New York Operations and Program Coordinator

Description

Who We Are

American Farmland Trust is a 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 8 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.

The Position

As an integral member of our New York Agricultural Stewardship team, the Operations and Program Coordinator (OPC) will play a key role in managing farmer-focused education, outreach, and research initiatives throughout New York State. This 3-year position supports AFT’s efforts in soil health, climate, and regenerative agriculture.

The OPC position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the strategic objectives of a dynamic and forward-thinking conservation organization. The role involves collaboration across AFT New York’s programs and with external partners, including farmers, landowners, and agricultural professionals. A primary focus will be on supporting and expanding the Climate Smart Commodities Program in partnership with USDA-NRCS and Truterra. Additional responsibilities will include assisting with managing other similar projects with the Ag Stewardship Team, about 10% of the time.

The New York Agricultural Stewardship Program comprises a dedicated team working across the state to promote working lands stewardship. The OPC will be responsible for managing the daily operations of the program and provide support for outreach and program activities as needed. Reporting to the New York Senior Agricultural Specialist, the OPC will also assist other members of the Agricultural Stewardship team as required.

Responsibilities and Duties: 

• Lead the planning, coordination and execution of virtual and in-person programs, and outreach events, facilitating collaboration among farmers, landowners, technical support providers, and other stakeholders as needed. This includes managing logistics and speakers and curating content, handling registrations, venue arrangements, webinar support, meeting materials, catering, A/V, and other logistical needs. 
• Assist with financial management tasks, including developing and managing consulting contracts, processing invoices, expense reports, and other necessary administrative reports in collaboration with NY Agricultural Stewardship staff and AFT headquarters.
• Support farmers and farm advisors in developing and implementing Soil Health Impact Plans, tracking progress, and reporting outcomes.
• Offer administrative support to New York Agricultural Stewardship staff, including scheduling team calls, maintaining calendar invites, and assisting with new hire onboarding.
• Act as a liaison for local farmers and landowners, providing information on soil health and climate adaptation opportunities available through AFT and its partner organizations, such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service and Soil and Water Conservation Districts.
• Respond to public inquiries, process requests for materials, compile information packets, and coordinate materials for conferences, meetings, workshops, and other outreach events. 
• Participate in regular staff meetings and events, contributing to the strong team culture among AFT staff.
• Perform other tasks as assigned.
   

Qualifications

Qualifications of the Ideal Candidate

The New York Agricultural Stewardship Operations and Program Coordinator must be energetic, organized, and capable of working well both independently and as part of a team.

• A BA or BS degree and a minimum of 3 years of related work experience in office administration and/or operations, contract or grant management, or related fields; or 5 years of experience in lieu of a degree. Knowledge and passion for New York agriculture systems is a plus.
• Experience and comfort interacting with diverse stakeholders including farmers, agricultural landowners, advocates, agency staff, and extension educators
• Must be able to work independently, deliver high quality work in a dynamic organization under time pressure, and bring a collaborative, outgoing, professional, and innovative approach to tackling these issues.
• Experience planning events for agricultural audiences and knowledge of farmer networks and communication platforms is preferred
• Demonstrated project management skills, organizational skills, and experience working in diverse teams of individuals, peers, and partners preferred
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills with demonstrated public speaking and presentation skills
• Commitment to become knowledgeable about the programs and activities of American Farmland Trust
•  This position is part of AFT’s New York Team, which is fully remote. However, a successful candidate will reside in New York state 
• Occasional travel to in person staff meetings is expected
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite is preferred
• Strong editing, writing, filing and proofreading skills are a plus
• Understand that funding for this position is for three years. 

Compensation

The salary ranges from $65,000 to $70,000 for full-time employees, commensurate with experience and qualifications.  

American Farmland Trust offers a complete benefits package:

• 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) 
• 401(k) with 10% match after six months of employment 
• Sick Leave: Regular full-time employees accrue 3.5 hours per pay period (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
• Holidays: The Company observes eleven holidays during the year (all offices closed): plus, choice of 3 other floating holidays depending on hiring date

Timeline

Applications must include a resume AND cover letter to be considered. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Apply directly here. 

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
   

We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, expression or identity, 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 we have 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.