Purpose Statement: This 2 year contract position is responsible for planning and executing grant-funded projects designed to expand NWCA’s reach in new markets, specifically California and Montana. The ideal candidate is excited about locally made craft cider, appreciates a start-up culture, can roll with ambiguity as the project unfolds, has effective negotiation skills, inspires a shared vision, and has technical expertise regarding distribution and trade in alcohol sales. We are looking for a self-starter with a “can-do” attitude, who can stay cool under pressure.
This job reports to Executive Director of the Northwest Cider Association.
To apply, please send an email to admin@nwcider.com with a resume and cover letter by midnight October 12, 2019. Please title the email “Drink NW Cider.”
Key Functions
- Research and collate information from the industry regarding successful strategies for increasing sales of Northwest ciders in California and in Montana.
- Collaborate with a variety of stakeholders (i.e. cidermakers, distributors, buyers, non-profits, marketing agencies, event coordinators) to develop and execute strategies to increase the sales of NW cider in Montana and California. Manage stakeholder relationships throughout the duration of the project.
- Participate in meetings and workshops for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to design and execute effective strategies.
- Coordinate all grant management and compliance activities, including: coordination of data collection and analysis for evaluation purposes, management of the project budgets, and preparation of quarterly and annual grant narrative and financial reports.
- Develop implementation plans and strategies in partnership with NWCA Executive Director and Board of Directors.
- Assess the alignment between listed grant priorities and system needs/industry abilities; make recommendations to tighten any gaps.
- Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of NWCA’s goals to increase the sales of Northwest cider.
Job Requirements and Skills
- Ability to plan and manage projects, from planning to execution to evaluation.
- Ability to review and interpret multiple sources of information and data points, to define opportunities and challenges, and recommend a response.
- Persuasive speaker.
- Experienced marketer with proven ability to increase sales
- Computer savvy (operate standard office equipment and using pertinent software applications).
- Preparation and maintenance of accurate documentation and records
The right candidate for this job has experience with community organizing and knowledge of the US cider and alcohol industry. This person will work under limited supervision following training and onboarding, with accountability to the NWCA’s Executive Director. This is a Contracted position for 23 months. NWCA does not provide office space, computer, car, etc. Preference for candidates living in the PNW, with a bachelor’s degree in marketing or the equivalent of 10+ years of marketing and project management experience.
Description of general tasks of project:
- Work with marketing firm, graphic designer, and PNW cidermakers to develop brand strategy and content. Create content to explain cider as an agriculture-based alcoholic product, highlighting what differentiates high quality craft cider in the PNW (made from local apples) from national brands made from juice concentrate, as a way to share the story of our value-added hard cider.
- Conduct research to identify the best markets in which to launch, the structure of those markets, how to enter, and who to target both for customers and accounts. Identify influencers and gatekeepers in these markets (buyers and media) and welcome distributors.
- In conjunction with NWCA Executive Director, recruit, hire, and manage an event coordinator to host dual trade and consumer tasting events—2 in Montana and 2 in California—for key influencers and cider consumers. Educate key influencers in the trade (bartenders, restaurateurs, chefs, wholesalers, distributors, media, etc.) about the quality craft cider being made in the PNW. These are the people who control purchasing decisions and influence consumer decisions.
- Drive sales of PNW quality cider among consumers and trade.
ABOUT THE NORTHWEST CIDER ASSOCIATION & INDUSTRY:
The Northwest Cider Association’s (NWCA) members represent an estimated annual $1 billion dollar economic impact to the PNW. Sales of PNW regional craft cider continue to grow in the double digits year over year. This is an exciting time to launch a new industry and lift cider from niche to mainstream, supporting farmers and artisan businesses.
With this new initiative, NWCA, a regional non-profit, will grow the market for Pacific Northwest craft cider by building a cohesive PNW cider brand and then hosting targeted consumer and industry-focused tastings in California and Montana. Based in Portland, Oregon, NWCA supports cidermakers in growing consumer demand for local, premium hard cider. California does not currently sell much hard cider, nor is California producing much cider. California and Montana combined represent a huge market potential for growth for a high-quality cider.
NWCA’s mission is to connect cider drinkers and cidermakers. Currently, cidermakers are doing a tremendous job of building their markets here in the Pacific Northwest. Cider is growing at a spectacular rate, although it remains only 6% of overall beer sales in Oregon/Washington and 1-3% in Montana and California. Coordination across the industry is needed to build momentum and help realize growth in two high potential markets: California and Montana. Cidermakers in the Northwest are looking to build market share in neighboring states and need a cohesive strategy to make it possible.
Contracted position without benefits. Expected hours approximately 30 average hours/week for 23 months. Compensation commensurate with experience, ranging from $40,000-$50,000/year.
To apply, please send an email to admin@nwcider.com with a resume and cover letter by midnight October 12, 2019. Please title the email “Drink NW Cider.”