Director – Linfield Center for Wine Education

Linfield University – McMinnville, Oregon

Linfield University invites applications for an exciting leadership opportunity as the Director of the Linfield University Center for Wine Education and Endowed Chair in Wine Business within the School of Business. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of wine education at one of the nation’s leading comprehensive liberal arts Wine Studies programs while building meaningful partnerships within Oregon’s thriving wine industry and beyond.

We are seeking an innovative, collaborative, and highly motivated leader with expertise in business and wine industry operations who is passionate about advancing wine education, student success, and industry engagement.

Background

The Linfield University Center for Wine Education supports an innovative, interdisciplinary Wine Studies degree grounded in a culture of excellence. The Director of the Linfield University Center for Wine Education will raise the profile of Linfield University wine programs and champion the next generation of leaders and change-makers in the Oregon wine industry and beyond.

Position

Full-time Director of the Linfield University Center for Wine Education and Endowed Chair in Wine Business in the School of Business at Linfield University.

Starting Date

Immediately

Rank

Administrative position.

Overview and Responsibilities

The Linfield University Center for Wine Education integrates numerous wine education programs and activities that support Linfield students, the wine industry, and the community. The goals of the center are to foster academic and experiential learning for students and adult learners, along with supporting the wine industry through certifications, seminars, research, and Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) courses.

Linfield University delivers America’s leading comprehensive, four-year liberal arts Wine Studies degree program, promoting the best in global standards, advancing sound, ethical, and sustainable business practices, and instilling a passion for always doing the right things the right way. Wine Studies students at Linfield University obtain knowledge about the history, culture, production, business, science, and appreciation of wine. Courses in this major encourage understanding and critical analysis of the cultural, social, and economic significance of wine in Oregon and around the world. Students who complete a major in Wine Studies are well prepared for graduate studies in viticulture, enology, or wine business and are well positioned to pursue careers in the wine or hospitality industry.

Position Duties

• Collaborate with School of Business and other Linfield leaders to develop graduate programming and continuing education opportunities (certificate) development in wine business and hospitality.
• Responsible for providing a cost/benefit plan to significantly increase enrollment in Wine Studies undergraduate, graduate, and professional development (certificate) programs.
• Work collaboratively with the Linfield University Enrollment Management and Marketing office on enrollment strategies and activities.
• Proactively partner with the University Advancement offices to engage donors and prospective donors for the center.
• Actively cultivate the members of the center’s volunteer advisory body, the Wine Education Advisory Council.
• Be a highly visible leader and champion of the Linfield University Center for Wine Education.
• Work with internal and external marketing entities to promote the Wine Studies programs to prospective students and partners.
• Serve as the internship and career development lead for the Center and Wine Studies Department.
• Participate actively in Center and School of Business governance and program activities.
• Perform other related tasks as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Business, Viticulture, Enology, or related field, or professional equivalent.
• Five or more years of experience working in the wine sector with a proven track record of success.
• Ability to collaborate and relate well with faculty, students, and staff in a small university environment.
• Knowledge of the Oregon wine industry.

Preferred Qualifications

• Extensive experience working in the super-premium or luxury wine sectors.
• Prior teaching experience at the university level.
• Experience or knowledge of student recruitment, sales, or comparable areas.

Why Join Linfield University?

Located in the heart of Oregon wine country, Linfield University offers a collaborative and student-centered environment where innovation, community engagement, and academic excellence thrive. This role provides the opportunity to influence the future of wine education while building strong partnerships with one of the most dynamic wine regions in the world.

If you are passionate about wine education, industry leadership, and student success, we encourage you to apply and become part of Linfield University’s exciting future.

Linfield University participates in E-Verify to verify the identity and work eligibility of all new employees.

To apply, please submit your application materials through the Linfield University employment portal. We look forward to learning more about how your experience and passion align with our mission.

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