For years (seriously, years!) I thought of changing careers, feeling like I wasn’t reaching my full potential at my current company. Each time I thought of leaving, it just didn’t feel right. I hesitated because I felt like asking for more was asking for too much. After all, I liked my job! I was good at the work I did; I had built friendships with my coworkers; I made a decent salary, had plenty of leeway to  make my own decisions about how my role was structured within the company… to many of my friends, I had it made! With so many people facing company layoffs and unemployment, it felt wrong not to just be satisfied with the career I had.

But finally, through a mix of careful preparation and spontaneous bravery, the timing felt right and I made my move. I left on my terms, with nothing but words of thanks and encouragement from my boss and coworkers… it felt great!

In the weeks since, I’ve been pursuing a number of career opportunities in the craft beer industry and my decision to change careers is continually reaffirmed by people around me. However, I find myself unexpectedly struck by how insightful this experience has been for me as a woman.

This morning, I came across part of a story on NPR about Disruptive Leadership, in which they speak with Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook and author of Lean In, about cultivating women leaders. They reference a TED Talk Sandberg gave in 2010, about stagnation for women achieving leadership roles, and a follow-up interview with Pat Mitchell from 2013. As I listen to her speak, light bulbs go off and I find myself nodding… Not because what she’s saying is anything that I haven’t thought about before, but because it hits home, especially now. I am reminded that it’s OK to acknowledge my talents and accomplishments, and own them without feeling guilty, or that I’m being arrogant, too aggressive, etc.

The reason I post this here, on a blog about craft beer, is two fold. First, this blog has always been about my personal beer journey and the decision to work in the industry is a huge part of that. But I also want to connect Sanberg’s point to women in the beer industry, and how, even though progress is being made and we’re seeing more women enjoying and working in beer, we remain an underrepresented demographic. Krystal Baugher helps illustrate the problem in a recent article for theAtlantic.com:

In Colorado, one of the most brewery-rich states in the country with 154 individual facilities, there are only 10 women total who are known to be a part of the main brewing process.  The main obstacles that women continue to face in this industry include perceptions of taste, media influence, and preconceived notions about their skill and ability.

So, I’m sitting at the table and raising my hand, and I’m not afraid to be called on, and I’m not sorry. I won’t go on and on, because you need to follow the links above and listen to Sheryl Sandberg speak. Thank you, Sheryl, for saying that the status quo is not enough.

The post On “Leaning In” and following my passion first appeared on The Craft Beer Blog.

EVENTS AMBASSADOR

This part-time job is responsible for executing a variety of promotional events in bars, restaurants and stores. Promoting Brooklyn Brewery as a spokesperson for our beers and forging relationships on The Brewery’s behalf are all primary obligations.  The brewery is looking for enthusiastic ambassadors in the following cities/areas: Austin, Boston, Chicago, Nashville, New Orleans,  Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Hudson Valley, Long Island, Northern New Jersey, Raleigh/Durham, Tampa, Twin Cities, and Washington D.C.

Event Ambassadors will represent The Brewery on average 4 times a month while also accommodating periods of increased activity due to The Brewery’s Mash programming.

JUNIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Apply to be an in-house Junior Graphic Designer/Production Artist in Brooklyn, NY. Create promotional assets for various projects, from POS to t-shirts to web graphics, the position will always have something new to do. Brooklyn Brewery has a well-established brand and thorough style guide, created by our designer, Milton Glaser. While Mr. Glaser will continue to design all of our new branding and packaging from his office in Manhattan, the new hire will be expected to work within the style guide for whatever job is assigned.

As with every member of the marketing unit, the brewery is looking for someone with a passion for beer & food that is connected to the many creative communities of Brooklyn. The right candidate will have an exhaustive command of pop culture comprehension.

MARKETING COORDINATOR

Help execute Brooklyn Brewery’s national network of events and promotions from their office in New York City. Introduce the Brooklyn brand to new customers and have meaningful engagement with those already familiar with the lineup. The Marketing Coordinator is in charge of the Donations Program and management of Brewery Sales Reps’ market programming.

A passion for beer & food, deep knowledge of pop culture and high aptitude for social media are all needed to do this job well. A good handle on the Brooklyn brand and appreciation for where Brooklyn Brewery sits in the increasingly interesting and crowded craft beer landscape are also positive attributes. The Brewery seeks a candidate who is well connected to Brooklyn’s various creative communities.

EXPORT COORDINATOR

Brooklyn Brewery is seeking an enthusiastic, self-motivated & capable individual to assist the Export Manager in international marketing and sales. This is a full-time position, based in Brooklyn, NY. The right candidate will already be a member of the city or region’s nightlife scene with existing relationships that can help position the Brooklyn brand. A familiarity with food trends, contemporary music, film, comedy and international culture are big pluses.

The post Craft Beer Jobs: Brooklyn Brewery first appeared on The Craft Beer Blog.

The pursuit of balance inspires effort to bring order to random. Our lives are enriched by personal experience, some more common than others, but each as unique as the next. The collective becomes who we are, what we do, and how we remember. We liken our beers to these experiences.

Owners, Tom Korder and Eric Hobbs, come from Goose Island Beer Company, both working for years before the brewery was bought by AB-InBev in 2011. Together, with a shared obsession for skillfully brewed beer and a deep commitment to the art and science of craft brewing, Tom and Eric look forward to fostering a culture of positive, forward thinkers at Penrose Brewing. The 40 barrel brew house, located about an hour outside of Chicago, will focus on Belgian inspired session ales, oak barrel-aging, and alternative fermentation. I spoke with Eric this afternoon about the neighborhood. “It’s a river town,” he says, “The downtown area is full of small, independently owned businesses, boutique shopping, and great restaurants. The slow-food movement is taking off here, an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients and a burgeoning craft beer market make Geneva a great place to be.” So, you think you’re Taproom Manager material? The job description points to “an industrious individual, intent on growing with the young brewery. Endless opportunity–meaning when you come on board you take a lead role and control your own destiny.” Click the link below for the complete job description and how to apply.

Taproom Manager Job Description

Application Deadline is Friday, August 2, 2013.

The taproom will be open Tuesday – Sunday; Tue/Wed 1-7pm, Thu 1-9pm, Fri/Sat 11am-9pm, Sun 1-5pm (Closed Mondays). Qualified applicants should possess the ability to carry on intelligent conversation about beer styles, and general understanding of the brewing process; proficiency with Microsoft Office programs; within 30 days of hire, will need to pass Bassett Certification exam and within 60 days of hire, will need to pass Cicerone® Server-Certification. The taproom manager must be able to lift 35 lb. cases of beer, 44 lb. boxes of hops, 55 lb. sacks of grain, and move 165 lb. kegs of beer.

Preferred Qualifications include:

• Bachelors degree from an accredited four-year college
• Server-certified Cicerone®, or Certified Cicerone®
• Bassett Certification completed
• Bartending and/or serving experience in Craft beer bar or brewery
• Photography and/or videography experience
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, and fair amount of wit
• Juggling skills, literally and figuratively

The post Craft Beer Jobs: Taproom Manager, Penrose Brewing Company first appeared on The Craft Beer Blog.

Terrapin Beer Company

Terrapin Beer Company, located in Athens, Georgia, is dedicated to creating unique experiences through the passionate brewing of the finest-quality craft beers. The brewery was founded in 2002, by John Cochran & Brian “Spike” Buckowski, who met while working together at a microbrewery in Atlanta. These days John and Spike are enjoying Terrapin’s 40,000 square foot brewing facilities, including a new 100 BBL brewhouse. The year round line-up now includes Rye Pale Ale, Golden Ale (only in Georgia), Hopsecutioner, Tree Hugger, and RecreationAle. Visit the Terrapin Beer Co website for a full list of year round and seasonal offerings, as well as side projects and collaboration beers.

Craft Beer Jobs at Terrapin

Terrapin Beer Co. is seeking an experienced and enthusiastic craft beer sales manager to oversee the states of Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey. This is a full time position based out of Philadelphia. The Regional Sales Manager position is responsible for achieving key sales objectives through the managing of multiple distributors and aggressively growing new accounts. The position is responsible for managing the growth and development of the Terrapin Beer Company LLC product mix and brand value in a defined market area. The Regional Sales Manager must ensure that the Terrapin brand integrity and business model of ethical fair dealings with existing and targeted accounts is never compromised. The incumbent will report directly to the applicable Area Sales Director. Please see the link below for a full job description and required qualifications.

Regional Sales Manager Job Description

Application Deadline: Posting closes at 5 pm July 12, 2013.

Interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume to Jeremiah Shepherd, HR Manager, at jeremiah@terrapinbeer.com. Please put your full name and the position you’re applying for in the subject line of your email. No phone calls, please!

Knowledge& Skill Requirements: 4 year degree in Business, Marketing or similar degree program with 3-5+ years’ sales and account management experience in the craft beer or beverage industries. Ideal candidate must be self-motivated, have excellent written skills, verbal communication and strong leadership skills. Candidate must have considerable knowledge of brewing industry sales and marketing standards, effective oral and written communication skills and excellent interpersonal skills.

This position also requires excellent time management skills as well as very strong analytical and problem solving skills. Candidates must have a flexible schedule; ability to work nights and weekends. Candidates must have a clean driving record, comprehensive auto insurance and a reliable source of transportation. Candidates must be proficient in MS Office software including Excel, PowerPoint and Word.

Preferred Qualifications: 5-8+ years experience with a record of high volume sales to existing accounts and substantial growth in annual new accounts.

Employee benefits include health, dental & vision insurance, profit-sharing, 401K and a rewarding environment based upon our culture, values and mission. (And, DUDE! You’ll be working in BEER!)

The post Craft Beer Jobs: Regional Sales Manager, Terrapin Beer Co. first appeared on The Craft Beer Blog.