Associate Communications Manager

Wine industry experience is required.

Open to candidates who are from the wine industry (e.g., sales, tasting room, and more).

Salary Range: $75,000 - 85,000

Position summary:

Maisons Marques & Domaines USA is seeking a Communications Manager with a minimum of 3 years of experience in marketing, communication, or brand management—ideally within a leading agency or the premium wine and spirits industry. This role is both strategic and hands-on, leading communication campaigns in liaison with our NY-based PR agency that drive awareness and engagement for MMD’s portfolio of 20 luxury domestic and imported wine brands.

The ideal candidate is a proactive, collaborative communicator with strong organizational skills, creativity, and a passion for storytelling. They thrive in a fast-paced, global environment, balancing multiple projects and stakeholders with professionalism and enthusiasm.

This is a full-time, exempt position based in Oakland, California, reporting to the Director of Communications.

Key responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Collaboration

• Execute communication strategies defined with the Director of Communications and PR agency to ensure cohesive brand storytelling and high-quality execution

• Ensure consistent brand messaging across all touchpoints, from PR and digital to events and trade communications

• Develop communications plans as needed for various brands

• Prepare materials ahead of stakeholder meetings and business reviews

Public Relations & Media Management

• Manage the relationship with MMD’s PR agency, ensuring alignment on strategy, tone of voice, media outreach, and KPI delivery

• Guide the development of press materials, story/pitch angles, and brand narratives to maximize earned media opportunities

• Support and host media visits, press trips, and tastings to strengthen relationships with top-tier wine, luxury lifestyle, and trade media

Communications & Content Development

• Manage the MMD website CMS and collaborate with external developer to enhance website visibility, monitor traffic, and troubleshoot glitches

• Oversee day-to-day management of social media content calendars, ensuring alignment with brand messaging and campaign priorities

• Support the development of digital content (website, social media) in coordination with the Director of Communications

• Partner with the Marketing & Communication team to develop copy for trade tools, presentations, sales materials, and B2B communications

• Strengthen and expand the organization’s e-learning program, driving innovation in digital education design, delivery, and user engagement

• Track and report digital performance metrics (earned media, website analytics, engagement rates)

Brand Activation & Campaign Execution

• Lead the planning and execution of brand initiatives—luxury partnership events, tastings, digital campaigns, and trade activations

• Liaise with external partners to deliver seamless execution across media, trade, and consumer touchpoints

Trade Events

• Support the planning and execution of MMD-owned trade events, including MMD Tour (all brands) and Tour des Deux Rives (Bordeaux), in collaboration with the Director of Communications.

• Responsibilities include venue selection, trade communications, printed and digital collateral, and wine shipments coordination

• Coordinate partner event logistics (ex: Wine Spectator’s New York Wine Experience, Vinous Icons, etc.)

Market & Brand Insights

• Research and analyze brand, category, and market data to identify trends, opportunities, and insights that inform brand and communications strategies

Qualifications

• A minimum of 3 years’ experience with a luxury brand, an A-list marketing/advertising agency or comparable environment; digital marketing experience a plus

• Experience managing cross-functional brand or campaign projects ideally with luxury-tier wines or CPG

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, MBA/M.A. preferred; marketing/communication concentration preferred

• Strong understanding of digital analytics and performance tracking tool

• Exceptional written, verbal and interpersonal communications skills

• Ability to travel as a winery representative to wine trade events. May include weekends and late evenings

• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities with attention to detail and follow-through

• Excellent and persuasive presentation skills

• Positive, cheerful, confident personality and team player

• Demonstrated proficiency with key social platforms (Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook), with the ability to plan, publish, and analyze content aligned to brand objectives

• Familiar with CMS, SEO, and LMS tools to manage content and optimize visibility

• Wine industry experience and/or passion is required.

Physical requirements

• Should be able to lift 45 lbs. on occasion

• Resident of the San Francisco Bay Area within a 20-mile radius of the office preferred

Benefits

MMD offers a competitive compensation package (401K, medical benefits, bonus plan, etc).

• Competitive compensation and bonus package commensurate with experience

• Full Healthcare package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, long-term disability insurance, life, and AD&D insurance

• Paid time off

• Paid holidays

• 401k & company match

• Flexible spending account (FSA)

• Free parking

Maisons Marques & Domaines USA, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. All employment decisions are based on merit and business needs.