California Regional Director

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 

Reporting to the Western Managing Director, the California Regional Director (Director) provides strategic leadership for growing American Farmland Trust’s (AFT) impact in California.   

Position summary 

This role is ideal for a strategic leader who understands the intersection of agriculture and conservation and brings an entrepreneurial mindset to growing programs and partnerships.  The Director will play key roles with program development, external relations, and fundraising while also working closely with the California Deputy Director to manage a high-functioning team to grow American Farmland Trust’s impact in California. 

Duties and responsibilities  

Partnerships & Fundraising 

• Cultivate partnerships with farm and ranch organizations, local, state, and federal agencies in California, universities, conservation organizations, corporations and others with aligned interests. 

• Collaborate with the development team to engage individual donors, foundations, government agencies and corporate partners. 

• Leverage external relationships to advance funding opportunities and strategic collaborations that grow AFT’s programs and impact. 

• Advance AFT’s commitments to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice through programs, partnerships and other means.   

Program Leadership  

• Develop and lead programs in California to advance AFT’s mission to save the land that sustains us by protecting farmland, promoting sound farming practices and keeping farmers on the land.     

• Collaborate with regional and national staff to inform and advance program, policy and research priorities.     

• In coordination with AFT’s national policy team, support the California Senior Policy Manager in developing and implementing a plan to advance AFT’s state and federal policy priorities in California.   

• Oversee the development and implementation of annual workplans and budgets for California.    

People and Programs 

• Lead a high-impact team in California that successfully achieves program, budget and other organizational goals. 

• Support the recruitment, hiring, supervision, and creation of an inclusive environment for an entirely remote staff. 

• Work with staff to develop and achieve annual performance goals and conduct performance evaluations.   

Communications & Public Relations 

• Serve as an organizational spokesperson with mainstream media, create public-facing communications and speak at public and private events.   

• Lead staff in documenting and communicating about AFT’s program impact in California and across the organization.    

• Shape program messages and content for external audiences in California in collaboration with AFT’s Development, Communications, and Corporate Partnerships staff. 

This is not necessarily an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities. Management reserves the right to revise the job or to request other or different duties be performed as assigned. 

• Must be outgoing and energetic and have direct professional experience working with primary constituencies, such as farmers and ranchers, public officials, agricultural and conservation organizations, and corporate partners.   
• Must have knowledge of agriculture and conservation issues in California; experience with agricultural stewardship, land protection and viability is particularly beneficial.   
• Experience in developing strategic alliances, partnerships, and programs as well as creating and executing effective communications and fundraising strategies.  
• Understanding of effective fundraising with individual and institutional funding partners and experience with fundraising requests greater than $1 million is valuable.    
• Must be entrepreneurial, self-motivated, and willing to work in a fast-paced work environment.  
• Previous experience with supervising staff and consultants, including in a remote working environment, is necessary.   
• Excellent written and oral communication skills (public presentation, phone, writing, partner relations) and creativity are essential.  
• Willingness to work independently and travel across California.    

Education & Experience  

BA or BS degree and a minimum of 10 years of related leadership experience in public policy, agriculture, conservation, or related fields. Or, 8 years of related leadership experience with an advanced degree in one or more of the disciplines noted.  

Working/Travel Conditions 

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.  This is a remote position based in California. Occasional travel may be required, predominantly within California. 

Direct reports 

This position has management responsibility for: 

• California Deputy Director 
• California Senior Policy Manager 

Compensation

This position offers an annual salary of $125,000 - $130,000. 

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. 

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.