American Farmland Trust: Southeast Outreach and Education Coordinator

• Strengthen relationships between Historically Underserved Producers and NRCS technical and financial support programs in the Southeast.
• Develop state-specific communications strategies for Alabama, Missouri, and Virginia that explain NRCS programs from the perspective of Historically Underserved Producers and assist with communications material development
• Build relationships of mutual trust, empathy and understanding between Historically Underserved producers, communities, and NRCS and partners.
• Work with Southeast regional staff and partners to develop a needs assessment to identify the current conservation program needs on Historically Underserved Producers
• Convene regular partner meetings and maintain strong relationships with partners and producers
• Collaborate with key partners to plan and host field days for Historically Underserved Producers
• Work with Southeast regional staff and partners to evaluate outreach and education efforts and their effectiveness
• Engage directly with producers to support access and adoption of conservation programs and practices

• Support the development of additional farmer-focused financial and technical assistance programming in the Southeast in collaboration with external partners and AFT’s Southeast team

• Maintain records of deliverables and assist with grant project reporting to NRCS
• Laise with local/regional market, non-profit, and underserved-serving organizations to leverage resources and expand collaborative project impact
• Contribute expertise and collaboration on other aspects of the primary funded project, and engage in other AFT projects to contribute expertise, as needed
• Contribute to strategy, gaps, and next actions development to enable fundraising for scaling up of impact and/or funding continuation beyond the current grant project
• Disseminate results and updates professionally and confidently from the project through public facing presentations

The Southeast Outreach and Education Coordinator must be highly motivated and entrepreneurial problem solver. They should be personable and eager to collaborate with diverse audiences and other clientele. This position requires on the ground expertise working with HU audiences and should have a proven track record of successful implement programs within this area. The ideal candidate should have existing experience and connections with farming community and/or NRCS programs and Extension. Relevant experience working with diverse population is critical for the success on this position. Excellent communication skills (meeting facilitation, phone, writing, partner relations), record keeping, and task management are essential to this position. The potential candidate must have knowledge skills and abilities in the following areas:

• Experience working remotely and other virtual platforms
• Have agriculture experience and understands agricultural conservation practices and USDA farm bill programs
• Strong compassion and empathy – Diversity Equity Inclusion and Justice (DEIJ) training and/or experience and desire to drive positive DEIJ impact
• Experience working with Historically Underserved audiences, preferably in field of agriculture and/or conservation
• Both an independent and proactive worker and team member who will complete deliverables in both individual deliverable and broadly collaborative deliverable settings on time
• Flexible and willing to grow and contribute skills as needed to a growing and changing team
• Experience building networks and managing networks though being (primarily) remote
• Experience with training and developing educational materials
• Ability to provide technical assistance towards diverse audiences and to help producers enroll NRCS programs.
• Experience with Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) conservation planning
• Ability to communicate in an engaging and clear manner to a variety of audiences
• Highly organized with excellent communication skills and the ability to juggle, navigate, and deliver on time
• Knowledge and understanding of USDA farm bill programs and experience with helping producers with materials towards applications

Expectations:

• Experience collaborating with diverse clientele.
• Live within the region (AL or TN)
• Interstate travel required (30-40%)
• Remote work environment

Education & Experience:

At least 3-5 years of professional experience, working on or with farms related to land stewardship or land management positions or a college degree in Agriculture, Natural Resources or a related field.

Timeline:

All applicants must submit a cover letter with a resume or CV to be fully considered. While applications will be accepted until the position is filled, applicants who apply with a resume or CV and cover letter by May 17th will be reviewed first.