The Executive Director (ED) of Georgia Wine Producers (GWP) serves as the chief operational and administrative leader of the organization and is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the association in accordance with the bylaws, policies, and strategic direction established by the Board of Directors and under the executive authority of the President, who serves as Chief Executive Officer.
The Executive Director is responsible for implementing the strategic, financial, programmatic, and operational priorities of the organization and for advancing the mission, financial sustainability, and public profile of Georgia Wine Producers and the Georgia wine industry.
The Executive Director is employed by and accountable to the Board of Directors and operates under the executive oversight of the President as Chief Executive Officer.
The Executive Director provides operational leadership while ensuring transparency, accountability, and compliance with organizational governance requirements.
Authority and Accountability
The Executive Director:
Reports to the Board of Directors through the executive authority of the President (Chief Executive Officer).
Is employed at the discretion of, and serves at the direction of, the Board of Directors, and is employed at the sole discretion of and operates at the sole behest of the Board of Directors.
Operates under the executive authority and oversight of the President pursuant to the bylaws.
Is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the organization.
Implements Board-approved strategies, policies, programs, and initiatives.
Provides regular operational, financial, and strategic reports to the President and Board of Directors.
In accordance with the bylaws:
The Executive Director operates under the governance oversight and purview of the Treasurer with respect to all financial, monetary, and budgetary matters.
The Executive Director operates under the governance oversight and purview of the Secretary with respect to corporate records, governance documentation, and official meeting records.
Key Responsibilities
Organizational Operations and Administration
Manage the day-to-day operations of Georgia Wine Producers.
Implement strategic direction, policies, and priorities established by the Board and President.
Coordinate organizational activities, programs, and initiatives.
Manage vendors, contractors, and operational resources.
Ensure operational effectiveness, professionalism, and organizational efficiency.
Maintain compliance with bylaws, Board directives, and applicable laws and regulations.
Implement and track progress on Board-approved strategic plan objectives and provide documented progress reports to the President and Board of Directors. Financial Management and Administration
Administer the day-to-day financial operations of the organization, including bookkeeping, financial record maintenance, and transaction management.
Maintain full and accurate accounts of all receipts, disbursements, and financial transactions of the association.
Ensure organizational funds are deposited in financial institutions designated and approved by the Board of Directors.
Assist the Treasurer in the preparation and organization of financial reports, supporting financial documentation, and operational financial information for review by the
President and Board of Directors.
Assist in preparation and implementation of the annual budget in coordination with the Treasurer, President, and Board.
Monitor operational budget activity, cash flow administration, revenue collection, and expense tracking and provide operational financial information to the Treasurer, President, and Board as requested.
Support audits, tax filings, and financial reporting requirements.
Ensure financial transparency and proper operational financial administration. All financial administration performed by the Executive Director operates under the fiduciary oversight and governance authority of the Treasurer, as established in the bylaws. The Treasurer is responsible for financial governance and fiduciary oversight, while the Executive Director is responsible for operational financial administration. Financial analysis, fiduciary interpretation, and formal financial reporting to the Board remain under the authority and oversight of the Treasurer.
Corporate Records and Governance Support
Maintain and administer organizational records, membership records, and governance documentation.
Draft meeting agendas, notices, and minutes for Board and membership meetings for review, amendment as needed, and approval/certification by the Secretary.
Maintain accurate and current membership records and organizational documentation.
Ensure proper documentation of organizational activities and Board actions.
All corporate recordkeeping functions performed by the Executive Director operate under the governance oversight and purview of the Secretary, who serves as custodian of the official corporate records pursuant to the bylaws. The Secretary retains governance authority over official corporate records, while the Executive Director provides administrative recordkeeping and operational support.
Revenue Generation and Membership Development
Develop and implement membership recruitment, retention, and engagement strategies.
Maintain membership records and manage dues collection.
Identify and pursue revenue opportunities including sponsorships, grants, partnerships, fundraising initiatives, and approved industry development opportunities.
Cultivate relationships with wineries, vineyards, vendors, sponsors, tourism partners, and industry stakeholders.
Track and report membership and revenue performance.
Program Development and Event
Management
Plan, organize, and execute organizational events, conferences, educational programs, and initiatives.
Manage event logistics, vendor relationships, and program execution.
Coordinate with Board committees, volunteers, and industry partners.
Evaluate and improve programs to ensure strong member value and organizational effectiveness.
Lead, coordinate, administer, and oversee the continued development, promotion, and operational execution of the Georgia Wine Highway program and related tourism, marketing, educational, and collaborative industry initiatives approved by the Board and President.
Marketing, Communications, and Industry
Relations
Implement marketing and communications strategies approved by the Board and President.
Manage organizational communications, including website, email, social media, and promotional materials.
Promote Georgia Wine Producers and its members professionally and effectively.
Represent the organization publicly as authorized by the President or Acting President and Board.
Support industry advocacy efforts and stakeholder engagement.
Lead and coordinate marketing, promotion, public communications, stakeholder engagement, and operational support related to the Georgia Wine Highway program and other Board-approved tourism and industry promotion initiatives.
Assist in maintaining and strengthening relationships with elected officials, including Federal Senators, Federal Representatives, state officials, the Governor’s Office, tourism organizations, agricultural agencies, industry associations, and strategic partners in support of Board-approved initiatives and strategic objectives.
Committee Coordination and Administrative Support
Provide administrative and operational support to Board committees and task forces.
Assist committee chairs with scheduling, communications, documentation, and meeting coordination.
Maintain committee records, action-item tracking, and follow-up coordination.
Support committee implementation efforts as directed by the Board, President, or committee leadership.
Board Support and Organizational Reporting
Serve as the primary operational liaison between the Board, officers, and members.
Provide regular operational, financial, and strategic reports to the President, Acting President when applicable, and Board of Directors.
Support Board meetings and governance processes.
Assist officers and Board members in fulfilling governance responsibilities.
Provide professional operational recommendations and expertise to leadership.
Scope of Authority
The Executive Director has authority to manage and execute the day-to-day operations of the organization within the strategic direction, policies, and budget approved by the Board of Directors and under the executive authority of the President or Vice President when acting in the capacity of President pursuant to the bylaws.
The Executive Director does not serve as Chief Executive Officer and operates under the executive authority of the President or Acting President, as defined by the bylaws. Financial administration performed by the Executive Director operates under the fiduciary oversight of the Treasurer. Corporate recordkeeping performed by the Executive Director operates under the governance oversight of the Secretary.
The Executive Director shall not independently establish organizational policy, amend governance documents, commit organizational funds outside approved authority, or represent unapproved policy positions on behalf of the organization.
The Executive Director shall not independently establish legislative positions, advocacy positions, financial policy, governance policy, or strategic direction outside authority expressly delegated by the Board of Directors or President pursuant to the bylaws.
Qualifications and Experience
Proven operational leadership experience in nonprofit, trade association, agriculture, hospitality, tourism, wine, or related industries.
Strong administrative, financial, and organizational management skills.
Ability to manage operations independently while maintaining accountability to organizational leadership.
Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
Understanding of nonprofit governance and 501(c)(6) trade associations preferred.
Commitment to advancing Georgia’s wine industry.
Integrity, professionalism, and sound judgment.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Georgia Wine Producers is committed to inclusive leadership and equal opportunity and encourages participation from individuals representing the diversity of Georgia’s wine industry.
Pay: $40,000.00 - $56,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
Application Question(s):
- Do you have the ability to commute to the North Georgia area?
Education:
Experience:
- Nonprofit management: 3 years (Preferred)
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: On the road