Executive Director

Organization: Colorado Association for Viticulture & Enology (CAVE)
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Reports To: Board of Directors
Salary: $95,000–$110,000 annually

About CAVE

The Colorado Association for Viticulture & Enology (CAVE) is the statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing Colorado's grape growing and wine industry through advocacy, education, research, marketing, and collaboration. Working alongside growers, wineries, industry partners, tourism organizations, and government agencies, CAVE champions Colorado wine while producing nationally recognized events and programs that strengthen the industry's future.

Position Summary

The Executive Director serves as CAVE's chief executive officer, providing strategic leadership, operational oversight, and industry advocacy. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director leads the organization's mission to strengthen and unify Colorado's wine industry while positioning Colorado as a premier American wine region.

This is a highly visible, hands-on leadership role responsible for organizational strategy, financial sustainability, member engagement, industry partnerships, statewide marketing, signature events, and public representation. Success requires balancing long-term vision with day-to-day execution while building consensus among diverse stakeholders.

Primary Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
Lead implementation and refinement of CAVE's strategic plan.
Identify emerging industry opportunities, challenges, and trends.
Develop long-term strategies that strengthen Colorado's wine industry.
Ensure programs, advocacy efforts, and organizational priorities align with CAVE's mission.
Serve as the primary spokesperson for CAVE and Colorado wine.
Industry Advocacy & Partnerships
Represent Colorado's wine industry with legislators, government agencies, and regulatory organizations.
Build strong relationships with wineries, vineyards, allied businesses, educational institutions, tourism partners, and agricultural organizations.
Convene industry stakeholders to address shared priorities and opportunities.
Serve as a statewide and national ambassador for Colorado wine.
Programs & Events

Provide executive leadership for CAVE's signature programs, including:

Colorado Mountain Winefest
VinCO Trade Conference
Colorado Cru
Barrel Into Spring
Amateur Winemaker Competition & Workshop

Guide the continued growth and evolution of these programs while ensuring financial sustainability, strong industry participation, consumer engagement, and increased national visibility.

Financial & Organizational Management
Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning.
Ensure responsible stewardship of memberships, sponsorships, grants, and earned revenue.
Manage contracts, vendors, policies, and operational systems.
Maintain compliance with nonprofit governance and reporting requirements.
Revenue Development
Grow membership, sponsorships, grants, and strategic partnerships.
Cultivate relationships with corporate, agricultural, tourism, and community partners.
Collaborate with the Board to diversify revenue and strengthen long-term sustainability.
Marketing & Communications
Lead statewide marketing and communications efforts.
Promote Colorado as an emerging premium wine region.
Oversee public relations, media engagement, branding, and storytelling.
Ensure consistent messaging across consumer, trade, and industry audiences.
Board & Staff Leadership
Serve as primary liaison to the Board of Directors.
Provide timely financial, operational, and program updates.
Recruit, supervise, mentor, and develop staff and contractors.
Foster a collaborative, mission-driven organizational culture focused on accountability and excellence.
Qualifications

Required

Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience in nonprofit management, business, agriculture, communications, or a related field.
Seven or more years of progressive executive or senior leadership experience.
Demonstrated success in organizational leadership, strategic planning, budgeting, and relationship management.
Excellent communication, public speaking, and interpersonal skills.
Strong project management and organizational abilities.

Preferred Experience

Nonprofit or association management
Agriculture, food, beverage, or wine industry leadership
Event management
Government relations or advocacy
Fundraising, sponsorship development, or grant management
Coalition building with multiple stakeholders
Core Competencies

The ideal candidate is a collaborative, strategic leader who demonstrates:

Vision and innovation
Financial stewardship
Executive presence
Relationship building
Strong communication and negotiation skills
Sound decision-making
Adaptability in a fast-paced environment
Commitment to serving a statewide membership organization
Work Environment

This position requires regular travel throughout Colorado to vineyards, wineries, industry meetings, conferences, and events. Evening and weekend work is expected during major programs and industry activities.

The Executive Director serves in a highly visible public-facing role and is expected to proactively build relationships, identify opportunities, and represent Colorado's wine industry with professionalism and integrity.

How to Apply

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and accepted until the position is filled.

Please submit one PDF containing:

Cover Letter
Resume
Three Professional References (with contact information)

Email your application to hiring@coloradowinefest.com with the subject line:

Executive Director Application – First Last Name