Southeast Outreach and Education Coordinator

Southeast Outreach and Education Coordinator

Flexible Remote Living in either Alabama or Tennessee

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

The Southeast Outreach and Education Coordinator will work directly with key partners and farmers throughout the Southeast within service areas to increase understanding, access, and adoption of conservation programs and practices among Historically Underserved Producers. Specifically, the coordinator will work closely initially with Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and 1890 land-grant institutions (Alabama A&M University, Lincoln University, and Virginia State University).The coordinator will provide outreach and technical assistance to producers and partners in these states and assist with developing communication materials. The coordinator will collaborate closely with AFT’s Southeast regional staff, and partner organizations to ensure that AFT’s programming is strategic, equitable, and impactful.

What You’ll Be Working On

• Strengthen relationships between Historically Underserved Producers and NRCS technical and financial support programs in the Southeast.
• Develop state-specific communications strategies for Alabama, Missouri, and Virginia that explain NRCS programs from the perspective of Historically Underserved Producers and assist with communications material development
• Build relationships of mutual trust, empathy and understanding between Historically Underserved producers, communities, and NRCS and partners.
• Work with Southeast regional staff and partners to develop a needs assessment to identify the current conservation program needs on Historically Underserved Producers
• Convene regular partner meetings and maintain strong relationships with partners and producers
• Collaborate with key partners to plan and host field days for Historically Underserved Producers
• Work with Southeast regional staff and partners to evaluate outreach and education efforts and their effectiveness
• Engage directly with producers to support access and adoption of conservation programs and practices

• Support the development of additional farmer-focused financial and technical assistance programming in the Southeast in collaboration with external partners and AFT’s Southeast team

• Maintain records of deliverables and assist with grant project reporting to NRCS
• Laise with local/regional market, non-profit, and underserved-serving organizations to leverage resources and expand collaborative project impact
• Contribute expertise and collaboration on other aspects of the primary funded project, and engage in other AFT projects to contribute expertise, as needed
• Contribute to strategy, gaps, and next actions development to enable fundraising for scaling up of impact and/or funding continuation beyond the current grant project
• Disseminate results and updates professionally and confidently from the project through public facing presentations

Requirements

The Southeast Outreach and Education Coordinator must be highly motivated and entrepreneurial problem solver. They should be personable and eager to collaborate with diverse audiences and other clientele. This position requires on the ground expertise working with HU audiences and should have a proven track record of successful implement programs within this area. The ideal candidate should have existing experience and connections with farming community and/or NRCS programs and Extension. Relevant experience working with diverse population is critical for the success on this position. Excellent communication skills (meeting facilitation, phone, writing, partner relations), record keeping, and task management are essential to this position. The potential candidate must have knowledge skills and abilities in the following areas:

• Experience working remotely and other virtual platforms
• Have agriculture experience and understands agricultural conservation practices and USDA farm bill programs
• Strong compassion and empathy – Diversity Equity Inclusion and Justice (DEIJ) training and/or experience and desire to drive positive DEIJ impact
• Experience working with Historically Underserved audiences, preferably in field of agriculture and/or conservation
• Both an independent and proactive worker and team member who will complete deliverables in both individual deliverable and broadly collaborative deliverable settings on time
• Flexible and willing to grow and contribute skills as needed to a growing and changing team
• Experience building networks and managing networks though being (primarily) remote
• Experience with training and developing educational materials
• Ability to provide technical assistance towards diverse audiences and to help producers enroll NRCS programs.
• Experience with Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) conservation planning
• Ability to communicate in an engaging and clear manner to a variety of audiences
• Highly organized with excellent communication skills and the ability to juggle, navigate, and deliver on time
• Knowledge and understanding of USDA farm bill programs and experience with helping producers with materials towards applications

Expectations

• Experience collaborating with diverse clientele.
• Live within the region (AL or TN)
• Interstate travel required (30-40%)
• Remote work environment

Education & Experience

At least 3-5 years of professional experience, working on or with farms related to land stewardship or land management positions or a college degree in Agriculture, Natural Resources or a related field.

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. This position is currently funded under an agreement with NRCS. While we expect programming to continue without a specific end time, employment is subject to available funding.

American Farmland Trust offers a complete benefits package:

• 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
• Holidays: The Company observes eleven holidays during the year (all offices closed): plus, choice of 3 other floating holidays depending on hiring date

Timeline

All applicants must submit a cover letter with a resume or CV to be fully considered. While applications will be accepted until the position is filled, applicants who apply with a resume or CV and cover letter by May 17th will be reviewed first.

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

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.