Executive Director

Job Description:

MARYLAND WINERIES ASSOCIATION

Executive Director

Full-time position

Reports to Board President and Executive Committee

Location Maryland; home-based, with travel throughout the state

Salary $75,000–$95,000 per year, based on experience

Benefits 3 weeks’ paid vacation, 5 paid sick days, monthly health stipend (paid as a taxable allowance), cell phone stipend and travel reimbursement

Please apply through Indeed at:

THE OPPORTUNITY

Maryland makes outstanding wine, and not enough people know it yet. The Maryland Wineries Association is looking for an Executive Director to change that.

As the Association’s chief staff officer, you will be the voice of Maryland’s wineries and vineyards in Annapolis, with partners across the state and with the people who buy and drink Maryland wine. You will work with an engaged volunteer Board, a contract lobbyist and a small network of contractors to set the Association’s direction and deliver results for its members.

Founded in 1984, the Association is the statewide trade association for Maryland’s wineries and vineyards. It advocates for its members, promotes Maryland wine to consumers and the trade, and supports the growth of the state’s wine and grape industry.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE IN YEAR ONE

- Advance the Association’s legislative and regulatory priorities, starting with the 2027 General Assembly session.
- Strengthen the Association’s finances through grants, sponsorships and new revenue.
- Increase member engagement, retention and growth.
- Raise the visibility and influence of Maryland’s wine industry.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO

Lead Advocacy and Government Relations
- Partner with the Government Affairs Committee to develop and advance the Association’s legislative and regulatory priorities.
- Direct the Association’s contract lobbyist and coordinate advocacy efforts, particularly during the General Assembly session (January–April).
- Serve as a visible and credible representative of Maryland’s wine industry with legislators, regulatory agencies, commissions and industry partners.
- Help members navigate legislative and regulatory developments affecting their businesses.

Build Financial Strength
- Develop the annual budget with the Treasurer and keep the Board informed of financial results.
- Find, win and manage grants, sponsorships and other revenue opportunities.
- Oversee the Association’s finances and compliance, working with its bookkeeper.

Raise the Profile of Maryland Wine
- Lead an annual marketing and public relations plan with the Marketing Committee and the Association’s marketing contractor.
- Build relationships with media, wine writers and tourism partners.
- Champion signature programs such as the Governor’s Cup and Maryland Wine Month, working with event partners.

Engage and Grow the Membership
- Recruit, welcome and retain members, and keep them informed and connected.
- Host member meetings and industry gatherings that bring Maryland’s wine community together.
- Support the Education and Membership Committees in serving members.

Partner with the Board
- Support the Board’s quarterly meetings and the Executive Committee’s bi-weekly meetings.
- Set annual goals with the Board and report progress against them.
- Manage the Association’s contractors, vendors and volunteers.

YOU WON’T DO IT ALONE

The Executive Director leads the work and is supported by:
- A contract lobbyist for legislative work in Annapolis.
- A bookkeeper for day-to-day accounting and annual filings.
- A marketing contractor for social media and campaigns.
- Event partners who help produce events.
- Four Board committees: Government Affairs, Marketing, Education and Member Engagement.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

Must-haves:
- Demonstrated leadership experience in an association, nonprofit, government affairs organization or comparable setting.
- Experience managing budgets, financial operations and organizational resources.
- Experience working with a board of directors or comparable governing body.
- Experience with legislative advocacy, public policy or government relations.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and stakeholder engagement.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently and build productive relationships with diverse stakeholders.

Nice-to-haves:
- Experience working with the Maryland General Assembly and state regulatory agencies.
- Knowledge of Maryland’s wine industry, agriculture or beverage alcohol regulations.
- Established relationships with legislators, industry organizations or media representatives.
- Experience with grant writing, fundraising, sponsorship development and event management.
- Professional wine industry credentials (such as WSET or CSW) or relevant industry education.

WORKING REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to travel reliably throughout Maryland and the region.
- Some evening and weekend work for events and legislative session needs (January-April).
- Ability to lift up to 40 lbs for event setup and moving cases of wine.
- At least 21 years of age, as the role involves handling and serving wine at events.
- Disclosure of any financial interest in a Maryland winery or related business.
- Willingness to register with the Maryland State Ethics Commission if lobbying duties require it.

Pay: $75,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year

Benefits:
- Health insurance stipend
- Paid time off

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Annapolis, MD 21401

Please apply through Indeed at:

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