Marketing and Communications Professional--Wine & Spirits Wholesalers

Marketing and Communications Professional

Employer: Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America, Inc.
Date: Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Job Type: Communications/P.R.
Description: Location: Washington, District of Columbia



Overview

The Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America, Inc. (WSWA) is the national trade organization representing the wholesale tier of the wine and spirits industry. It is dedicated to advancing the interests and independence of wholesale distributors and/or brokers of wine and/or spirits. Founded in 1943, WSWA has nearly 330 member companies in 50 states and the District of Columbia. Our members distribute more than 70% of all wines and spirits sold at wholesale in the United States.

Job Summary

WSWA is seeking a full-time Director, Interactive Communications and Marketing to join the Communications and Public Affairs team. This is a cross-functional, interdisciplinary position that involves three critical aspects of organizational communications: 1) marketing, 2) social media and 3) communications/public relations.

This position works with all departments on the clarity and effectiveness of their messaging and marketing. In addition, the incumbent manages WSWA’s social networking efforts and serves as one of the association’s public relations writer/editors. This position will also assist the Vice President, Communications and Public Affairs on implementing the organization’s communication strategy.


Job Functions:

Marketing
•Develop and implement WSWA’s strategic marketing plan. •Oversee design and development of association marketing materials (for all departments, particularly the Conventions and Meetings department). •Serve as liaison to marketing agencies/consultants as needed. •Edit and proofread marketing materials to ensure proper grammar, message and consistency. •Ensure internal and external consistency in WSWA’s brand. •Anticipate and identify new business opportunities.
Social Media
•Develop creative new approaches to online and offline WSWA convention marketing campaigns. •Create, provide content and monitor social media accounts (i.e., Twitter, Facebook, etc.). •Ensure alignment of messaging and content of WSWA social networks with industry-wide social networks. •Develop and maintain relationships with bloggers, political organizations and progressive-issue groups. •Manage online media to promote WSWA in message and search engine optimization. •Manage WSWA’s web site. •Monitor media coverage and web traffic. •Edit and disseminate WSWA’s e-newsletter. •Assist Vice President, Communications and Public Affairs with developing and implementing strategy to monetize web site and e-newsletter.

Public Relations
•As directed by the Vice President, Communications and Public Affairs, provide communications support for WSWA President and CEO, including but not limited to: drafting speeches and talking points; pitching earned-media opportunities; and drafting communiqués to board, membership and industry partners. •Manage and monitor public affairs/association profile and communication outreach; assist in responding to media requests and inquiries; and pitch stories when needed. •Write company press releases when needed. •Serve as key liaison with public relations agency and branding consultants. Represent WSWA at meetings, forums, panels and conventions relevant to organization’s public affairs goals •Assist Vice President, Communications and Public Affairs with designing and implementing strategic communications plan. •Assist in aspects of projects related to WSWA’s social responsibility program. •Assist Vice President, Communications and Public Affairs to produce PowerPoint presentations for annual meeting.
Job Qualifications
•Bachelor’s degree in marketing, journalism or public relations. •Six to eight years experience in marketing, social media and/or public affairs, preferably in association work or in the private sector. Previous experience in public relations agency and with social networking ideal. •Must have outstanding writing, editing and communication skills. Accuracy and attention to detail are imperative. •Need broad understanding of Internet-based communication and work tools, including a strong knowledge of the many new social media applications. •Must be able to demonstrate initiative and critical thinking. Ability to meet deadlines and self-starter critical. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interface with all levels of management, the media and industry representatives also critical. •Strategic thinker with a proven ability to execute. Must be able to prioritize effectively and efficiently. Has to be able to operate independently and within company culture as well.
Additional Information
This position is required to work effectively cross-functionally and with virtually every other member of the organization.
Please send resume and cover letter to resumes@wswa.org.  No calls please.