Sr. Manager for External Relations

Senior Manager for External Relations

Full-time, Remote w/in New England

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 through programs that increase farm viability and enhance farmland access. AFT is now riding a wave of growth, driven by agriculture’s pressing needs and opportunities.

Programming across the country, especially within New England, has grown exponentially, focusing on supporting, building relationships with, and deeply connecting to farmers, thought leaders, and policymakers across the region as we seek transformative change in our agricultural systems.

We believe diversity drives innovation. We are inclusive. We embrace differences. We recognize and respect the value and dignity of all employees. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels empowered to bring their authentic selves to work every day. Please see AFT’s statement on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice.

The Position

The New England Senior Manager for External Relations will inform, elevate, focus, and coordinate regional strategy and communications to serve high-level program, policy, and funding partners. The Sr. Manager collaborates with AFT New England Program Leadership to drive meaningful strategic growth, program impact, and establish positive market perception.

Responsibilities center on two primary roles:

1. Articulate, curate, and maintain an external message about the vision, goals, and impact of AFT’s work clearly and concisely in a way that inspires and motivates allies and supporters.
2. Sustain, deepen, and cultivate key relationships to build AFT’s reputation, visibility, and impact.

The Sr. Manager will provide a unique blend of communications skills, operations capacity, and program strategy to deepen relationships, strengthen the brand, and grow impactful collaborations that support the AFT NE program. The Sr. Manager will work with regional leadership and staff to understand and articulate the strategies, tactics, goals, and objectives of major programs within the region, including policy. They will also collaborate with AFT’s New England Philanthropy Officer and national development staff to create and implement a strategic communications plan.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage, deepen, and cultivate key relationships to build AFT’s reputation, visibility, and impact.
• Craft and deliver strategic messaging about AFT’s work to inspire and motivate allies and supporters.
• Support and maintain high-impact external program relationships, leading a portfolio of 8-10 key relationships.
• Oversee and guide the development and implementation of a strategic communications and outreach strategy that generates impactful partnerships and supports fundraising.
• Supervise the NE Communications and Outreach Manager’s contributions to the above strategy.
• Develop and hone key program messages for external audiences, including donors, funders, and policymakers.
• Support NE program staff in strengthening external program relationships.
• Train and support staff to incorporate key program messages in external engagements.
• Support the NE Team with strategy, talking points, marketing visuals, and tasks to advance key opportunities.

Qualifications

We seek an experienced communicator and strategist with the energy and drive for catalyzing external relations at AFT in New England. A strong candidate will be a terrific public speaker, persuasive writer, and entrepreneurial leader who excels in building relationships and representing the program.

Knowledge, Approach, and Know-how

• Creative thinker who understands people, issues, and audiences.
• Energized by engaging key thought leaders and stakeholders.
• Team player who understands the value of collaboration.
• Problem-solver excited by challenges and experimentation.
• Committed to leveraging conservation work, public policy, and communications to build support.
• Passionate about AFT’s vision and mission.
• Generalist in external relations and development with a willingness to support the team.
• Experienced in managing multiple tasks and projects with ease.

Nuts and Bolts Experience

• Demonstrated success managing and forging relationships with stakeholders.
• Proven experience growing an organization’s reputation, partnerships, and revenue.
• At least five years of experience in senior-level development and/or external affairs/communications roles.
• Experience managing communications and outreach staff.
• Knowledge of public relations, business development, and partnership strategies.
• Experience in fundraising, including corporate and private foundations.

Compensation

The salary range is from $85,000 – $95,000, based on experience.

American Farmland Trust offers a full benefits package for full-time employees:

• 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: 13 sick days per year
• Vacation Leave: Accrue 15 days in the first year, increasing to a maximum of 20 days per year
• 11 fixed holidays plus up to three floating holidays depending on the hiring month

Why You Should Apply

• Be a part of a purpose-driven, knowledgeable, and fun team.
• Diverse and inclusive work environment.
• A cause and mission you can be proud of.
• Competitive compensation and 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.

Equal Opportunity Employment

We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. AFT complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment across all locations. This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions.