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 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 (primarily through programs that increase farm viability and/or enhance farmland access). 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 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.
The Position
Reporting to the Mid-Atlantic Regional Director, the Mid-Atlantic Communications and Outreach Coordinator leads and supports communications and program outreach to implement the mission and vision of American Farmland Trust’s Mid-Atlantic division. The Mid-Atlantic Communications and Outreach Coordinator oversees communications and assists with events, special projects, limited office administration, and other tasks, as required.
What You’ll Be Working On
Communications & Outreach (85%)
- Develop, implement, and update regional communications strategy working with regional director and team.
- Develop and maintain annual communications calendar.
- Conduct inventory of Mid-Atlantic content on AFT’s website, identify and work with national communications to organize and post relevant regional content.
- Lead story telling project for the Sustainable Grazing Project and other regional projects working with regional director and team.
- Establish and manage relationships with key reporters, write and edit press releases, track media coverage and reach, and coordinate press events.
- Facilitate regular communications check-ins with Program staff to coordinate deliverables.
- Collect and report Executive Team Bullets, Program Metrics, and Board reports with assistance from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Director.
- Work as a key member of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Team to ensure all communications are streamlined, accurate, and of the highest quality.
- Develop annual work plan and budget for communication projects as part of division objectives and action plans and is accountable for achieving associate project goals.
- Coordinate and supervise storytelling efforts by conducting interviews and providing editorial feedback in collaboration with program staff.
- Act as liaison to the national communications team, ensuring that national communications practices and standards are executed at the regional level.
- Support outreach, communications, and recruitment strategy for regional program events including creating flyers and social media posts, managing registration, and creating follow-up emails and surveys.
- Create and foster communications that authentically and respectfully represent the breadth of AFT's stakeholder population, including accessing translation services where appropriate and following DEI guidance adopted by the national communications team.
- Coordinate with the national communications team on annual work planning, participate in national communication check-in calls, and ensure regional communications follows national communications policies and procedures.
Administrative (15%)
- Support regional team members in AFT’s contracting process, help fill out forms and shepherd contracts through internal process.
- Submit and track invoices.
Requirements
The Mid-Atlantic Communications & Outreach Specialist must be a highly motivated and entrepreneurial problem solver. They should be personable and eager to work with diverse audiences. Excellent communication skills, organizational skills, and task management are essential to the position. The potential candidate must have:
- Familiarity with farming and regenerative agriculture, preferably in Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania
- Experience managing complex or multiple projects and workload under deadline.
- Experience developing and implementing communication strategies.
- Experience in creating compelling outreach materials.
- Strong compassion and empathy, Diversity Equity Inclusion and Justice (DEIJ) training, and/or experience and desire to drive positive DEIJ impact.
- The ability to be both an independent, proactive worker and a collaborative team member who will complete deliverables in both individual and team settings on time.
- A base in or willingness to relocate to Pennsylvania, Maryland, or Virginia
Expectations
- Minimal travel required, anticipate:
- 3 overnights per year
- 10 total travel days in Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania
- Flexible Remote, Living in Virginia, Maryland, or Pennsylvania
Education & Experience
At least 3 years of professional experience in communications. A college degree in a directly related field may be substituted for up to 4 years of work experience.
Compensation
American Farmland Trust offers excellent vacation, medical, retirement and other benefits. The salary range for this position is from $55,000 to $65,000 based upon experience.
American Farmland Trust offers a full benefits package for full time employees:
- 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) plus 10% match (after 6 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
- Holidays: The Company observes eleven fixed holidays every year (all offices closed): plus, a choice of 3 floating holidays depending on hire month.
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
While applications will be accepted and reviewed until the position is filled, applicants who apply with a resume and cover letter will be reviewed first.
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.
