We are always scouting for talent. So if you can’t imagine working anywhere else don’t hesitate to contact Jeremy Benson. The agency is an equal opportunity employer with a competitive compensation package including, among other benefits, a 401(k) program and sabbatical policy.

What’s our human resource strategy? The agency was founded using a simple but powerful “people” strategy it calls the “Upward Spiral.”  The agency hires truly outstanding people, who deliver stellar results, which attract the right clients, who allow the agency to hire more great professionals, and so on. The strategy is self-reinforcing and it influences every aspect of the company, from finance to operations.

How is the agency organized? In 2009, Benson was re-organized around interdisciplinary account teams rather than functional groups (PR, Digital, etc.). This change complemented its integrated approach to projects, which combine PR, Social Media, Trade Promotions and Branding into cohesive campaigns. Today, client teams typically include a diverse group of specialists, located in both Napa Valley and New York City, but campaigns are managed by one account manager. The structure promotes creativity and coordination.

OPEN POSITIONS:

Account Coordinator, Napa Valley Office
Anticipated Hire Date: Q112
Contact: Jeremy Benson at benson@bensonmarketing.com
Location: Napa, California
Supervisor: Brett Van Emst, Senior Account Executive
Full time, Permanent

Company
Benson Marketing Group is a leading wine marketing agency providing PR, social media, trade promotions and brand consulting services. It is the only wine-focused marketing agency with offices in New York City and Napa Valley.

The agency’s focus on integrated wine marketing allows for seamless trade and consumer campaigns using social media networks, digital tools, promotions, and press coverage. Clients benefit from working with cross-functional account teams, all in one company, and the opportunities that arise by working with a well-connected, creative agency with a reputable client roster.

This combination of industry focus and service integration is unique in the wine category. It is a key reason Benson’s average client engagement exceeds four years, and has produced more than a decade of steady revenue growth averaging 15-20% per year.

Nature & Scope of Position
Benson is adding staff to its “Mission Control” social media service. The new position will co-develop social media strategies and execute programs for several clients: managing an editorial  calendar, writing copy, creating post topics and ideas, gathering and assessing data and trends data to improve results. The position will create accurate, timely reports and will be responsible for identifying and communicating trends to staff and clients.

The position requires an unusual combination of creative, analytical and communications skills required of an evolving social media landscape, as well as the flexibility, time-management and administrative skills required to implement complex social media campaigns. The candidate must have a moderate to high level of wine knowledge, and must have the passion to learn about new regions and wines. Additionally, the candidate should expect his or her specific activities and tasks to change over time, most likely to include new tools, tasks, and functions required of a junior member of a dynamic marketing agency.

The candidate will be expected to contribute significantly to the creative and tactical programs of a wide variety of clients, including those he or she does not work on. Not all work will take place on normal business days or during normal business hours.

Required Qualifications
Candidates should not send a resume if they do not meet these criteria:

• Top 5% in oral and written communications skills;
• Demonstrated understanding of the strategic attributes of, and best uses for, specific social networks and digital media platforms;
• Evidence of quantitative analytical skills including website analytics, direct-to-consumer marketing metrics, and social media metrics.
• Expertise in Excel and PowerPoint required;
• Moderate to high level of wine knowledge required;
• Experience in a professional consulting work environment preferred;
• Experience with, and instinct for, consumer communications required;
• Desire to develop professional skills — a rising star!
• Must be able to lift 40 pounds;
• Must be at least 21 years old (in order to purchase wine, if required)

Desired Personal Attributes

• Tenacious, unflappable, not easily discouraged;
• An outgoing personality accustomed to proactive communications with staff and clients;
• Positive attitude;
• Flexibility to handle shifting priorities;
• Resourceful, solutions-oriented;
• Well-organized with proven time management skills.

Compensation
Base salary of $38,000-$40,000 depending on skills and experience. Benson is an equal opportunity employer and provides benefits including medical insurance, 401(k) program, sabbatical policy, etc.

 

Account Coordinator, New York Office
Anticipated Hire Date: March-April 2012
Contact: Jeremy Benson at benson@bensonmarketing.com
Location: New York, New York
Full time

Company
Benson Marketing Group is a leading wine marketing agency providing public relations, social media, trade promotions, and strategic brand consulting services. It is the only wine-focused marketing agency with offices in New York City and Napa Valley. Clients are primarily wineries and winegrowing regions, located around the world.

The agency focuses on providing integrated marketing campaigns using social media networks, digital tools, promotions, and press coverage. Clients benefit from working with cross-functional account teams, all in one company, and the opportunities that arise by working with a well-connected, creative agency with a reputable client roster.

This combination of industry focus and service integration is unique. It is a key reason Benson’s average client engagement exceeds four years, and has produced more than a decade of steady revenue growth averaging 15-20% per year

Nature & Scope of Position
Benson is looking for a motivated, self-directed professional looking to develop his or her media relations skills and contacts, and marketing communications experience. Through the agency’s work, the winning candidate will gain exposure to a broad range of domestic and international wineries and trade associations.

This position has a primary focus on Public Relations, with some responsibilities in social media, events, and trade promotions. Tasks include, but are not be limited to, creating press lists, compiling press coverage for daily client updates, writing monthly reports, coordinating wine sample shipments, writing and pitching story ideas, updating timelines and calendars, coordinating events, writing press materials, and other responsibilities associated with a junior PR position. This is not an entry level position, and some travel may be required (less than 10%). Additionally, it is not designed to be a telecommuting position.

Required Qualifications
Candidates should not send a resume if they do not meet these criteria:

• Required: 2-3 years experience in press relations; agency experience and wine experience preferred;
• Top 5% in oral and written communications skills—strong writing skills required;
• A creative thinker and follower of all things wine, current events and popular culture;
• Demonstrated experience with metrics and reporting results;
• Fluency in creating visually appealing reports in PowerPoint, Excel or other tools as required;
• Desire to develop and broaden marketing and communications skills;
• Familiarity with social networks and digital media;
• Valid drivers license; 21 years or older required (for wine purchasing);
• Must be able to lift 40 pounds.

Desired Personal Attributes

• Professional, positive attitude, team player
• Tenacious, unflappable, not easily discouraged
• An outgoing personality accustomed to proactive communications with staff and clients
• Resourceful, solutions-oriented, flexibility to handle shifting priorities
• Well-organized, detail oriented style, with proven time management skills.

Compensation
Annual base salary starting in low $50s, depending on experience.  Benefits include 401k program, medical insurance, generous vacation policy, and sabbatical policy.