Application Process

This position is open until filled. For full consideration, please submit an application, along with a cover letter and resume.

Please review the position description listed above for full scope of responsibilities and qualifications.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Executive Director of the Wine Business Institute (WBI), the Administrative Operations Specialist performs varied administrative, technical, and analytical duties and provides day-to-day administration for the Wine Spectator Learning Center (Wine Center) and the WBI which serves under the School of Business and Economics (SBE). The incumbent contributes to the completion of broader and more complex, public-facing specialized administrative and operational tasks requiring independence, judgment, knowledge of SSU operational policies, paperwork and procedures, and familiarity with the region’s wine industry. Work involves participation in the development, alteration, implementation and evaluation of the unit’s policies and procedures. The incumbent contributes to the completion of broad and more complex program projects and goals, often providing project leadership or representing the unit on key projects in conjunction with and in support of the Executive Director of the WBI. The incumbent provides administrative operational support to the Executive Director as specified to advance the mission of the WBI and the School of Business and Economics; contacts involve frequent interaction with all levels inside and outside the university, as well as, internal and external stakeholders.

Key Qualifications

This position requires a bachelor's degree and/or the equivalent training and administrative work experience involving study, analysis, and/or evaluation leading to the development or improvement of administrative policies, procedures, practices, or programs, plus two years of related experience. Some knowledge or experience in the wine industry is highly preferred. Practical experience in project coordination/management/event production, a foundational knowledge of public administration principles, practices, and methods, and one year in a direct administrative support capacity is preferred. Intermediate proficiency with computers, either Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) or Google Suite including calendar, contacts and Gmail is required. Knowledge of databases and Adobe Acrobat and some experience with web editing is preferred. Excellent written communications skills are essential.

Salary and Benefits

Starting salary placement depends on qualifications and experience and is anticipated to be in the range of $4,170 to $5,024 a month. This is a full time, exempt position, which will lead toward permanent status following the successful completion of a probationary period.

This position is eligible for a broad range of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurances, retirement (CalPERS), tuition waiver, vacation and sick leave. In addition, 14 paid holidays are offered each year; 13 scheduled on specific days and a Personal Holiday that may be taken any time during the year.

A comprehensive benefits summary for this position is available online by clicking here to be taken to the CSU benefits page.

For eligible employees, CSUEU collective bargaining agreement Article 17.10 will be honored.

Supplemental Information

Sonoma State University is committed to achieving excellence through teaching, scholarship, learning and inclusion. In line with our Strategic Plan and our Seawolf Commitment, our values include diversity, sustainability, community engagement, respect, responsibility, excellence and integrity. We strive to cultivate a community in which a diverse population can learn and work in an atmosphere of civility and respect. We encourage innovation, experimentation and creativity, as well as contributions to equity and inclusion, in the pursuit of excellence for all members of our university community.

The University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, or protected veteran status. Mandated Reporting: This position may be considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

The CSU requires faculty, staff, and students who are accessing campus facilities to be immunized against COVID-19 or declare a medical or religious exemption and thereafter comply with routine campus testing requirements. Any candidates advanced in a currently open search process should be prepared to comply with this requirement. To learn more about the vaccination requirement at Sonoma State, please visit:

CSU Out of State Policy - Sonoma State University, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees upon date of hire to reside in the State of California. As of January 1, 2022 the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current employees who apply for this position.

Sonoma State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff positions (i.e. H-1B visas).

Positions are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days.

For questions related to the application process, please reach out to hr@sonoma.edu. The ADA Coordinator is also available (hraccommodations@sonoma.edu) to assist individuals with disabilities in need of accommodation during the hiring process.

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Pursuant to the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the Annual Fire Safety Report (AFSR) is