Director of Corporate Partnerships

Who We Are

American Farmland Trust is the only national organization that takes a holistic approach to agriculture, focusing on the land itself, the agricultural practices used on that land, and the farmers and ranchers who do the work. Since our founding in 1980, AFT has helped permanently protect over 8 million acres of agricultural lands, advanced environmentally-sound farming practices on millions of additional acres and supported thousands of farm families by improving farm viability and farmland access. Long a pioneering leader, AFT is now riding a new wave of growth, driven by agriculture’s most pressing needs and opportunities. 

Position Purpose

The Director of Corporate Partnerships is a key leadership role responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive strategy to secure and manage corporate partnerships that significantly advance the organization's mission and revenue goals. This role oversees the Corporate Partnerships team, including a Senior Manager and Coordinator, and works cross-functionally to ensure successful partnership integration and impact.

Position Summary 

The Director of Corporate Partnerships provides strategic leadership and oversight for all aspects of corporate partnership development, including identifying, cultivating, securing, and stewarding a diverse portfolio of corporate partners. This role involves setting ambitious revenue targets, building a high-performing team, and fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. The Director will work closely with other departments (e.g., programs, finance, and communications) to ensure alignment and maximize the impact of corporate partnerships.

Duties and responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a comprehensive corporate partnership strategy aligned with the organization's overall strategic priorities.
• Set ambitious revenue goals and develop strategies to achieve them.
• Identify and prioritize key industry sectors and prospective corporate partners.
• Continue to advance tested corporate funding streams, including program sponsorships, the Brighter Future Fund, and the US Farmed Seal, while identifying promising new areas of support. 
• Stay abreast of industry trends and best practices in corporate partnership development.

Team Management

• Lead and mentor the Corporate Partnerships team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and high performance.
• Provide guidance and support to the Senior Manager and Coordinator in their respective roles.
• Oversee the development and implementation of individual team member goals and performance plans.

Partnership Development and Management

• Cultivate and manage relationships with a portfolio of high-level corporate partners.
• Oversee the identification, qualification, and cultivation of new corporate prospects.
• Lead the development and negotiation of complex partnership agreements.
• Ensure effective stewardship and communication with existing partners.
• Track and analyze partnership performance, providing regular reports to leadership.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with AFT leadership and Program teams to identify partnership opportunities that support programmatic goals.
• Collaborate with marketing and communications teams to develop effective partnership activation plans and materials.
• Partner with the Development team to integrate corporate partnerships into the overall fundraising strategy.
   

• 7+ years’ experience in corporate partnership development and management, with a proven track record of success in securing and managing high-level partnerships.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and experience in managing and mentoring a team.
• Strong strategic thinking and planning abilities.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively engage and influence C-suite executives.
• Deep understanding of corporate social responsibility and cause-related marketing trends.
• Experience in developing and managing budgets.
• Knowledge of agricultural and/or environmental issues preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.

Working conditions

This is a fully remote position. Occasional work during evenings or weekends may be required to meet deadlines.

Degree of Supervision Received

Direction: The incumbent establishes methods and procedures for attaining specific goals and objectives and receives guidance in terms of broad goals. Only the final results of work are typically reviewed.

Degree of Supervision Given

The Director supervises the Corporate Partnership Team (Senior Manager, Coordinator).

Compensation

The salary range is from $125,000 to $135,000 for full-time employees, based upon experience.

American Farmland Trust offers a full benefits package for full time employees:

• Insurance coverage begins the 1st of the month following the date of hire. 
• Medical & Prescription Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Company Paid Life Insurance & Long-Term Disability (LTD)
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) – Healthcare & Dependent Care
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Sick Leave: Regular full-time employees accrue 3.5 hours per pay period (13 “sick days” per year).
• Vacation Leave: Accrue 15 days during the first year increasing by one day per year to 20 days per year maximum.
• Holidays: AFT observes eleven fixed holidays during the year (all offices closed) plus a choice of up to three (depending on hiring month) floating holidays.

Why you should apply:

• Be a part of a purpose-driven, committed, knowledgeable, high-performing, experienced and fun team
• A diverse and inclusive work environment
• A cause and mission you can be proud of
• Competitive compensation & benefits
• Remote work opportunities
• Flexible scheduling

Timeline

To be considered, applicants must submit a resume, a cover letter, and complete all screener questions. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and accepted until the position is filled.

We believe diversity drives innovation. We are inclusive. We embrace differences. We recognize and respect the fundamental value and dignity of all our employees. We celebrate the unique traditions, heritages, and experiences our employees bring to the workplace. We are committed to creating and sustaining an inclusive culture that promotes and values diversity, and where everyone feels empowered to bring their authentic selves to work every day. Please see AFT’s statement on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice.