Hiring: Communications and Outreach Coordinator – American Farmland Trust

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.

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.

AFT’s New England Regional work has grown exponentially over the last two years, launching new programs, bringing on new staff, and building new relationships with farmers, partner organizations and funders.  This growth has included launching new programs to improve soil health while combatting climate change and protecting clean water, providing direct support to a new generation of farmers and renewed efforts to support farmers and to protect farmland.

This exciting new growth has brought with it an increased need to communicate our impacts, tell farmers’ stories, and amplify the outcomes of our important programming.  In 2021 and beyond, AFT is prioritizing the strengthening of our relationships with AFT’s core constituencies in New England while spreading the word to new audiences about the organization’s mission and work.

The Coordinator will preferably be based in the organization’s New England Office located in Northampton, MA but for the exceptional candidate may be located within elsewhere in New England and work remotely.   While the Communications and Outreach Coordinator will work closely with the New England Regional Director and other staff across the region, they will also work closely with other AFT staff across the country.  This position entails occasional travel within New England (0-6 times per month) and very limited travel outside the region (0-4 times per year).

What You’ll Be Working On

The New England Communications and Outreach Coordinator (Coordinator) assists primarily with communications and outreach but also with supporting roles in program delivery, fundraising and operations for the New England (NE) region of American Farmland Trust (AFT).  They will help advance AFT’s programs across New England, with an emphasis on creative outreach to increase the visibility of, and build support for, the organization’s work. This is a new position that has been created to support new and existing programs in a growing region.  Key highlights of the Coordinator’s duties include:

• Developing and maintaining high quality dynamic communications to elevate the visibility of AFT’s programs.
• Planning and coordinating the growing communications portfolio in New England with regional and national staff.
• Helping to strengthen relationships with AFT’s core constituencies in New England while spreading the word to new audiences about the organization’s mission and work.
• Working as a key member of the New England Regional Team to assure all communications are streamlined, accurate, and of the highest quality.
• Assist with internal team communication and coordination to facilitate efficient program and staff integration.
• Assist the New England Regional Director and other members of the New England team in other areas as necessary to advance AFT’s mission.

The New England Communications and Outreach Coordinator must be highly creative, motivated, entrepreneurial and be a capable problem solver, and must demonstrate that they have:

• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).
• Experience both creating and managing content.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a team environment.
• The ability to communicate effectively with racially and ethnically diverse communities in an inclusive manner.
• An ability to relate to farming and the agricultural community in an inclusive manner, including farms large or small; organic or conventional; urban or rural.
• Excellent organizational skills and be able to bring an increased level of attention to detail and quality to their own communications, and those of their team.

Other specific skills or qualities that are not required, but an applicant should highlight in their application if they have them include:

• Previous experience on farms or in related food and agricultural sectors.
• Formal education in communications or a related field.
• Experience developing and implementing strategies for working with mainstream media.
• Experience with new media and social media strategy and research and experience with a range of online new media and social media platforms.
• Photography or videography experience, including planning and editing.
• Proficiency with computers and software such as Microsoft: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Publisher, Teams and Forms as well as Adobe Creative Suite; Zoom, GoToWebinar, Google Hangouts, etc.

Education & Experience

• At least seven years of work experience in marketing, communications, public policy, or a related field (a college degree in a directly related field may be substituted for up to 4 years of relevant work experience)

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

Ready to apply? If this job sounds like a fit for you, then click on the ‘apply’ button below. Primary consideration will be given to those applicants who submit a completed application (resume and cover letter) by 8:00am on December 21st.