Senior Manager for Grantmaking
Full-time, Remote
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 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. Please see AFT’s statement on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice.
In support of farmers and ranchers, in 2022/2023 AFT awarded roughly two and a half million dollars to more than 350 farmers and ranchers, with the largest number of awards being made within the Brighter Future Fund, AFT’s leading grantmaking program. In 2024 AFT will be shifting the Brighter Future Fund from an individual grant opportunity for farmers to a broader program that covers more of AFT’s grantmaking and acts as an overarching brand for all of AFT’s direct financial support of farmers.
The Position
AFT is seeking its first Senior Manager for Grantmaking to elevate and focus our efforts relative to direct grantmaking to farmers and ranchers. The Sr. Manager will generate high impact strategies and tactics as they help build on our strong growth momentum and stable foundation of grantmaking. An exceptional catalyst and a key externally facing leader, this individual will have four primary roles: 1) Supporting and more fully leveraging our existing grantmaking programs to build AFT’s reputation, visibility, and impact; 2) Helping to articulate the holistic impact of AFT’s grantmaking clearly and concisely in a manner that motivates allies and supporters; 3) Being a thought leader both internally and externally on how AFT and others can best provide direct financial support to farmers to improve their viability; and 4) With the help of others, directly overseeing and administering several key grantmaking programs at AFT.
With the support of other AFT staff, the Sr. Manager will lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive strategy for securing key external alliances to support AFT’s grantmaking by cultivating corporate, institutional, and individual relationships. They will expand and diversify AFT’s reputation and relationships with allied organizations and thought leaders and work closely with other team members.
This role will drive AFT’s externally facing brand and visibility by expanding our presence and relationships with foundations, influencers, corporate partners, the broader philanthropic sector, and other stakeholders. In parallel, this work will support a wide range of AFT programming that seeks to leverage AFT’s ability to provide direct financial assistance to farmers. The Sr. Manager will engage with and work hand in hand with a team of dedicated program, communication, and fundraising staff, both supporting them, and being supported by them.
Key Responsibilities:
Oversee workflow and systems for the Brighter Future Fund (BFF), AFT’s overarching grantmaking program and brand, including specific grant rounds. This will include managing application processes, application evaluation and ranking, communication with grant recipients and unsuccessful applicants, award agreements and participant reporting.
Support the shift of BFF from a narrowly focused grant initiative to a holistic program supporting AFT grantmaking to farmers and ranchers. This will include supporting partner grantmaking efforts such as Real Farmer Care, farm downpayment assistance grants, regional farm viability grants, and more.
Ensure that BFF and other grant programs fulfill AFT’s legal, financial and other obligations while effectively protecting the personal information of participating farmers.
Support the implementation of a recently developed strategy to rebrand BFF.
Work with other AFT program leaders to help increase AFT’s overall direct financial assistance to farmers and ranchers.
Work with program leadership and staff to identify ways direct grantmaking to farmers can advance their work and integrate such approaches into grantmaking.
Work with communications and program staff to craft highly impactful communications (written and spoken communications) that capture the environmental, economic, and human impact of AFT’s grantmaking.
Help assure that AFT’s grantmaking leads the way in meaningful adherence to our diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice commitments.
Oversee limited staff relative to their work on AFT grantmaking.
Proactively support a positive public image, brand, and reputation for the organization.
Collaborate closely with and support AFT’s development staff in their efforts to fundraise for AFT’s grantmaking programs.
Be a representative for AFT and foster relationships with other public and private grantmakers and individuals and institutions in the socially responsible investment community.
Qualifications:
We are seeking an experienced grant maker who has the energy and drive for catalyzing the grantmaking functions at AFT. A strong candidate for this role is a highly organized, process driven resourceful leader who loves to build and foster relationships with others. This dynamic person will be a self-starter with a proven track record of success in grantmaking.
Knowledge, Approach and Know-how:
You are a creative thinker who is comfortable both designing and navigating processes.
You are a consummate team player who knows that a rising tide lifts all boats –that our individual success depends on our teammates; and our teammate’s success depends on us.
You are deeply committed to improving the viability of our nation’s farms and ranches, especially those that are small and medium-sized and those that are underserved.
You understand how grantmaking can either build barriers or bridges, and you are committed to not only building bridges but doing so in a way that advances equity and inclusion.
You are comfortable in a program that is experiencing rapid growth and that has the potential to advance AFT’s mission holistically and substantially.
Nuts and Bolts Experience:
You have demonstrated success managing and forging relationships with multiple external stakeholders including individuals, corporations, foundations and/or government agencies.
You have at least five years of experience in a senior-level or program leadership position, at least 3 of which included grantmaking.
You have a strong knowledge of best practices in grantmaking including an attention to detail with legal, financial and other requirements as well as systems for protecting personal information of participating farmers.
Compensation
American Farmland Trust offers excellent vacation, medical, retirement and other benefits. The salary target for this position is $75,000-85,000 based upon experience.
American Farmland Trust offers a complete benefits package:
Why you should apply:
Timeline
While applications will be accepted until the position is filled, applicants who apply with a resume and cover letter will be given primary consideration. AFT anticipates a target start date for this position in the middle of June through late July, although special accommodation can be made for an ideal candidate.
American Farmland Trust provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, American Farmland Trust complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the organization has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
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