Midwest Policy Manager

Midwest Policy Manager 
Remote, Illinois (Full-Time)

About American Farmland Trust 
American Farmland Trust (AFT) takes a holistic approach to agriculture, focusing on the land, 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 6.5 million acres of agricultural lands, advanced environmentally sound farming practices on millions of additional acres, and helped thousands of farm families make a go of it. Long a pioneering leader, AFT is now riding a new wave of growth driven by agriculture’s most pressing needs and opportunities. 

We believe diversity drives innovation. We are inclusive. We embrace differences. We recognize and respect the fundamental values 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, where everyone feels empowered to bring their authentic selves to work daily. Please see AFT’s Statement on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice.

The Position
The Midwest Policy Manager position is a key role that offers an exciting opportunity to help carry out the policy agenda of a growing, forward-looking agricultural conservation organization. The Policy Manager will be responsible for working closely with the Midwest Regional staff, the AFT Policy team, consultants, and external partners to advocate for policies and programs that save the land that sustains us. This includes advancing farmland protection and helping farmers mitigate and adapt to climate change and protecting water quality.

The Policy Manager will support broader efforts to develop and grow these programs. They will have the opportunity to work across teams within AFT’s Midwest Region and the organization and with external partners, including farmers, landowners, agricultural professionals, and institutional leaders.

What You’ll Be Working On

• Cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with state and federal officials, leaders of agricultural and conservation organizations, food and community groups, and others; 
• Analyzing state and federal legislation, budgets, and administrative rules, as well as conducting research to advance AFT’s policy positions; 
• Coordinating grassroots advocacy among local governments, land trusts, farm and food organizations, and others; 
• Assisting in the development of workplans, budgets, and fundraising strategies for projects in the Midwest; 
• Reporting regularly to the Midwest Regional Director on progress and opportunities within the Midwest. 
• Engage and support members of the Midwest Team in local policy discussions;
• Permanently protecting farmland in the Midwest with an emphasis on Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin;
• Advocating for programs to support a new generation of farmers in accessing and transferring farmland in Illinois;   
• Attending and participating in advocacy meetings, including assisting with the preparation of materials, agenda, and presentations; notetaking during meetings; and supporting follow-up communications;
• Representing the organization before public agencies, policymakers, and community stakeholders in public meetings, the media, conferences, and other events. 
• Organizing outreach events and activities with partner organizations and coalitions to engage state and federal leaders and garner support for critical policies and programs;
• Assisting with policy research and development of publications to advance policy goals, including farm-to-institution, farmland protection, farmland access, renewable energy siting, and soil health initiatives that help farmers combat climate change;
• Helping to coordinate programs for a diversity of stakeholders across multiple formats, such as webinars, networking events, and educational workshops;
• Assisting with coordinating internal meetings and communications to ensure timely completion of program activities;
• Assisting with content development and delivery for social media campaigns, virtual lobby days, regular email updates, and other digital communications; 
• Working with AFT staff, consultants, and the Development Division to develop proposals and secure funds for initiatives and projects; 
• Coordinating with Federal and State Agency Staff, including IDOA, EPA, and DNR, to facilitate discussions centered around strengthening Illinois’s commitment to expanding the role of agriculture in achieving the state’s climate goals;  
• Leading the Fall Covers for Spring Savings Advisory committee and coordinating program efforts with partners and the Illinois Department of Agriculture;
• Advancing the impact of Saving Tomorrows Agriculture Resources (S.T.A.R.) program in state and federal programs;
• Advocating for state and local policies that reflect AFT’s Smart Solar principles;
• Representing AFT on committees and in coalitions such as the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy Policy Working Group, Ag Water Quality Partnership Committee, and Illinois’s Ag Policy Coalition; and 
• Other duties as assigned.
   

Qualifications & Experience

• Must be outgoing and energetic, organized, a thorough and proven researcher, and capable of working independently and as part of a team.  
• Must be comfortable regularly interacting with a diverse audience - including elected officials and their staff; state leaders; farmers; organizations in the agricultural, environmental, education, public health, and renewable energy sectors; and others.  
• A BA or BS degree and 5+ years of related work experience in political science, public policy, agriculture, environment, land conservation, or natural resource planning. An advanced degree in one or more disciplines may substitute for one year of work experience. 
• Excellent research skills and ability to summarize complex concepts succinctly.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven experience collaborating with diverse partners to advance policy goals is valuable, along with the ability to lead and support policy coalitions.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple tasks, stay organized, and ability to work independently.
• Facility with Microsoft Office is required. 
• Familiarity with federal, state, and local policy-making processes. 
• Willingness to attend meetings and conferences both regionally and statewide; and  
• Willingness to work independently and remotely.

Compensation
American Farmland Trust offers excellent vacation, medical, retirement and other benefits. The salary range for this position is from $75,000 to $80,000 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)
• 401(k) with 10% match after six months of employment
• 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 opportunity   

Timeline

Please answer the screener questions and be sure to include a resume AND cover letter to be considered. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Apply Here.

We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, expression or identity, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, American Farmland Trust complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which we have facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.