Executive Director of the Wine Business Institute (Administrator II)

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.

Please review the position description listed above for full scope of responsibilities and qualifications.

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 to be taken to the CSU benefits page.

Supplemental Information

Sonoma State University is committed to achieving excellence through teaching, scholarship, learning and inclusion. In line with our Strategic Plan and our Seawolf Commitment, our values include diversity, sustainability, community engagement, respect, responsibility, excellence and integrity. We strive to cultivate a community in which a diverse population can learn and work in an atmosphere of civility and respect. We encourage innovation, experimentation and creativity, as well as contributions to equity and inclusion, in the pursuit of excellence for all members of our university community.

The University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, or protected veteran status. Mandated Reporting: This position may be considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Per the CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, it is strongly recommended that all faculty, staff, administrators, and students who are accessing campus facilities follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications. Any candidates advanced in a currently open search process should be prepared to continue to help us protect and maintain a healthy Seawolf Community. More information related to campus level requirements can be found here:

CSU Out of State Policy - Sonoma State University, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees upon date of hire to reside in the State of California. As of January 1, 2022 the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current employees who apply for this position.

Sonoma State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff positions (i.e. H-1B visas).

Positions are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days.

For questions related to the application process, please reach out to [email protected]. The ADA Coordinator is also available ([email protected]) to assist individuals with disabilities in need of accommodation during the hiring process.

Sonoma State University's Annual Security Report includes summaries of institutional policy relating to campus safety, drug and alcohol use, sexual assault, and other matters. The report is published in compliance with the Clery Act and includes three years of certain crime statistics that occurred in Clery Act defined geography. A paper copy of the report may be requested in person by emailing the Clery Compliance and Safety Office at [email protected].

Pursuant to the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the Annual Fire Safety Report (AFSR) is available for viewing at The purpose of this report is to disclose statistics for fires that occurred within Sonoma State University student housing facilities for three years, and to distribute fire safety policies and procedures intended to promote safety on campus. A paper copy of the AFSR is available upon request by contacting the Residential Education and Campus Housing at [email protected].

Advertised: Mar 18 2024 Pacific Daylight Time Applications close: