National Policy Director

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 7 million acres of agricultural lands, advanced environmentally-sound farming practices on millions of additional acres, and supported thousands of farm families by improving farm viability and farmland access. Long a pioneering leader, AFT is now riding a new wave of growth, driven by agriculture’s most pressing needs and opportunities.

Position Summary:

AFT has historically played an outsized role in the development of agricultural policy. At the federal level, AFT led the effort that incorporated a Conservation Title into the 1985 Farm Bill. AFT has also worked actively on other titles of the Farm Bill and on other federal issues, including farm viability, farmland access, and tax policies. At the state level, AFT had a direct role in the creation of 30 farmland protection programs and numerous current use taxation programs—and has successfully championed a wide range of legislation that has advanced conservation practice adoption, farmland retention and access, and farm viability.

AFT is currently preparing a multiyear strategy aimed at advancing agricultural policy at both the state and federal level, including through the next Farm Bill. To achieve these goals, AFT has been expanding its policy team, which currently includes the Vice President of Policy, Senior Policy Advisor, Senior Policy Manager for Conservation & Energy, and Farm Viability Policy Manager, as well as additional policy staff in several states/regions, and consultant support. We are seeking a National Policy Director to expand synergies between our state and federal policy work, increase the capacity of the national team, and provide additional strategic leadership and management.

Reporting to the Vice President of Policy, the National Policy Director position offers an exciting opportunity to shape and carry out the policy agenda of a growing, forward-looking agricultural conservation organization. In addition to working with AFT’s federal and regional/state policy teams, this role will work closely with AFT’s program, communications, and research staff.

This position is not place-based and can be performed remotely. However, if performed remotely, applicants should expect to occasionally travel (15%) for key meetings, stakeholder engagements, board meetings, etc.

Qualifications:

Strong desire to advance AFT’s mission by developing supportive policy grounded in research findings.

Proven track record of delivering superior results and assuming leadership roles in advancing policy.

Knowledge of state and/or federal legislative processes as well as state and/or federal agency policy-making processes.

Demonstrated strategic planning and project management skills and experience collaborating with teams of colleagues, staff, and partners with flexibility and creativity.

Experience in developing partnerships with relevant stakeholders, such as farmers and ranchers, non-profits, the scientific community, corporations, and government agencies.

Skill in translating complex issues and policy to audiences in writing as well as through meetings and presentations.

Desire to work as part of a highly collaborative team that values communication, transparency, and constructive debate.

Strong writing and editing skills, including real-time group editing of documents.

Willingness to work around a demanding schedule and deadlines.

Self-motivated, organized, and able to stay on task when managing multiple projects.

Commitment to expanding representation within AFT and across the agriculture and food system.

Ability to travel throughout country as needed (up to 15%).

If appropriate, ability to work effectively from home.

Desired Qualifications:

Familiarity with state and/or federal agricultural programs related to conservation, farmland protection, farm viability, and/or farmland access.

Experience in state policy development, implementation, or advocacy.

Existing relationships with relevant national or regional stakeholder groups, legislative staff, and/or agency staff.

Budget development and management of projects and programs.

Education & Experience:

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field such as public policy, political science, agriculture, or environmental science.

At least 10 years of total experience in state and/or federal policy, with 6 years relevant to agricultural viability, conservation, and/or farmland protection (experience can be substituted with post graduate degrees, fellowships, leadership programs, etc.).

Compensation:

The salary for this role is $120,000 annually.

Tagged as: Law/Policy