About AFT
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.
Internship Summary
AFT has experienced significant growth over the past five years in terms of volume of projects, number of awards and increased staff. AFT has prioritized the creation of a centralized Project Management Team (PMT) to support cross-functional staff, implement consistent project management methodologies, and ensure the successful achievement of current and future program objectives. PMT assignments are likely to be larger scale, multi-year projects with complex budgets ranging from $500K to $1M+ annually that involve numerous AFT Divisions and external partners.
AFT currently has the exciting opportunity for a Project Management Intern to gain relevant work experience in the project, program and portfolio management fields of study within the nonprofit sector. The successful candidate will engage regularly with both AFT’s regional Mid Atlantic and national Climate Initiative divisions. The successful candidate will support higher level portfolio/program management with the Mid Atlantic team and day-to-day project management on the Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities (PCSC) Beef project.
Reporting to the Senior Project Manager, you will support the Mid Atlantic region and PCSC Climate Smart Beef project by 1) planning and monitoring project and division milestones, tasks, and budget, 2) identifying and mitigating risks and issues, and 3) facilitating communications between the team and its members.
This position is completely remote. This summer part-time internship will begin on June 06, 2024.
What You’ll be Working On
Within assigned project(s), the Project Management Intern will:
- Attend weekly check-ins with their supervisor.
- Identify and develop division wide system-based improvements (SOPs, tools, etc.).
- Perform monthly spenddown reviews, including identifying and submitting post review actions that will assist the team to stay on task & on budget.
- Update and utilize work planning tools to assist with FY25 work planning.
- Produce and distribute weekly team newsletter(s) and other communications.
- Design project resources, as assigned by Project Manager to aid in internal/external completion of tasks on time, within scope and budget.
Requirements
- Ability to work approx. 20 hours/week.
- College student or recent graduate (great for students from a variety of degree studies – particularly public administration, business, engineering, and applied economics). Will also consider high school graduate/GRE equivalent with 1+ year of professional work experience.
- Self-motivated to learn and develop skills in project and portfolio management.
- Passion for working in the service of agriculture in a non-profit environment.
- Interest in AFT’s mission and passion for conservation, agriculture, and storytelling.
- Strong organization, team building, strategic thinking, and problem-solving mindset.
- Interpersonal skills and good communication with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences
- Experience with Microsoft Office Suite - especially Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Basic accounting and budgeting skills.
AFT believes that diversity strengthens our community. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and strongly encourage applications from individuals:
- from racial and ethnic groups that have been underrepresented.
- with disabilities.
- who are/were Pell Grant-eligible in college.
- who are/were enrolled in Tribal Colleges and Universities, community colleges, Hispanic-serving institutions, or Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
- who identify as LGBTQ+.
- disadvantaged by life circumstances that have negatively impacted their educational opportunities.
Why Intern with Us?
As an intern with us, you'll be part of a dynamic team dedicated to advancing sustainable farming practices, addressing climate change, and more. Through mentorship, and engaging projects, we aim to empower interns to become leaders in the sustainable agriculture movement.
As an AFT intern you will:
- Gain hands-on experience and practical skills that will serve you well in your future career.
- Work closely with our team of experienced professionals who are dedicated to helping you succeed.
- Receive mentorship, designed to enhance your skills and knowledge.
- Play a vital role in projects that promote sustainability, environmental stewardship, and make a difference in the lives of farmers, consumers, and the planet.
Schedule & Compensation
AFT generally begins the recruiting process for an intern based on the following schedule:
- Summer internship positions are posted by February, for a start date after Memorial Day.
- Fall internships by April, for a start date after Labor Day.
- Spring internships by October, for a start date between New Year’s Day/ February 1st.
Each internship cycle is approximately 8-10 weeks in duration. Schedules will vary and are flexible around students’ schedules with an average weekly commitment of 20-37.5 hours, depending on project needs.
AFT interns are compensated based on academic program level (undergraduate/graduate) the nature of the internship, required duties, and/or complexity of a designated project’s scope and outcomes.
Who can Apply?
To be eligible for an AFT internship, students must be:
- Legally authorized to work in the US.
- At least 18 years of age.
- Enrolled in a degree-seeking program at an accredited college or university and possess at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
How to Apply for an Internship at AFT
If you're eager to make a difference in supporting farmers, communities and the environment while gaining valuable experience, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your interest in AFT’s mission to protect the land that sustains us, and how your skills and experiences align with the internship.
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.
