ABOUT FOSTER’S WINE ESTATES
Foster’s Wine Estates America’s (FWEA) is the world’s leading premium wine business. Formed in 2005 when parent company Foster’s Group acquired Southcorp Wines in addition to its existing Beringer Blass Wine Estates subsidiary, Foster’s Wine Estates has Australian and Californian roots dating back to the 19th century.
Job Title: Public Relations Manager – CA Brands
Department: Public Relations
Location: Napa
Reports To: Director, Public Relations - CA Brands
POSITION SUMMARY
This role is responsible for promoting Foster’s Wine Estates California brands in U.S. via positive press coverage of the wines, winemaking, and wineries. This includes increasing brand awareness and image, and effectively communicating the positioning of priority brands within the imports portfolio of wines. The successful PR Manager will also work effectively with counterparts in Winemaking, Marketing, staff in Australia (or other countries), and Sales to support goals and objectives.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
-Media Relations
• Initiate and maintain positive relationships with media (wine and lifestyle press).
• Target key writers and secure interviews/tastings during winemaker road trips. Coordinate travel activity with PR events/services team and sales representatives for winemaker exposure to key accounts and distributor sales forces.
• Write/edit copy for fact sheets, winemaker letters, press releases, and ancillary promotional materials for all brands.
• Manage execution of timely wine mailings to press.
• Develop feature story ideas for brands and pitch to media for placement in national publications, or vertical/niche publications.
• Handle requests from press for wines, information, materials, photos, etc.
• Act as host for press tours, tastings, meals, etc.
• Create and revise press kit materials as needed, including photos.
• Act as spokesperson for the brands as needed.
• Develop appropriate PR messages/positioning for each brand.
• Work with source country to extract necessary details about wine/winery, and serve as the liaison with press and those contacts.
-Project Creation/Management
• Create and execute integrated PR programs; work with Marketing, Sales, and source country for good program alignment and best results.
• Manage outside PR agencies and freelancers, as needed.
• Create and execute special events and projects to promote brand awareness in U.S.
• Manage involvement and represent brands at auctions, special events, tastings, etc.
-Other
• Manage entry of brands into wine competitions, if appropriate.
• Participate in new product/business development initiatives.
• Draft & present annual brand plans with budgets for brands.
• Act as internal PR brand representative at company meetings and presentations.
• Work with PR events & services team and other PR staff. Review press clippings; supervise database entry of wine reviews.
• Act as liaison with appropriate vintners organizations.
PEOPLE MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
This role does not manage people.
QUALIFICATIONS / EXPERIENCE
• Bachelor’s degree, w/ Public Relations or Journalism major/minor, or equivalent work experience.
• A minimum of 10 years professional Public Relations experience.
• Strong verbal and excellent written communications skills essential.
• Excellent contacts with wine and food media outlets desired; good working knowledge of lifestyle media.
• Basic understanding of wine – varietals and winemaking techniques; especially import wines. Passion for wine and food.
• Ability to work under pressure and to manage multiple projects at one time.
• Strong interpersonal skills. Ability to work with many different people and departments.
• Excellent organization and time management skills.
• Good presentation and public speaking skills.
• Ability to travel
• High level of energy and good physical condition; must be able to lift case of wine.
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel. Knowledge of Access, PowerPoint and Bacon’s MediaSource helpful.
• Ability to maintain a positive work environment by communicating in a professional manner with media, customers and colleagues.
COMPENSATION:
We offer competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a fun work environment! (And possibly of most interest to the wine lover - significant discounts on our products!).
TO APPLY:
If you are interested in this position please submit your resume along with salary requirements via E-MAIL to FWEHR@am.fostersgroup.com and reference PR MGR–CA BRANDS in the subject line.
No relocation assistance is available for this position. No phone calls, please.
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