American Farmland Trust Seeks Training and Education Manager

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.

 

Reporting to the Farms for a New Generation (FNG) director, the Training and Education Manager will build professional capacity within and outside of American Farmland Trust to support the equitable and secure transfer of farm and ranch land to a new generation. More than 40 percent of American farmland is owned by seniors aged 65 and older who are likely to retire in the next decade or so meaning 371 million acres or one-third of U.S. farmland is likely to transition to new ownership in the next 15 years. At the same time, a new more diverse generation of farmers is seeking opportunities to access suitable farm and ranch land in communities across the country. This position will lead the design and implementation of experiential training programs to engage networks of service providers to advance knowledge and skills for professionals working directly with farmers, ranchers, and agricultural landowners to ensure the equitable transition of farmland at this critical moment.

 

The Training and Education Manager is responsible for the development and implementation of multi-year, multi-disciplinary training programs that engage professional networks to address the critical need to bring a new, more diverse generation of farmers and ranchers onto the land and to manage it well. The position will work collaboratively within the FNG team as well as with other AFT National Initiatives and Regional Programs and external partners to design, deliver and evaluate trainings and engagement opportunities that build the skills and knowledge of service providers, farmers/ranchers, and agricultural landowners on accessing and transferring land through in-person, virtual and hybrid programs.

 

The successful candidate will be a detail-oriented, adaptable team player who is passionate about teaching and inspiring an equity-centered growth mindset in others."