Wednesday, August 2, 2017

NEW YORK STATE DEPUTY DIRECTOR, American Farmland Trust

NEW YORK STATE DEPUTY DIRECTOR
American Farmland Trust
Saratoga Springs, NY

American Farmland Trust is the largest national organization dedicated to saving the land that sustains us by protecting farmland, promoting sound farming practices and keeping farmers on the land.  AFT works from 'kitchen tables to Congress' - tailoring solutions that are effective for farmers and communities and can be magnified for greater impact.  Since our founding, AFT has helped protect more than 5 million acres of farmland and led the way for the adoption of conservation practices on millions more.

The position of New York State Deputy Director offers an exciting opportunity to help shape and carry out the strategic agenda of a growing, forward-looking conservation organization. The Deputy Director will work with AFT staff, consultants and external partners to provide strategic leadership and management for American Farmland Trust's programs in New York.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Deputy Director will be based in the organization's New York State Office in Saratoga Springs and expected to travel throughout the state.  Primary responsibilities will include:

Programs:
*Works with the State Director and other AFT staff to develop and lead programs to advance AFT's mission - including Protecting Farmland, Promoting Sound Farming Practices and Keeping Farmers on the Land.
*Provides primary leadership for AFT's programs to aid beginning farmers in securing access to land, and transferring farms to the next generation in the Hudson Valley and other regions of New York.
*Builds and manages relationships with external stakeholders including agriculture, food and public health, environment, economic development and other constituencies.
*Promotes AFT and the organization's work through diverse communication's strategies; in coordination with Regional and National Staff.

Fundraising:
*Plays a leadership role in fundraising for AFT in New York including coordination with National Staff regarding individual and institutional fundraising strategy, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship.
*Fosters an impactful role and meaningful relationship with AFT's New York Council in advancing the organization's mission;

Management and Administration:
*Works with National Staff to coordinate the achievement of stated outcomes in alignment with national strategic goals and outcomes.
*Supervises and supports a diverse team of AFT staff and consultants;
*Manages project budgets, financial statements and reports;
*Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
The New York State Deputy Director must be outgoing and energetic and have direct professional experience working with diverse constituencies, such as farmers, landowners, public officials, agricultural, public health, economic development and conservation organizations, academic institutions and land trusts.  The individual must have knowledge of farmland conservation, access and transfer methods, local food economy development, and/or natural resources conservation techniques, preferably as applied within New York.  In particular, skills and experience in programs aimed at bringing a new generation of farmers on to the land will be highly important.

The Deputy Director must be entrepreneurial, self-motivated, a good people manager and appropriately out-going.  The successful candidate will have work experience in developing program concepts 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.
*Demonstrated experience with public policy initiatives is preferred.

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

To apply, send letter, salary requirements, and resume to Tammey Holtby at tholtby@farmland.org  No phone calls please.

American Farmland Trust is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse workplace and does not discriminate in its employment decisions.

https://www.farmland.org/careers/new-york-state-deputy-director


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