Sr. Manager for External Affairs

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 an agroecosystems leader, AFT is now riding a new wave of growth, driven by agriculture’s most pressing needs and opportunities. 

Job Purpose

The New England Senior Manager for External Affairs deepens, expands and manages strategic relationships, messaging and impact in the six-state New England region through a combination of policy advocacy and strategic communication that engages policy, media, and program partners.

Position Summary

The Senior Manager for External Affairs advances AFT’s mission in New England by building strategic relationships that enhance the organization’s reputation and impact across the region. This public affairs role combines communications and policy advocacy to strengthen AFT’s presence and influence, ultimately building relationships and policy conditions in the region that promote farmland protection, farm viability and environmental sustainability. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Communications

• Articulate, curate and maintain an external messaging strategy, including media relationships, to communicate the vision and impact of AFT’s work to inspire and motivate allies and supporters.
• Design and oversee implementation of a strategic communication and outreach plan, including a media strategy, to support high-level outreach, impactful partnerships, and fundraising.
• Supervise contributions of the communications coordinator or program associate.
• Build relationships with New England staff and support strategic communication of both project outputs and staff expertise
• Create impactful written and visual communications to engage key audiences.
• Develop program messages and content for external audiences, including collaborating with the AFT Development, national Communications, and Corporate Partnerships staff
• Train and support staff to consistently use key messages through support on strategy, talking points, marketing visuals, and networking.

Regional Policy

• Advance AFT’s policy priorities in the region at the state and local levels in alignment with the AFT New England Policy Priorities (https://farmland.org/new-england-policy) and AFT’s National Policy positions (https://farmland.org/policy)
• Serve as AFT’s lead representative to New England state legislative leaders, allied advocacy groups and selected state agency officials
• Communicate complex policy issues to stakeholders (e.g., legislators and other policy makers, media, general public, AFT members and supporters,) in various settings to advance AFT’s policy positions
• Research, draft and edit legislative proposals related to agriculture, farmland conservation, and related funding, and/or advocate for them through written and oral testimony
• Translate policy implications of evaluation and research conducted by the New England program.
• Research, write, and edit white papers, policy briefs, blogs, press statements and action alerts
• Oversee the work of the New England Sr. Policy Associate, especially their development of testimony and comments, tracking of policy-related metrics and relevant legislation, preparing updates and recommendations to – and gathering input from – key external and internal stakeholders AFT staff as needed
• Oversee the Working Lands Alliance (WLA) project in CT (https://workinglandsalliance.org/) including:
  • Provide strategic guidance to and supervise the AFT New England Policy Associate’s development and implementation of the WLA workplan
  • Oversee WLA legislative strategy involving AFT Policy Associate, a contracted lobbyist and WLA members
  • Represent AFT as a WLA member, with other policymakers and stakeholders, and in other CT policy settings
• Collaborate with AFT’s National Policy team to help shape AFT policy priorities, build relationships with the regional Congressional delegation, and coordinate and share best practices with state policy peers at AFT

• Proven experience as a strategist, communicator, and advocate in external relations, with the ability to promote an organization’s vision and mission to engage and inspire partners, advocates, and funders.
• Exceptional public speaking and persuasive writing skills, with a track record as an entrepreneurial leader skilled in building and maintaining strong relationships
• Proven success in two or more of the following areas: public and media relations, strategic communications and marketing, policy advocacy, and non-profit fundraising and/or business development.
• Legislative advocacy experience with a willingness to work within legislative schedules and meet tight deadlines.
• Knowledge of New England agriculture, conservation, farm viability, food systems, climate, and energy programs.
• Proven track record in leveraging conservation work, policy, and communications for support.
• Working relationships or familiarity with relevant stakeholders and agency staff in the region, especially in Maine, Connecticut and Massachusetts.
• Professional experience in communicating and collaborating on programming, campaigns, or public policy in land conservation and agriculture.
• Demonstrated success in enhancing an organization’s reputation, impact, partnerships, and revenue.
• Proven experience managing internal and external teams’ public relations, advocacy, and partnership development
• Knowledge of fundraising best practices for corporate, foundations, and individual donors.
• Demonstrated understanding that success is achieved through collaboration and effective teamwork.
• Proven ability to thrive in a startup or fast-paced environment, demonstrating initiative, creativity, and adaptability.
• Strong ability to set priorities and boundaries while managing multiple tasks and projects with composure, good humor and efficiency.

Education & Experience 

10 years relevant experience, or advanced degree in a relevant field plus 5 years in senior-level external affairs role.

Working Conditions & Travel

• The position is fully remote working out of a home office located in New England, United States.
• This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers and phones.
• Candidates must be able to work business hours within their time zone Monday-Friday. Occasional work in the evenings or on weekends may be required to meet deadlines. 
• This is a full-time salaried position.
• The position requires travel around New England and the country to attend conferences and events, conduct partner and community outreach, and host technical assistance workshops, but such travel is generally less than 25% of the time.
• Infrequent overnight travel or travel to other national locations may be required

Supervisory Responsibility  

This position has supervisory responsibility over:

• New England Policy Associate
• Communications Coordinator or Program Specialist

Compensation

This position offers an annual salary of $85,000 - 90,000. 

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 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 twelve fixed holidays and a week between Christmas and New Years off 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.