JOB DESCRIPTION

Who We Are

American Farmland Trust (AFT) is the only national organization taking a holistic approach to agriculture — protecting farmland, promoting sound farming practices, and supporting farmers and ranchers. Since 1980, AFT has permanently protected nearly 8 million acres of farmland, advanced environmentally sound practices on millions more, and supported thousands of farm families. A pioneer of the conservation agriculture movement, AFT continues to evolve to strengthen agriculture and rural communities nationwide.

Job Purpose

The Farms for a New Generation (FNG) Director provides strategic leadership for AFT's national initiative to ensure the successful transfer of farms and ranches to the next generation. This role galvanizes efforts across AFT and with external partners so FNG programming is impactful and sustainable at a national scale.

Position Summary

The FNG Director leads efforts to expand equitable land access for new and beginning farmers, while supporting retiring producers in transitions that honor legacy and values. The Director manages a team and budget, coordinates multi-division projects, cultivates partnerships, and develops funding opportunities. They also represent AFT nationally, provide thought leadership, and ensure programming advances diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Project Management

• Develop and lead FNG programming aligned with AFT's mission and strategy.
• Collaborate across AFT divisions on program strategy, projects, and implementation.
• Oversee annual workplans, budgets, and reporting.
• Advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in programs and partnerships.

Fundraising & Budget Management

• Lead fundraising for FNG programs in partnership with AFT's development team.
• Cultivate and steward funders, write proposals, and manage reporting.
• Oversee FNG and cross-division project budgets.

People Management

• Supervise and support FNG staff, fostering an inclusive, collaborative team culture.
• Set performance goals, conduct evaluations, and manage hiring/onboarding.
• Serve as a conduit between staff and leadership, sharing feedback and embodying organizational values.
• Support cross-division collaboration and inform process improvements.

External Partnerships & Thought Leadership

• Cultivate relationships with partners, funders, and stakeholders.
• Provide national visibility for AFT at conferences, workshops, and events.
• Contribute to communications, metrics, and reporting of program impacts.

Qualifications

• Visionary and strategic leadership skills with attention to detail.
• Experience directing complex, multi-year programs and budgets.
• Successful record managing projects from $100K to multi-million-dollar scale.
• Proven fundraising success with USDA and other institutional funders; experience with individual and corporate donors preferred.
• Expertise in land access and farm/ranch succession policies and programs; knowledge of farmland protection is a plus.
• Experience working directly with new, beginning, and/or retiring farmers.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Experience managing staff and contractors in-person and remotely.
• Ability to juggle multiple priorities and deadlines with flexibility and good humor.
• Passion for AFT's mission.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (advanced degree may substitute for 2 years' experience).
• At least 8 years of relevant professional experience, including 3 years in senior management.
• On-farm agricultural experience preferred.
• Fluency in an additional language common in U.S. agriculture (e.g., Spanish, Hmong, Somali) is a plus.

Working Conditions & Travel

• Primarily remote; hybrid schedule if near an AFT office (Saratoga Springs, NY; Washington, DC; Northampton, MA).
• Occasional evening/weekend work required.
• Travel 10–20% for training, conferences, and partnerships.

Supervisory Responsibility

• Oversees a team of six program staff (three direct reports), contractors, and cross-division collaborators.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $120,000 – $130,000 annually.
• Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, LTD, FSA/HSA options, 401k plan, sick leave, vacation leave (15 days first year, up to 20 max), 12 holidays plus a winter break, and floating holidays.

To view the full job advertisement and apply, please visit: Farms for a New Generation Director

Apply Here

PI277896766