PR & Communications Director-Glen Rock, NJ

About Opici Wines & Spirits: Named “Importer of the Year” by Wine Enthusiast, Opici Wines & Spirits is a dynamic importer and producer of fine wines and artisanal spirits from around the globe. The portfolio consists of nearly 50 brands and is available nationally. Founded in 1913 and fully family owned, management of the company is now in the capable hands of the fourth generation.

The Position: This full-time marketing position will be responsible for developing and executing an overall communication and PR strategy for OWS and its brands, both internally and externally.

Responsibilities:

• Work with VP Marketing & Brand Team on strategic and tactical planning/execution from an overall corporate communications standpoint
• Create opportunities and manage activities that promote awareness, drive engagement, and enhance the reputation and sales growth of the organization and brands
• Keep track of wine samples for press in coordination with editorial calendars; consistent follow up and tracking needed. Work with wineries on sample needs
• Regularly update score and accolade documents—communicate scores to brand management team
• Lead public relation outreach including list generation, release writing, and distribution of messages
• Focus on developing more commercially viable messages for sales to leverage and post campaign analysis with target metrics.
• Actively engage, cultivate & manage press relationships to ensure coverage. Most important publications include: Wine Spectator/Shanken Group, Wine Enthusiast, Wine & Spirits, James Suckling, Wine Advocate/Robert Parker, Vinous, Beverage Media, Tasting Panel/SommJournal, and others.
• Generate advertising & events calendars for the brands; manage the relationship with key trade and lifestyle publications
• Lead in collaboration with Marketing team on event execution, ideation & staffing; including but not limited to distributor summits, trade tastings, consumer events, etc.
• Manage media appointments for Opici CEO and President, winemakers or senior winery personnel
• Work with VP Marketing, President, and CEO to communicate corporate values, vision, and successes with internal and external audiences
• Participate in the overall social media strategy and content across OWS pages and specific brand pages to ensure continuity and tone of voice; focus on corporate messaging on LinkedIn
• Responsibility breakdown:  Brand & Corporate Media Management/PR: 60%; Events: 20%; Corporate Communications: 20%

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) or equivalent, 10+ years of related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proficient with variety of software, including, but not limited to: Microsoft Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Word, etc.
• Exceptional communication and writing skills with strong attention to details and editing skills
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, budgeting, and financial management
• Collaborative and team-oriented is a must