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. AFT launched the conservation agriculture movement and continues to raise public awareness through our No Farms, No Food message. 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 supported thousands of farm families. Long a pioneering leader, AFT is now riding a new wave of growth, driven by agriculture’s most pressing needs and opportunities.

The Pacific Northwest Regional Director (Director) position offers an exciting opportunity to help shape and carry out the strategic agenda of a growing, forward-looking conservation organization. The Director will provide strategic leadership for American Farmland Trust’s programs in the Pacific Northwest Region, with an emphasis on Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. 

The Director will report to the Vice President for Programs and will work out of the organization’s office in the State of Washington. The Director will initially be responsible for managing three staff and a network of consultants and a budget of approximately $600,000 with substantial opportunities for growth in the future.  

Duties & Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities for the Pacific Northwest Director will include: 

Programs 

• Develop and lead programs to advance AFT’s mission to save the land that sustains us by protecting farmland, promoting sound farming practices and keeping farmers on the land.  
• Work closely with the Vice President for Programs and National Initiative Leaders to adapt and integrate AFT’s national initiatives with opportunities in the Pacific Northwest Region.  
• Build and manage relationships with external stakeholders including agriculture, food and public health, environment, economic development and other constituencies. 
• Experience working with diverse communities of farmers, landowners, and other stakeholders is preferred.

Fundraising 

• Play a leadership role in fundraising for AFT across the Pacific Northwest Region.
• Coordinate with AFT’s development staff regarding individual and institutional fundraising strategy, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. 
• Develop funding proposals/reports & complete other activities within identified deadlines.

Communications

• Work with AFT’s Communications staff to develop and implement strategies to raise the visibility of the organization’s programs in the Pacific Northwest Region.

Management and Administration 

• Develop annual workplans and budgets for the Pacific Northwest Region. 
• Achieve goals identified in the Pacific Northwest Regional Workplan and staff individual development plans.  
• Supervise and support a team of AFT staff and consultants.
• Manage project budgets, financial statements, and reports.
• Complete other duties as assigned. 

The Director must be outgoing and energetic and have direct professional experience working with primary constituencies, such as farmers, landowners, public officials, agricultural and conservation organizations and land trusts.  The individual must have knowledge of agricultural stewardship and viability, farmland protection, and/or farmland access and farm transfer techniques, preferably in the Pacific Northwest Region.  It is also strongly preferred that the Director has direct experience working with diverse communities of farmers and landowners such as farmers of color, beginning farmers and women landowners.  

The Director must be entrepreneurial, self-motivated, and willing to work in a fast-paced work environment. The successful candidate will have work experience in developing programs as well as creating and executing effective fundraising strategies. Excellent communication skills (public presentation, phone, writing, partner relations) and creativity are essential. Facility with the Microsoft Office is required – additional computer skills preferred. 

• A BA or BS degree and a minimum of 7 years of related work experience in public policy, planning, agriculture, land conservation or natural resource planning. Or, 5 years of related work experience with an advanced degree in one or more of the disciplines noted. 
• Understanding of effective fundraising with individual and institutional funding partners.
• Previous experience with supervising staff and consultants, including from remote locations, is beneficial. 
• Demonstrated experience in developing, implementing, and evaluating projects and budgets. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
• Willingness to work independently and travel across the Pacific Northwest Region.  

Compensation 

American Farmland Trust pays salaries that are competitive with nonprofits of our budget size, and offers meaningful vacation, medical, retirement, and other benefits. 

Please submit a cover letter with a resume for consideration. 

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.