Communications Manager

In 2007, Benziger Family Winery was the recipient of two Bay Area awards for workplace satisfaction. Located about an hour from San Francisco and just up the hill from the historical Sonoma town of Glen Ellen, the winery is set in an idyllic pastoral valley of vineyards. As practitioners of sustainable, organic and biodynamic winegrowing, the Benziger family is committed to the environment and creating a healthy place to work. 

Benziger Family Winery, is a leader in sustainable, organic and Demeter certified Biodynamic® winegrowing and is looking for a Communications Manager.

Position Overview:

Job Title: Communications Manager – Sustainability, Media Relations and Onsite Projects for Benziger Family Winery, Glen Ellen, Sonoma County.

This employee develops, produces and manages programs in three key areas (Sustainability, Media Relations and On-site Programs) and provides creative and management support to the Marketing Department. 

Primary responsibility for sustainability programs; key liaison and resource for winery relationships with outside environmental and wine associations and outside experts; manages on-site VIP and PR visits, coordinating resources as needed. Represents winery to trade & public, participates on industry speaker panels as needed; executes on-site media visits and manages on-going environmental improvement efforts. Researches key environmental issues, coaches internal Green Team, and leads EPP program. Supports Marketing Manager with copywriting and concept development on an as needed basis.

Responsibilities:

1. Sustainability Programs (50%):

• Leads and coordinate all environmental programs and charged with internal education and motivation.
• Key contact for External Environmental Associations and Winery Associations
• Establishes and measures performance against key environmental metrics – water use reduction, recycling, carbon reduction and power conservation.
• Works with environmental and PR consultants as appropriate top ensure early adoption of new/appropriate green technologies and systems at the wineries.
• Implements adoption of the Environmentally Preferred Purchasing Policy.
• Manages relationship with Demeter, DBTA, CCOF and other industry associations.
• Develops programs and assists and support managers and partners with internal employee communication, industry speeches, presentations, and conferences.
• Supports and assists partners with Grower Relations Programs and offers liaison support and organization of materials.

2. PR & Media Representation (30%):

• Represents Company at offsite Speaker Panels, Trade and Consumer special events, as appropriate.
• Manages samples program for all brands.
• Works with consultants and staff to support, schedule and manage VIP and PR visits.

3. On-site & Marketing Support (20%):

• As part of the marketing staff, assists Marketing Manger in emergencies, copywriting, project management and pitching in to meet marketing needs as required.

Qualifications: 

Working across departments, this person has strong managerial skills, good marketing & PR instinct, and executes thoroughly and consistently. This job requires good analytical reasoning and great people skills, command of research, and an ability to synthesize information. Common sense, a level head and leadership skills a plus.

Wine experience and environmental studies or experience are advantages, but a love of wine and passion for environmental concerns is a must. Lively workplace that needs adaptive skills, positive outlook and a sense of humor. Will report to the Chief Marketing Officer and work closely with Winery founding partner and with outside Public Relations Agencies.

Education:

BA or BS required. MBA, Masters in Environmental Studies or Journalism a plus. Successful experience in environmental work, wine business, PR or advertising agency experience is a distinct advantage.

Computer Skills:

Highly computer literate and internet savvy, with Microsoft Office or Mac equivalent, working knowledge of Acrobat, Adobe CS2/3, comfortable with technology and willing to learn.

To Apply:

Please email resume, cover note and salary history to Jeanne Reiser.