Description

The Bartholomew Foundation seeks a creative and entrepreneurial Executive Director to steward Sonoma’s beloved 375-acre Bartholomew Park and Bartholomew Estate Winery that together preserve and celebrate the birthplace of California’s premium wine industry.

The Bartholomew Foundation’s first-ever Executive Director will craft and implement a bold, integrated strategy for both the Park and the Winery that honors the Estate’s legacy while charting an inspired and financially stable path forward. The Foundation seeks a creative visionary: an entrepreneurial, fearless, and “outofthebox” thinker who thrives on possibility, someone who sees the chance to shape this property’s future as a onceinalifetime opportunity.

The Executive Director will oversee both Park and Winery operations and must combine entrepreneurial vision with proven management excellence. The position requires a leader who can balance the dual responsibilities of the role, recognizing that success in both enterprises is essential to the Foundation’s mission. The ideal candidate has a strong grasp of both strategic thinking and hands-on engagement and is comfortable transitioning between big-picture planning and day-to-day problem-solving. 

Strategic Leadership and Organization Building

Provide visionary leadership across the organization, honoring the Foundation’s history and mission while embracing innovation and entrepreneurial thinking
Lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive strategic plan that positions the Foundation for long-term success and sustainability
Further develop and market Bartholomew Foundation’s brand, bringing the Park and the Winery stories together in the eyes of the public for mutual benefit
Build organizational capacity and systems to support efficient operations across both Park and Winery enterprises
Collaborate effectively with the Foundation’s trustees and provide leadership on conservation strategy, business operations, and policy development
Winery and Hospitality Operations
Working in close collaboration with the Winery team, oversee Winery operations to ensure profitability and brand excellence
Drive strategic revenue growth in wine club membership, tasting room experiences, and event programming and create new revenue opportunities
Create innovative programming that connects wine, history, and community engagement
Ensure that Winery operations align with, and actively support, the Foundation’s broader conservation and education mission
Fundraising and Development
Establish and lead a comprehensive development program, including major gifts, planned giving, and community fundraising initiatives
Launch and grow meaningful engagement opportunities for supporters, including the emerging “Friends of Bartholomew Park” membership program
Cultivate deep relationships with donors, community leaders, and strategic partners that lead to transformational support and long-term sustainability
Oversee grant writing and management, identifying and pursuing funding opportunities aligned with the Foundation’s mission
Serve as the Foundation’s primary spokesperson and ambassador, articulating its mission and impact to diverse audiences
Park Stewardship and Community Engagement
Oversee Park operations, working with the resident Park manager who supervises trail maintenance, grounds keeping, and facilities
Develop and implement a robust volunteer program that engages community members in Park stewardship and conservation
Strengthen and expand educational programming that tells the story of the site’s natural and cultural history
Build and maintain collaborative partnerships with conservation organizations, fire districts, and community groups
Navigate complex challenges, including climate adaptation, wildfire risk management, and invasive species control
Team Leadership and Management
Recruit, develop, and retain talented staff across Park and Winery operations
Provide mentorship and professional development opportunities that build organizational capacity
Foster a collaborative, respectful workplace culture that encourages innovation and celebrates success
Oversee human resources, budgeting, and operational systems to ensure organizational effectiveness

Requirements

DESIRED EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES
Charismatic and empathetic, the ideal candidate is someone who naturally inspires confidence and draws people into shared purpose. This leader will cultivate a workplace culture that fosters innovation and excellence, promoting both professionalism and a spirit of joy in the workplace. They will possess exceptional interpersonal skills and bring the confidence, creativity, and emotional intelligence necessary to lead this unique organization through its next chapter of growth. 

The ideal candidate will have proven success in hospitality and visitor services—likely including direct winery management experience—combined with the confidence and aptitude to master what they don’t yet know. They will lead with collaborative energy, building and empowering teams across Park operations and Winery management. Above all, they will understand that the Foundation’s mission extends beyond land and wine to creating enduring community connections through stewardship, education, and shared experience.

Leadership Attributes
Creative, entrepreneurial thinker with demonstrated ability to realize a vision with financial success
High degree of emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and ability to build trust across diverse constituencies
Collaborative leadership style that empowers teams and celebrates shared success
Comfort with ambiguity and ability to thrive in a dynamic, evolving environment
Strategic resourcefulness and ability to identify and seize opportunities
Solutions-oriented approach that finds common ground and builds consensus
Genuine passion for the Foundation’s mission and commitment to community stewardship
Balance of professionalism with warmth, humor, and authentic joy in the work
Hospitality and Business Leadership
Experience developing innovative programming and creating memorable guest experiences
Proven track record of building earned revenue while maintaining high standards of quality and service
Demonstrated understanding of winery operations, hospitality management, or comparable guest-focused businesses
Understanding of wine country culture, community dynamics, and the unique opportunities of place-based businesses
Fundraising and Relationship Building
Track record of successful fundraising for mission-driven organizations, including major gifts and community campaigns
Experience building development programs from concept to success, ensuring they reach their potential
Ability to cultivate authentic, lasting relationships with donors, partners, and community leaders
Exceptional communication skills and the ability to articulate mission and impact to diverse audiences
Experience with grant writing, institutional funding, and diversified revenue strategies
Nonprofit and Public Lands Leadership
Experience in public lands, park management, or environmental stewardship
Understanding of nonprofit governance and proven ability to work effectively with the current Trustees 
Familiarity with the regulatory environment for parks, conservation easements, and public lands
Commitment to environmental education and creating meaningful learning experiences for diverse audiences
Awareness of regional conservation challenges, including wildfire, climate change, and habitat protection