EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance

What if you could help shape the future of one of the most celebrated wine regions?

Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance (WWVW), a nonprofit organization with over 150 members and community partners in Walla Walla, WA, is searching for a dynamic, visionary Executive Director to drive our mission forward. In this role, you'll lead and empower a talented team of three—the Development Director, Marketing Manager, and Administrative & Membership Assistant—while managing all aspects of the organization's strategy, operations, marketing, development, fundraising, community engagement, financial stewardship, and board relations.

Is this you?

You’re passionate about wine, with industry experience and a deep commitment to the Walla Walla wine community.
You’re an experienced leader who collaborates well with board members, staff, partners, and the broader community with clarity and purpose.
You thrive in both high-level strategy and hands-on execution, bridging vision with action.
You bring a proven track record in marketing and business development.
You love building relationships, fostering connections, and celebrating the culture of wine.
You’re confident in strategic planning, operations, and financial stewardship.


If you’re a strategic, purpose-led leader with the relational and operational savvy to guide and represent Walla Walla Valley Wine (WWVW) with confidence and integrity, we’d love to hear from you!


WHAT DOES THIS JOB ENTAIL?
Leadership + Strategy: Lead strategic planning, budgeting, and day-to-day operations while managing staff, contractors, and organizational goals to ensure mission alignment and impact. Establish, manage, and track goals and KPIs to deliver outcomes aligned with the mission and plan.
Marketing + Development: Direct marketing, public relations, events, member services, and fundraising strategies in collaboration with staff, committees, board, and community partners. Ensure member programs evolve to meet changing industry needs.
Community Relations + Engagement: Act as the primary spokesperson and liaison, fostering relationships with members, media, industry groups, and regional and national partners. Represent WWVW in public forums, and monitor and communicate relevant policy issues.
Board Relations: Guide and collaborate with the board of directors to shape organizational direction, support governance, and provide executive coordination for strategic initiatives.
Financial Management: Ensure financial health through budgeting, expense oversight, accurate reporting, and collaboration with the board and CPA.


QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum 5 years of leadership experience in a nonprofit, association, or related industry, with demonstrated success in organizational management and strategic execution; wine industry experience preferred.
Proven ability in team leadership, strategic planning, budgeting, financial management, marketing, public relations, member relations, and business development.
Strong relationship-building skills across diverse stakeholders, including Board members, staff, members, media, community leaders, and industry partners.
Commitment to WWVW’s core values: Membership-Focused, Honest, Open, Collaborative, Accurate, Financially Savvy, Community-Connected, Leadership, Fairness, and Respect.
Willingness to travel locally up to 25%, with occasional out-of-area travel; valid driver’s license, vehicle insurance, and acceptable driving record required.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., set up events, stand and walk for extended periods, and work at a computer for prolonged periods.


BENEFITS & TIME OFF
Medical Insurance: 100% employer-paid health insurance for you, plus 50% for your eligible dependents.
Dental Insurance for purchase
Paid Time Off (PTO) plus Paid Sick Time
11 paid holidays
Paid winter break
Simple IRA retirement with 3% match
Wine industry discount
Professional development opportunities


DETAILS & SALARY
Location: 10 N 7th Ave, Walla Walla, WA 99362
Job Classification: Full-Time, Exempt/Salaried
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 am-5 pm, with frequent evenings and weekends
Pay: $100K-$120K, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Plus potential for a performance bonus.
Target Hire Date: January 2026


ARE YOU INTERESTED?
Apply no later than October 21st, 2025


ABOUT WALLA WALLA VALLEY WINE ALLIANCE
Founded in 2001 by local winemakers and growers, the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance is a nonprofit membership marketing organization built on collaboration. Today, we represent nearly 150 members and community partners, united in our commitment to Valley-wide success.

Our mission: To build an internationally recognized Walla Walla Valley wine brand by delivering strategic marketing programs for member wineries, vineyards, and partners. We serve as the leading resource for consumers, media, and trade seeking insight into the region’s wine industry. Our Impact: Wine tourism generates $167 million in visitor spending annually, including $72 million in wine purchases. The industry drives $522 million in business sales, supports 2,865 jobs, and contributes $146 million in labor income—625 of those jobs and $33 million in income come directly from wineries and tasting rooms.

For more information about us, visit: www.wallawallawine.com. We are an equal opportunity employer. Canidates must be authorized to work in the U.S