New England Policy Manager

Who We Are

American Farmland Trust (AFT) 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. AFT launched the conservation agriculture movement and continues to raise public awareness through our No Farms, No Food message. Since our founding in 1980, AFT has helped permanently protect nearly 8 million acres of agricultural lands, advanced environmentally sound farming practices on millions of additional acres and supported thousands of farm families. Long a pioneering leader, AFT continues to evolve to meet the needs of farmers and ranchers nationwide, adapting its approach to ensure the continued strength and resilience of agriculture and rural communities nationwide.

Job purpose
The New England Policy Manager advances policies that protect farmland across the region through stakeholder coordination, coalition management, policy research, and strategic communications. This position manages the day-to-day operations of the Working Lands Alliance in Connecticut and supports AFT's policy advocacy efforts throughout New England.

Position Summary
Under the general supervision of the Senior Manager of External Affairs – New England (SMEA), the New England Policy Manager manages Working Lands Alliance operations, coordinates multi-state policy advocacy activities, conducts policy research and analysis, and builds relationships with diverse stakeholders to advance AFT's New England policy platform. This position exercises judgment within defined procedures and policies to determine appropriate action and provides input into annual division objectives and work plans.

Duties and responsibilities

• Working Lands Alliance Management - Connecticut (50%)
• Manage day-to-day activities of Working Lands Alliance (WLA) including collaborating with the Steering Committee to set legislative policy agendas
• Coordinate WLA sub-committee meetings, schedule monthly meetings, prepare meeting materials, agendas, and presentations
• Take meeting notes and manage follow-up communications with stakeholders
• Provide input to annual work plans and coordinate implementation of WLA initiatives
• Manage WLA office space, website contracts, and coordinate lobbying contract administration in Connecticut
• Represent WLA and AFT at Connecticut stakeholder meetings and support AFT's advocacy efforts in the state under guidance of SMEA
• Plan and execute all WLA events including lobby days, WLA's Annual Meeting, Connecticut Agriculture Day and stakeholder retreats
• Execute WLA social media campaigns, regular email updates, and other digital communications
• Draft testimony and organizational sign-on letters of support for key policies and programs
• Prepare public comments to State Agency officials, emails and event invitations to key state leaders and lawmakers

Policy Research and Analysis (15%)

• Research best practices, emerging policy trends, and conduct policy scans in coordination with AFT staff to guide policy development in the region
• Research topics including but not limited to - farmland protection, farmland access, climate disaster relief, renewable energy siting, business technical assistance, and soil health initiatives
• Analyze policy proposals and provide recommendations to SMEA on strategic opportunities
• Monitor legislative developments across New England states and report on key issues
• Draft policy briefs, white papers, and analysis documents (e.g., Option to Purchase at Agricultural Value, PFAS contamination on Farmland, etc.)
• Event Coordination and Execution (15%)
• Plan and execute New England policy events (lobby days, tabling events, etc.)
• Manage all event logistics: reserve event space, coordinate caterers and speakers, send invitations, and coordinate follow-up
• Coordinate programs for diverse stakeholders across multiple formats such as webinars, networking events, and educational workshops
• Evaluate event success and provide recommendations for improvements

Communications and Advocacy Support (15%)

• Draft testimony and organizational sign-on letters of support for key policies and programs
• Prepare public comments to State Agency officials, emails and event invitations to key state leaders and lawmakers
• Develop blogs, press releases, action alerts, and other advocacy documentation
• Communicate key policy initiatives related to farmland protection, farmland access, climate-smart agriculture, smart solar siting, and PFAS contamination to stakeholders, policymakers, and the public
• Assist with content development and delivery for NE Policy
• Respond to inquiries from farmers, landowners, organizations, and the public regarding AFT's policy work

Stakeholder Engagement and Coalition Building (5%)

• Build and maintain relationships with coalition partners, policymakers, and agricultural organizations
• Help build farmer engagement with AFT's policy agenda through phone, email, and attendance at conferences with SMEA
• Coordinate internal meetings and communications to ensure timely completion of program activities

This is not necessarily an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities. Management reserves the right to revise the job or to require other or different duties be performed as assigned.

Required Skills and Competencies:

• Highly organized with demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks, policy issue areas, and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong analytical skills with ability to research complex policy issues and synthesize information for diverse audiences
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to adapt messaging for different stakeholder groups (farmers, policymakers, advocates, public).
• Significant experience in public speaking and group facilitation.
• Committed to creating diverse coalitions and promoting/centering issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion in policy work
• Self-directed with ability to exercise judgment within defined guidelines and work independently with general supervision
• Strong relationship-building skills and ability to work collaboratively with diverse partners
• Experience managing projects and coordinating multiple stakeholders
• Track of record of managing legislative campaigns, lobbying and having leadership in national, state and/or local policymaking processes
• Outgoing, engaging and community-oriented individual who is passionate about agriculture and farmland conservation
• Experience in donor cultivation and completing donor reports.

Technical Skills:

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace (required)
• Experience with Microsoft SharePoint and Teams (preferred)
• Familiarity with Salsa, social media platforms, and web content management (preferred)
• Experience with virtual meeting platforms (Zoom, Teams, etc.)

Policy Knowledge:

• Working knowledge of farmland protection, agriculture, food systems, farmland access, soil health, and/or natural resource conservation.
• Familiarity with coalition management and advocacy strategies

Education & Experience
Required (one of the following):

• Bachelor's degree and 7+ years of professional experience in farmland protection, energy, agricultural conservation, policy advocacy, coalition management, or related field, OR
• Advanced degree in law, public policy, agriculture, sustainable development, climate policy, conservation, farmland protection, or natural resource planning with 5+ years of relevant experience

Preferred:

• Experience working in New England policy landscape
• Experience managing coalitions or multi-stakeholder initiatives
• Background in legislative advocacy or lobbying
• Experience working with agricultural communities
• Lives within 90 mins or within easy reach of Hartford, Connecticut and Boston, Massachusetts

Working Conditions/Travel:

• This is a Connecticut-based position due to regular in-state and regional travel. The role is remote within Connecticut, with required travel to farms, partner sites, meetings, and events across New England.
• Approximately 20% travel is expected, including occasional overnight trips when aligned with AFT outcomes.
• Some evening or weekend work may be required to attend events or meetings.

Direct reports
This position has no supervisory responsibility.

Compensation
$75,000 - $80,000 annually. Actual salary will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and internal equity considerations within the salary range.

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)
• 401k Plan
• Sick Leave: Regular full-time employees accrue 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 twelve fixed holidays and a week between Christmas and New Years off 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

To be considered, applicants must submit a resume, a cover letter explaining why they are the right fit for both AFT and this role and complete all screener questions. Apply Directly Here: New England Policy Manager

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. Please see AFT’s statement on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice.