New York Policy Manager

Description

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 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 on our website. 

The Position 
Reporting to the New York & New Jersey Regional Director, the New York Policy Manager manages staff, consultants, and interns and works closely with the New York staff, the AFT Policy team and external partners to advocate for policies and programs that save the land that sustains us. As an integral part of the AFT Program team, the New York Policy Manager supports broader efforts to develop and grow these programs. They will have the opportunity to work across teams throughout AFT, as well as with external partners including state and local government officials, farmers, landowners, agricultural professionals, and institutional leaders.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with state officials, leaders of agricultural and conservation organizations, food and community groups and others;
• Organizing and leading coalitions including the New York Grown Food for New York Kids and Alliance for New York Farmland coalitions to advance policy priorities and coordinating grassroots advocacy among local governments, land trusts, farm and food organizations and others;
• Advocating for policies and programs related to AFT’s mission such as permanently protecting farmland in New York, helping farmers mitigate and adapt to climate change and protect water quality, incentivize institutional purchasing of New York grown products, encourage smart solar siting, and advocating for programs to support a new generation of farmers in accessing and transferring farmland in NY;
• Leading advocacy meetings with elected officials and testifying before committees 
• Preparing reports, one-pagers, testimony, coalition letters and other communications materials to support policy priorities and advocacy; developing meeting agendas and presentations; and conducting follow-up communications;
• Leading a team to organize and hold advocacy days in Albany, including logistics of scheduling stakeholder meetings with legislators, preparing pre-meeting agenda and securing speakers and preparing event materials;  
• Representing the organization before public agencies, policy makers, and community stakeholders in public meetings, the media, conferences and other events;
• Drafting and refining press statements and being interviewed by members of the media on behalf of AFT and coalitions;
• Conducting policy research and developing publications to advance policy goals, such as farm to institution, farmland protection, farmland access, solar siting, and soil health initiatives that help farmers combat climate change;
• Helping to coordinate programs for a diversity of stakeholders across multiple formats, such as webinars, networking events, and educational workshops;
• Assisting with content development and delivery for social media campaigns, virtual lobby days, regular email updates, and other digital communications;
• Working with AFT staff, consultants, and the Development Division to develop grant proposals and secure funds for initiatives and projects, as well as grant reporting;
• Explore policy priorities in New Jersey; 
• Advancing AFT’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) efforts both internally and externally 
• Other duties as assigned. 
   

Qualifications

• Demonstrated commitment to or understanding of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, and how these play a role in agriculture and food systems;
• Able to build strong relationships and comfortable regularly interacting with a variety of stakeholders - including elected officials and their staff; state leaders; farmers; organizations in the agricultural, environmental, education, public health, and renewable energy sectors;  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including proven research skills and ability to summarize difficult concepts succinctly;  
• Proven experience in collaborating with diverse partners to advance policy goals is valuable, along with the ability to lead and support policy coalitions; 
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office, Teams and SharePoint; experience with web design, Salsa, and social media are preferred; 
• Familiarity with state legislative session and policy making process is required and familiarity with federal and/or local policy making process is desirable;  
• Experience with event planning is desirable; 
• Willingness to travel to attend meetings and conferences both regionally and statewide; and 
• Must be willing to work independently and remotely. 
• Preference will be given to candidates located within 60-mile radius of Albany, NY 

Education and Experience
BA or BS degree and 4+ years of related work experience in political science, public policy, agriculture, environment, land conservation, food studies or natural resource planning. An advanced degree in one or more of the disciplines noted may substitute for one year of work experience. 

    
Travel
This position requires travel to meetings and conferences both within New York State and also out of state; some travel will be overnight.  During the legislative session (January to June), travel to Albany will be frequent. Travel will account for approximately 20% of positions time.  A valid drivers license is required.  All travel expenses will be covered, including mileage reimbursement at federal milage rate, car rental, air fare, hotel and meals.  

Working Conditions
This job operates in a teleworking environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment, such as computers and phones. Occasional work in the evenings or on weekends may be required to meet deadlines. Employees are expected to have suitable workstations to conduct their job at home or an alternative self-selected office space.

Compensation
American Farmland Trust offers excellent vacation, medical, retirement and other benefits. The salary range for this position is from $75,000 to $80,000 based upon experience. 

American Farmland Trust offers a full benefits package for full time employees:

• Insurance coverage begins the 1st of the month following the date of hire.
• 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 maximum.
• Holidays: AFT observes eleven fixed holidays during the year (all offices closed) plus a choice of up to three (depending on hiring month) floating holidays.

To Apply
Please submit a resume and cover letter telling us how your experience makes you an excellent candidate and what excites you about this position to be considered for this role. Apply Here. 

Data shows that women, gender nonbinary or nonconforming, immigrant, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and other historically resilient job seekers are less likely to apply for jobs when they do not meet all criteria. AFT is dedicated to hiring the right fit for this role and committed to a diverse, inclusive work environment. Applicants are not required to meet 100% of the qualifications listed to be considered for this position. If you meet at least half of the qualifications and have a passion for NY agriculture and food systems, we encourage you to apply. 

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.