Project Manager - Events

Full Time/Part Time Under limited supervision and on own initiative performs a variety of functions on an accurate and timely basis to support the Marketing Department’s strategic event marketing initiatives. Primary responsibilities include:

• Serve as primary contact with Marketing clients to ensure all event projects are planned and executed creatively and professionally, in line with core brand equities.
• Serve as liaison between event organizers and/or media partners and Marketing clients to ensure all event opportunities: 1) have appropriate background data on file; 2) are in line with brand strategy; 3) are approved by Marketing; 4) have been leveraged to maximize our presence; 4) meet our pre-planning and deadline execution standards of excellence.
• Lead core logistical tasks surrounding the planning and execution of event opportunities, event sponsorships, media partner events and wine festivals.
• Lead development of contextually relevant, memorable event merchandising materials for brand clients.

Must provide excellent customer service. Must be creative, as well as politically savvy. Must possess strong detail-orientation, oral and written communication skills. Job Description SUMMARY
Under limited supervision and on own initiative performs a variety of functions on an accurate and timely basis to support the Marketing Department’s strategic event initiatives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
• Key liaison to Marketing clients and external event organizers and ensure winery/brand equity and presence are maximized at events, including (but not limited to) sponsorship opportunities, merchandising opportunities, high-profile table locations, engaging partners, and seminar and demo opportunities.
• Lead development of contextually relevant, memorable event merchandising materials that align with the equity of each brand.
• Perform the following core services to Marketing clients: Strategic Event Planning, Research (including legal/compliance review), Analysis, Fee Negotiation, Planning, Execution and Assessment of all assigned events.
• Serve as point person for correspondence on all event activities, including spokesperson leveraging opportunities, staffing and wine deliveries.
• Present thorough event opportunity proposals to Marketing clients for approval.
• The below activities are related to leading the core logistical tasks surrounding the planning and execution of events, including merchandising:
a. Lead planning meeting discussions and drive the projects along timeline standards.
b. Coordinate staffing/pouring assignments for all events.
c. Facilitate revision and approval process of event sponsorship contracts, working as liaison between event organizer, Marketing and Compliance.
d. Ensure all event paperwork is properly filled out and submitted in a timely manner.
e. Ensure Event Management Database is continually updated with completed tasks/event background.
f. Complete and submit Design Requests for Merchandising. Work closely with marketing clients and Creative to ensure ongoing development of key event merchandising materials, up-to-date logos, and the development of branded “experiences�.
g. Work with outside vendors on special projects (caterers, private party venues, printers, electricians, etc.)
h. Make educated recommendations for featured wines for all events based on inventory, brand focus, sales initiatives, etc.  Gain approval from Marketing teams prior to finalizing.
i. Coordinate wine orders (distributor withdrawal or Modesto warehouse), including shipment and delivery.  Responsible for accurate labeling and on-time deliveries to all events.
j. Maintain and publish accurate and timely reports (Event Overviews/Tracking Forms/Event Recaps) for each event and distribute to key personnel.
k. Attend and oversee events within brand responsibility list, as well as others as needed and as approved by supervisor. Provide on-site coordination, trouble-shooting, training of pouring staff and pouring assistance. Arrange for spokesperson handling, as necessary.
l. Manage and educate staff and event attendees on consumer relationship management (CRM) tactics on site.
m. Process distributor invoices promptly with appropriate accounting sub-ledger coding and submit to Distributor Reimbursements for payment.
n. Ensure Event Evaluation is completed in a timely manner and that evaluation forms are collected by attending events team member, Sales point person and PR representative, if applicable.

QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) in Communications/Public Relations or related equivalent from four-year college or university, plus 2 years experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

SKILLS
• Computer skills to include MSWord, MS Excel, MSAccess, and MSPowerPoint
• Knowledge of standard office practices and procedures to include ability to compose and format correspondence, business proposals, and presentations.
• Excellent telephone skills.
• Strong verbal, written, organizational and interpersonal skills
• Strong sense of urgency a must
• Creativity
• Detail-oriented and accuracy required
• Ability to work independently and exercise confidentiality and sound judgment in making independent decisions
• Knowledge of wine industry strongly preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Equal Employment Opportunity EEO/AA  M/F/V/D