for visiting media and trade, and assist with all aspects of media visits when guests are in town.
•  Organize all promotional efforts (print, digital, radio, television, etc.) for regional events including ZinFest in May and Lodi Wine & Chocolate Weekend in February. Coordinate promotional efforts for other Lodi Wine Country events as needed.
•  Maintain regional (LodiWine.com) and events websites (ZinFest.com, LodiWineandChocolate.com), ensuring content is accurate and timely. 
•  Collaborate with outside designers and vendors to create and produce marketing materials including brochures, posters, postcards, signage, and merchandise. 
•  Represent the Lodi wine region and wines at various regional and national events and tastings.
•  Assist with daily administrative needs of the LWC as needed including answering phones and providing exceptional customer service. 
•  Other duties as needed.

Qualification & Skills

•  Bachelor’s degree is required. Focus in Marketing, PR, Journalism, Communications, or related field preferred.
•  Minimum one year experience in the alcoholic beverage industry (preference given toward wine) with significant exposure to brand-building activities. 
•  Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite. Experience with Adobe Suite and/or website design software and building platforms is helpful, as is experience using Constant Contact, Vertical Response, or other email software. 
•  Experience producing and managing website and social media content.
•  Demonstrated success in building media relationships is a plus. 
•  Able to work independently, think creatively, and possess problem solving skills. Must be able to juggle multiple assignments, managing several open projects at all times.
•  Excellent verbal and written communication skills; superior organizational and time management skills.
•  Team player who works well with others. 
•  Ability to work evenings and weekends as required at events. Ability to travel as needed.
•  Must maintain a professional demeanor, including attire, at office and all LWC functions and act as a positive ambassador for the Lodi region, growers, and wines.
•  Must maintain discretion regarding stakeholder information.
•  Must be able to lift a case of wine (40 lb.) and/or related objects, within reason, as needed.

Compensation

•  Wages or salary commensurate with experience. 
•  Exceptional benefits including health insurance and retirement plan.

How To Apply

• Please post proper resume, cover letter, and three to five writing samples—press releases, published articles, collateral copy, or related—that you have personally written. If you cannot attach via winejobs.com, submit writing samples with the subject line "Marketing Manager: (Your full name) to

[email protected]

Note, I will not field questions through this email so please only submit writing samples.
• Be prepared to take a writing/grammar test in person if interviewed.

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