Editorial & Operations Assistant (Wine Jobs: Management & Administration)

  Karen MacNeil & Company LLC

  St. Helena, California

JOB DESCRIPTION

Assist in all aspects of the operations of a leading wine communications company, working closely with the company’s principal, Karen MacNeil, and senior staff.

ABOUT KAREN MACNEIL & COMPANY LLC

Karen MacNeil & Company LLC (“KM&Co”) is a wine consulting and communications firm owned and operated by Karen MacNeil. Karen MacNeil is one of the foremost wine experts in the United States and is the author of the bestselling book The Wine Bible. The company creates and produces wine events, educational seminars, and wine communications products and services. It is active in wine journalism, corporate wine events, research, consulting, and social media.

OVERVIEW

The Editorial & Operations Assistant is a critical linchpin in the effectiveness and efficiency of KM&Co. This is a very fast-paced office. The ideal candidate will be smart, quick, a polished communicator, attentive to detail, superbly organized, efficient, and a strong writer. Candidates must be able to conduct thorough research and write clearly. The position requires a person who is a self-starter and who knows how to “take the next step” to initiate success. Some wine knowledge is a must to support research for the upcoming The Wine Bible 3rd Edition.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• WineSpeed (www.winespeed.com) digital newsletter and website—assist with production, fact-checking, research, writing, and marketing.
• Writing—assist with composing well-written short content for various aspects of the business.
• Social media—assist with KM&Co activities on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Linked-In.
• “Right hand” assistant to Karen MacNeil in terms of office administration—manage schedules, supplies, vendors, shipping, and office premises.
• Events and seminars—work with KM&Co staff to organize wine events and seminars, including venue management, travel arrangements, wine procurement, tasting sheets, and event collateral.
• Projects and clients—coordinate many concurrent projects and clients. Maintain thorough records and files, both paper and electronic.
• Office wine tastings—assist with requesting samples and other outreach to distributors and producers.
• The Wine Bible 3rd Edition—assist with organization and research for the The Wine Bible 3rd Edition and related products and services.
• New KM&Co ventures and products—be willing to step up and become involved.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

KM&Co is a unique business and this position is unique; thus there is no specific employment history that a candidate must possess. However, a highly qualified candidate will have these skills, knowledge, and experience.

Essential

• Excellent organizational skills
• Superior writing skills
• A highly efficient approach to work
• Basic or greater wine knowledge
• High intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint
• The ability to work independently and problem-solve quickly
• Versatility and flexibility
• A “do what it takes” attitude
• The ability to handle multiple projects and changing priorities and workloads with ambition and enthusiasm
• The ability to interact with a wide variety of contacts and clients, from senior executives to support staff
• Proficiency in social media applications and web content publishing
• Bachelor’s degree

Pluses

• Event organization and client relationship management experience
• Marketing experience

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Small office suites on Main St. in downtown St. Helena. Noise level: low. Environment: private and quiet without a lot of busy social interaction.
• Physical demands: must be able to lift/carry a case of wine (approximately 35 lbs.) and to unpack wine samples.

REPORTS TO

• Karen MacNeil and senior KM&Co staff.

Compensation: Competitive

Benefits: After initial three-month period, paid holidays, and vacation. Medical benefits based on insurance company requirements.