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 Mid-Atlantic Operations and Program Coordinator (OPC) position offers an exciting opportunity to help carry out the strategic agenda of a growing, forward-looking conservation organization. The OPC will have the opportunity to work across programs within AFT’s Mid-Atlantic Region, as well as with external partners including farmers, landowners, and agricultural professionals. This position will work to support and build upon AFT programs in the Mid-Atlantic, providing additional operations and program assistance as AFT’s Mid-Atlantic portfolio evolves.

AFT’s Mid-Atlantic Region includes staff working in Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Our team works with farmers, landowners and partner organizations to implement programming focused on farm stewardship, farm viability, and farmland protection.

The OPC is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the Mid-Atlantic Regional program and assisting with outreach and program operations in the region. The OPC will work under the supervision of the Mid-Atlantic Senior Program Manager, and as directed, will provide support to other staff in the Mid-Atlantic Region.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Coordinate logistics for virtual and in-person program, outreach, and fundraising events including registrations, meeting room rentals, webinar logistics and support, meeting materials, catering, A/V, and other support as needed.

  • Assist and support program staff with outreach events, including coordinating tabling supplies and representing AFT at events as needed.

  • Provide administrative support to Mid-Atlantic staff. This support includes, but is not limited to, scheduling team calls, maintaining calendar invites, and new hire on-boarding.

  • Assist with financial management: coordinating consulting contracts with MA staff and headquarters’ administrative and financial division; providing support for invoices, expense account reports, and other administrative reports as necessary.

  • Work with MA staff in responding to public inquiries, processing requests for materials, compiling information packets for distribution, and coordinating materials for conferences, meetings, workshops and fundraising visits.

  • Work on other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

The Mid-Atlantic Operations and Program Coordinator must be energetic, organized, and capable of working well both independently and as part of a team.

  • Experience and comfort interacting with diverse stakeholders including farmers, agricultural landowners, advocates, agency staff, and extension educators

  • Ability to thrive, be flexible and humble, and deliver high quality outcomes in a dynamic, growing organization often under time pressure.

  • Experience with event planning and execution is strongly preferred

  • Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills with demonstrated public speaking and presentation skills.

  • Demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple tasks, stay organized and follow through and seek support when needed

  • Ability to communicate effectively with the public and staff

  • Organized and detail-oriented with demonstrated commitment to high quality professional work

  • Commitment to become knowledgeable about the programs and activities of American Farmland Trust

  • Willingness to undertake limited work travel.

  • A BA or BS degree and a minimum of 3 years of related work experience in office administration and/or operations, contract or grant management, or related fields; or 5 years of experience in lieu of a degree. Knowledge and passion for Mid-Atlantic agriculture systems is a plus.

  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite is preferred

  • Strong editing, writing, filing and proofreading skills are a plus

Compensation

The salary range is from $60,000 to 65,000. Salary is 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 opportunities
  • Flexible scheduling

Timeline

Applications must include a resume AND cover letter to be considered. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

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.