Midwest Program Coordinator

Who We Are

American Farmland Trust (AFT) 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. AFT launched the conservation agriculture movement and continues to raise public awareness through our No Farms, No Food message. Since our founding in 1980, AFT has helped permanently protect nearly 8 million acres of agricultural lands, advanced environmentally sound farming practices on millions of additional acres and supported thousands of farm families. Long a pioneering leader, AFT continues to evolve to meet the needs of farmers and ranchers nationwide, adapting its approach to ensure the continued strength and resilience of agriculture and rural communities nationwide.

Job Purpose

The Midwest Program Coordinator (PC) provides support to implement the mission and vision of American Farmland Trust, with the goal of increasing the adoption of soil health and conservation cropping systems into Midwest agriculture. The PC works under the supervision of the Midwest Program Manager and will work closely with members of the Illinois Sustainable Ag Partnership (ISAP) to engage farmers and landowners, ag retailers, and project partners to advance conservation practice adoption. The PC provides communications and logistical support for partner and committee meetings and events and completes core administrative tasks.

This is a permanent position and while it is based remotely, the selected candidate must reside in Illinois.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support to ISAP Board and Committees, including but not limited to scheduling meetings and calls, assisting with shared agendas and notes, and maintaining calendars;

• Assist in program planning and coordination of activities for a diversity of stakeholders across multiple formats, such as webinars, networking events, educational workshops and field days;

• Manage event logistics, including scheduling and promotions, participant registration, securing venue and catering services, communicating with speakers, and post-event reporting;

• Maintain ISAP’s website and coordinate program communications via a variety of channels such as blogs, newsletters, press releases, social media, etc.;

• Use data entry, data management, and word processing to track project activities and outcomes and contribute to project-related reports;

• Support program growth and development;

• Help build positive relations with external partners;

• Represent AFT and ISAP at public meetings, field days, and educational events.

The Midwest Program Coordinator must be entrepreneurial and a self-starter, outgoing and energetic, detail-oriented, organized, and a capable problem solver. They must be able to work well independently and as part of a team, be highly motivated, and possess excellent communication skills (phone, public presentation, writing, partner relations).

• BA or BS degree and a minimum of 2 years of related work experience in office administration, operations, communications, or a related field. Experience in the fields of agriculture, environmental management, or natural resource planning is a plus.
• Experience in public outreach and community engagement, including building networks and organizing events for farmers, landowners, and agricultural professionals.
• Direct experience working with a diverse range of agricultural and conservation professionals, such as state and federal agencies, farmers and farmland owners, soil and water conservation districts, commodity organizations, and conservation organizations, is highly preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite programs to organize and manage data and information, demonstrating a commitment to high-quality work.
• Experience managing multiple projects and tasks while adhering to deadlines.
• Knowledge of the Midwest agricultural landscape, natural resource concerns and key stakeholders.
• Demonstrated commitment to the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion and knowledgeable about how those principles can be effectively applied in practice.
• Selected candidate must reside in Illinois and have the ability to travel within the Midwest Region.

Working Conditions and Travel

This is a full-time remote position based in Illinois, with regular day travel to locations in the region. Occasional overnight or out-of-state travel may also be required for events such as partner and all-staff meetings.

This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, and phones. Occasional work in the evenings or on weekends may be required to meet deadlines.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position does not have supervisory responsibility.

Compensation

This position offers an annual salary of $62,000 - $67,000. 

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)
• 401k Plan
• 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 explaining why they are the right fit for both AFT and this role, 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.