About Us

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.

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.

Description 

AFT has experienced significant growth over the past five years in terms of volume of projects, number of awards and increased staff. AFT has prioritized the creation of a centralized Project Management Team (PMT) to support cross-functional staff, implement consistent project management methodologies, and ensure the successful achievement of current and future program objectives. AFT currently has the exciting opportunity to hire a Project Coordinator to support assigned projects within one of our National Initiatives, Farms for a New Generation (FNG). This Initiative works toward building the skills and knowledge of service providers across the country to offer direct support to a new, diverse generation of farmers/landowners to enhance farmland protection, land access and transfer. The Project Coordinator will support the PMT Project Manager and FNG Director to ensure the successful achievement of current and future program objectives. The successful candidates will have an interest in exploring the strategic alignment of project management best practices as they relate to the continued transformation of agriculture.

Reporting to the Project Manager assigned to Farms for a New Generation, the Project Coordinator plays a critical role in administrative responsibilities. As an integral part of the Project Management Team, this individual uses financial platforms to ensure timely consultant/sub-awardee payments, effective planning of in-person conferences/events, and general admirative assistance within assigned project teams. In this role, you will work closely with the PMT and FNG team to develop organizational systems and keep projects on track. This position requires occasional travel throughout the US to support programming and attend events.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Project Coordinator will help coordinate cross-functional divisions across AFT and will play a role in communications while supporting roles in program delivery. Key responsibilities include:

• Invoice processing and tracking: You are responsible for drafting forms, processing and followup and act as the main point of contact with payees. This requires excellent organizational skills in tracking multiple invoices and ensuring payees are paid on time.
• Collaborating on developing consulting contracts and MOUs: Utilizing AFT templates, you will collaborate with staff to develop consulting contracts and MOUs, have them reviewed by AFTs legal team, and follow-up with contractors/ sub-awardees.
• Event logistics: Coordinate logistics for program, outreach, and fundraising events including registrations, meals, meeting room rentals, webinar logistics and support, meeting materials, catering, A/V and other support as needed.
• Updating administrative and financial systems.
• Scheduling meetings: For internal AFT and external partnership meetings, you will develop an agenda, take notes, and follow up with individuals to complete action items.
• Operations: Part of the project operations teams to assist with data management, amongst other tasks.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate must be highly creative, collaborative, motivated and entrepreneurial. They must demonstrate that they have:

• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).
• Experience with event planning.
• Experience with office administration.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a team environment.
• Excellent organizational skills and be able to bring an increased level of attention to detail andquality to their own communications.

Other skills and qualities that are not required, but that an applicant should highlight in their application if they have them include:

• Previous experience on farms or in related food and agricultural sectors.
• Experience using financial platforms such as Concur and other accounts payable (AP) platforms.
• Proficiency working in remote environments with software such as MS365 suite, SharePoint,Teams; Zoom, Google Docs, etc.

Education & Experience

• At least two years of work experience in office administration.
• Relevant formal training and/ or a college degree.

Timeline

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled with a candidate review beginning on August 21, 2023, for an anticipated start date of November 15.

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

Ready to apply? If this job sounds like a fit for you, then click on the ‘apply’ button below.  Please answer the screener questions and be sure to include a cover letter and resume to be considered.