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.

Reporting to the Pacific Northwest Regional Director, the Pacific Northwest Policy Manager develops and implements AFT’s policy priorities and strategies in Washington and Oregon, and advocates for policies and programs which permanently protect farmland, help farmers mitigate and adapt to climate change and protect water quality, encourage smart solar siting, and support beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers in accessing and transferring farmland.

What You’ll Be Working On

As an integral part of the AFT Programs team, the Pacific Northwest Policy Manager works in coalition with AFT’s partners in Washington and Oregon to effect change at both the state and local levels. The policy manager will build relationships with policy makers, seek to understand the status of existing zoning, funding streams, and farmland protection programs, develop and advocate for policy changes, track pertinent legislation, and identify opportunities to work in concert with like-minded organizations. The policy manager will coordinate all research and legislative and administrative policy development, coalition building, and legislative outreach. 

Other essential duties include but are not limited to:

• Cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with state and federal officials, leaders of agricultural and conservation organizations, food and community groups and others.
• Analyzing state and local legislation, budgets, and administrative rules as well as conduct research to develop and advance AFT’s policy positions.
• Organizing coalitions to advance policy priorities and coordinate grassroots advocacy among local governments, land trusts, farm and food organizations and others.?? 
• Leading advocacy meetings and testify before committees including preparing reports, one-pagers, testimony, coalition letters and other communications materials to support policy priorities and advocacy; develop meeting agendas and presentations; and conduct follow-up communications.
• Representing the organization before public agencies, policy makers, and community. stakeholders in public meetings, the media, conferences and other events.
• Organizing outreach among partner organizations and coalitions to state and federal leaders in support for key policies and programs.
• Developing events and other activities to engage key state leaders and lawmakers.? 
• Monitoring local and regional land use planning processes and provide comments and advocacy for farmland protections as necessary. 
• Providing technical assistance to local governments on farmland protection and smart solar siting.
• Representing AFT to relevant committees and coalitions.  
• Representing AFT at policy conferences, hearings, and other forums as appropriate. 
• Communicating regularly with the AFT staff throughout the country on policy strategy and priorities. 
• Other duties as assigned or directed.

The ideal candidate is comfortable regularly interacting with a diverse audience, including elected officials and their staff; state leaders; farmers; organizations in the agricultural, environmental, and renewable energy sectors; and others, and possess: 

• Excellent research, writing, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to summarize difficult concepts succinctly.
• Proven experience in collaborating with diverse partners to advance policy goals, along with the ability to lead and support policy coalitions.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple tasks, stay organized and work independently
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office, Teams and SharePoint; experience with web design, Salsa, and social media are preferred.? 
• Familiarity with federal, state and local policy making processes.
• Willingness to attend meetings and conferences both regionally and statewide
• Agricultural or conservation background desirable but not necessary.
• Sound judgment, discretion and ability to maintain confidentiality.

Proximity to Olympia, WA or Salem, OR preferred.

Education & Experience

• 5+ years of related work experience in political science, public policy, agriculture, environment, land conservation or natural resource planning. An academic degree in one or more of the disciplines noted may substitute for one year of work experience.
• Prior knowledge of land use policy, agriculture, and conservation issues in the Pacific Northwest preferred. 

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 including health insurance, PTO, Flexible Spending Accounts, a10% 401K employer contribution and more.
• Remote work opportunities
• Flexible scheduling

Salary range: $60,000 - $65,000.

Ready to apply? If this job sounds like a fit for you, then click on the ‘apply’ button below.