Job No: 536090
Work Type: Management (MPP)
Location: Sonoma
Categories: MPP, Administrative, At-Will, Full Time, Telecommute eligible (work onsite as scheduled and/or as requested and telecommute as scheduled)

Application Process

This position is open until filled. For full consideration, applications must be submitted online and include a cover letter, a curriculum vitae and a list of five professional references with full contact information, by 8am on Friday, April 5, 2024. No references will be contacted without the explicit permission of the applicant.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Dean and working with Wine Business Institute (WBI) program faculty, the WBI Board of Directors, the Chair of the Marketing and Wine Business Area, and other WBI or school leadership, the Executive Director of the Wine Business Institute (Executive Director) is responsible for planning, developing, and leading the achievement of strategic goals for the WBI. The incumbent plays a leading role in developing, positioning, supporting, and aligning the WBI as a bridge between the wine industry and Sonoma State University, with the WBI Board of Directors as the primary conduit for this critical industry connection. The Executive Director is responsible for the operations and execution of programs, activities, and events at the Wine Spectator Learning Center. The Executive Director also serves as liaison between the wine industry and SSU programs in Wine Business, and has a primary role in working with the Dean to create and execute strategy for recruiting students into Wine Business programs. The Executive Director performs other projects as assigned and provides support to the Dean as specified to advance the mission of the School of Business and Economics (School).

Key Qualifications

This position requires a Bachelor's degree in business, economics, communications, agriculture, or related field and a minimum of 3 years of experience in executive-level planning, decision making, marketing, and development, including 5 years of progressively responsible and applicable management and/or supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience to provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position. The incumbent should have extensive understanding of the wine industry, especially the various business aspects and value-chain components of the wine industry. Intermediate proficiency with computers and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) required. Knowledge of Google Suite, Customer Relationship Management software and PeopleSoft preferred.

Additional qualifications include:

•  Master’s or other advanced degree preferred.
•  Significant wine industry experience and/or experience directing educational programs in wine, hospitality, business or related areas is preferred.
•  Experience with key existing wine industry relationships and industry organizations in Sonoma and Napa strongly preferred; others such as Washington, Oregon, Central California Coast, etc. desirable.
•  Experience collaborating with faculty and industry people is highly preferred, and an understanding of an academic unit and experience in a university setting are desirable, as is clear evidence of sensitivity to and understanding of university staff, students, the University and the community.
•  Teaching/Lecturing experience in higher education is desirable.
•  Ability to understand and embrace the differences between the wine industry and academia and to be an effective liaison to achieve a mutually beneficial relationship.
•  Experience implementing marketing campaign strategies (with international marketing experience beneficial) and the associated experience in branding, independently writing and editing assorted forms of communication or collateral is preferred.
•  Ability/willingness to travel and attend key industry meetings, conferences, and events in support of WBI initiatives and programs.
•  Experience with event management and execution and program design, development and delivery is desirable.
•  Proven ability at successfully raising funds, preferably in higher education, a basic knowledge in designing and executing systematic stewardship and cultivation efforts; ability to successfully solicit gifts and grants from individuals and organizations.
•  Demonstrated understanding of the local wine community and wine industry leaders and the ability to work well with its members in a comfortable and confident manner, as well as the ability to represent SSU, the School and the WBI at local, regional, and statewide meetings; and the ability to deliver professional presentations when needed.
•  Ability to stay up to date with wine industry needs and issues including workforce development, legislative needs/agenda, and research needs to support the industry, etc.

Salary and Benefits

Anticipated starting salary placement commensurate with experience ($131,584 - $151,584). This position is a member of the Management Personnel Plan and serves at the pleasure of the President of the University.

This position is eligible for a broad range of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurances, retirement (CalPERS), tuition waiver, vacation and sick leave. In addition, 15 paid holidays are offered each year and a Personal Holiday that may be taken any time during the year. Sonoma State University is also a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) Employer.

A comprehensive benefits summary for this position is available online by clicking here (https://www.calstate.edu/csu-system/careers/benefits/Documents/employee-benefits-summary.pdf) to be taken to the CSU benefits page.

To apply, visit https://apptrkr.com/5196489