American Farmland Trust Seeks Policy Associate

Reporting to the New England Policy Manager, AFT is seeking a Policy Associate in the region to increase our capacity to advance policies that save farmland, promote sound farming practices, and keep farmers on the land. This position is remote, but the candidate must be located within New England, and will, preferably be based in Maine.

This is an exciting opportunity to help carry out the policy agenda of a growing, forward-thinking, agricultural conservation organization. This exceptionally organized and highly motivated individual will have two primary roles: 1. Advocating for and advancing policies that save the land that sustains us and 2. Supporting the New England Policy Manager and other regional staff with coordination, outreach, regular communications, and providing research to key stakeholders. Under the guidance of the New England Policy Manager, the Policy Associate will create a detailed advocacy strategy for AFT New England’s policy work in Maine

coordinate and elevate the Working Lands Alliance project in Connecticut

and play a supportive role in advancing policy work that is being led by key regional partners whose mission aligns with AFT.

 

The ideal candidate will be knowledgeable about agriculture, energy, and farmland protection policy in New England and will be an experienced collaborator. This supportive role will aid the New England policy team in expanding and diversifying AFT’s reputation and relationships with allied organizations, policymakers, State Department of Agriculture officials, farmers, and thought leaders. They will also work closely with other AFT team members on both the New England team and the Federal Policy Team. This role will communicate key policy initiatives related but not limited to farmland protection, farmland access, climate-smart agriculture and soil health, smart solar siting, and PFAS contamination in farmland to stakeholders, policymakers, and the public.

 

We are seeking a highly motivated individual who shares in our passion to advance conservation and agricultural policies in the region. A strong candidate for this role is a versatile and persuasive writer, detail and task oriented, collaborative in nature and is good at building and maintaining relationships with others. This individual will have experience coordinating group meetings, setting agendas, taking minutes, and is timely in meeting follow-up. Candidates that are based in Maine, understand Maine agriculture, energy policy, and farmland protection, or have experience working on public policy in Maine with be prioritized.

 

The position requires travel around New England to attend conferences and events, conduct partner and community outreach, and host technical assistance workshops, but such travel is not more than 25% of the time. In addition, infrequent overnight travel or travel to other national locations may be required when directly connected to AFT outcomes.

 

American Farmland Trust offers excellent vacation, medical, retirement, and other benefits. The salary range for this position is from $52,000 - $57,000 depending on experience.