Position Announcement
Wine Grape Marketing Extension Specialist
The Wine Grape Marketing Extension Specialist serves as a member of the
Purdue Wine Grape Team
and is responsible for developing marketing, basic business planning, media relations,
and public relations programs to enhance the economic development of the Indiana wine and grape
industry.
Responsibilities: The Wine Grape Marketing Extension Specialist will be an integral member of the
Purdue Wine Grape Team and will participate in Team activities including Extension
workshops, conferences, publications, and on--site winery visits. The Wine Grape Marketing
Extension Specialist will promote the Indiana wine industry to consumers throughout the state.
Management of volunteer--based wine education activities such as the Indiana State Fair and
Vintage Indiana is expected. The Wine Grape Marketing Extension Specialist will serve as a point of
contact for media and state agencies regarding the Indiana wine industry. Maintaining knowledge
about the Indiana wineries through frequent visits and communication is essential. The position may
serve as a liaison between wineries and state agencies to assist in matters of compliance and
regulations. Education and training of Indiana winery/grape industry personnel in marketing, basic
business planning, state and federal regulations, and promotion principles to help them enhance
their wine sales will be an essential responsibility of the Wine Grape Marketing Extension
Specialist. Preparation of Extension education materials such as videos and printed materials,
writing Associate Press style press releases, speaking to the news media, developing newsletters,
and maintaining a social media presence and websites is expected. The Wine Grape Marketing
Extension Specialist will manage the Marketing budget, under the guidance of the
Director of the Wine Grape Council. Pursuit of outside funding to supplement the budget is
expected. The Wine Grape Marketing Extension Specialist will prepare activity reports for the
Indiana Wine Grape Council. An additional responsibility will be to supervise undergraduate student
interns.
Qualifications: Applicants should have a college degree (B.S./B.A./MBA) in a field related to
Marketing, Public Relations, Communication, and Agricultural Business. Excellent written and oral
communication skills are essential including public speaking and experience working with the news
media. While individual creativity in marketing, business planning, and promotion is critical to
success in the position, the ability to work as a team--oriented member of the Purdue
Wine Grape Team to develop and deliver educational Extension programs to diverse audiences is
essential. The successful candidate must qualify for a volunteer bartender's license and must
complete Server Training. Knowledge of wine and the wine industry, including state and federal laws
and rules is not required, but preferred. Knowledge of agriculture including an understanding and
appreciation of agricultural industries, state agencies, the Cooperative Extension Service, and
consumer trends such as local foods and direct marketing will be valuable skills. Professional
experience and demeanor in alignment with branding to elevate the stature of Indiana wines to
increase market share and perception in the marketplace for tourism, restaurants, and retail sales
is highly desirable. Time management skills and a professional personality that engenders a
friendly, welcoming relationship with the Indiana wine/grape industry and the public is imperative.
Application Procedure: Applications may be submitted to
Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals
with disabilities, and veterans are
encouraged to apply