Careers

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.

AFT’s New England Regional work has grown significantly over the last two years and has included launching new programs to improve soil health while combating climate change and protecting clean water, providing direct support to a new generation of farmers, and renewed efforts to support farmers and to protect farmland. This growth is expected to continue through launching new programs, bringing on new staff, and building new relationships with farmers, partner organizations, and funders. 

This exciting new growth has brought with it an increased need for implementation and management of soil health action in our climate change and agriculture program.  In 2021 and beyond, AFT is prioritizing its work in regenerative agriculture, expanding our need to do more work on the ground with farmers and other landowners, and prioritizing direct assistance to New England farmers through grantmaking to help address some of the barriers farmers face in New England. The New England Program Coordinator (Program Coordinator) will be integral to AFT’s expansion and support of Regenerative Agriculture in New England, by supporting projects including the New England Farmer Microgrants Program and the recently announced Western New England Regenerative Agriculture Project.

The Program Coordinator will be based within commuting distance of the organization’s New England Office located in Northampton, MA. This position entails limited travel within New England. 

What You’ll Be Working On

As an integral part of the AFT Program team, the New England Program Coordinator will assist in administration of the New England Farmer Microgrants Program, the Western New England Regenerative Agriculture Project, and other administrative duties as assigned (85-90% program administration, 10-15% office administration).

Key highlights of the Program Coordinator’s duties include:

• Work collaboratively with New England staff to manage project implementation and achieve project objectives;
• Manage the administration of the New England Farmer Microgrants Program (NEFMP) under the support and guidance of the New England Program Manager; 
• Assist with the administration of the Western New England Regenerative Agriculture project;
• Support the enhancement of a smooth, accessible, and equity-driven NEFMP application and review process; 
• Assist with responding to farmer and service provider inquiries related to NEFMP and Regenerative Agriculture, and assist with communication and outreach efforts to reach a broad and diverse range of farmers eligible for funding or participation; 
• Manage the NEFMP award payment process and tracking in Microsoft Dynamics; 
• Assist with the organization and logistics of workshops, meetings, and conferences;
• Maintain databases of participants in programs and perform periodic follow-up;
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with agricultural service providers, farmers, and other partners, including regular communication and coordination of project deliverables;
• Coordinate program-related contracts with program staff and headquarters’ administrative and financial division including invoices, expense account reports, and other administrative reports, as necessary;
• Assist with program and project financial reporting and other administrative tasks as assigned;
• Support the needs of the organization’s physical office space in Northampton, MA;
• Support a strong team culture among AFT staff.