New England Policy Manager in Northampton, Massachusetts at American Farmland Trust

Who We Are

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.

Job Purpose

The New England Policy Manager advances policies that keep farmers on the land across the region through stakeholder coordination, coalition management, policy research, and strategic communications. This position manages the day-to-day operations of the Working Lands Alliance (an advocacy coalition) in Connecticut and supports AFT’s state policy advocacy throughout New England.

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Senior Manager, External Affairs – New England (SMEA), the New England Policy Manager manages Working Lands Alliance operations, coordinates multi-state policy advocacy activities, conducts policy research and analysis, and builds relationships with diverse stakeholders to advance AFT’s New England policy platform. This position exercises judgment within defined procedures and policies to determine appropriate action and provides input into annual division objectives and work plans. Due to regular visits to the Connecticut Statehouse, we ask all candidates to live within 90 mins of the statehouse.

Duties and Responsibilities

Working Lands Alliance Management – Connecticut (50%)

• Manage day-to-day activities of Working Lands Alliance (WLA) including collaborating with the Steering Committee to set legislative policy agendas

• Coordinate WLA sub-committee meetings, schedule monthly meetings, prepare meeting materials, agendas, and presentations

• Represent WLA and AFT at Connecticut stakeholder meetings and support AFT’s advocacy efforts in the state under guidance of SMEA

• Plan and execute all WLA events including lobby days, WLA’s Annual Meeting, Connecticut Agriculture Day, farm tours, and stakeholder retreats

• Manage meeting notes and follow-up communications with stakeholders

• Provide input to annual work plans and coordinate implementation of WLA initiatives

• Manage WLA administration (office space lease, website hosting contracts, and coordinate lobbying contract administration in Connecticut, etc.)

• Plan and execute WLA social media campaigns, regular email updates, and other digital communications

• Draft testimony and organizational sign-on letters of support for key policies and programs

• Prepare public comments to state agency officials, emails, and event invitations to key state leaders and lawmakers

Policy Research and Analysis – Regional (15%)

• Research best practices, emerging policy trends, and conduct policy scans in coordination with AFT staff to guide policy development in the region

• Research topics including but not limited to farmland protection, farmland access, climate disaster relief, renewable energy siting, business technical assistance, and soil health initiatives

• Analyze policy proposals and provide recommendations to SMEA on strategic opportunities

• Monitor legislative developments across New England states and report on key issues

• Draft policy briefs, white papers, and analysis documents (e.g., Option to Purchase at Agricultural Value, PFAS contamination on farmland, etc.)

Event Coordination and Execution – Regional (15%)

• Plan and execute AFT New England policy outreach events (lobby days, tabling, field visits, etc.)

• Manage all event logistics: reserve event space, coordinate caterers and speakers, send invitations, and coordinate follow-up

• Coordinate programs for diverse stakeholders across multiple formats such as webinars, networking events, and educational workshops

• Evaluate event success and provide recommendations for improvements

Communications and Advocacy Support – Regional (15%)

• Draft testimony and organizational sign-on letters of support for key policies and programs

• Prepare public comments to state agency officials, emails, and event invitations to key state leaders and lawmakers

• Develop blogs, press releases, action alerts, and other advocacy documentation

• Communicate key policy initiatives related to farmland protection, farmland access, climate-smart agriculture, smart solar siting, and PFAS contamination to stakeholders, policymakers, and the public

• Respond to inquiries from farmers, landowners, organizations, and the public regarding AFT’s policy work

Stakeholder Engagement – Regional (5%)

• Build and maintain relationships with coalition partners, policymakers, and agricultural organizations

• Help build farmer engagement with AFT’s policy agenda through phone, email, and attendance at conferences with SMEA

• Coordinate internal meetings and communications to ensure timely completion of program activities

This is not necessarily an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities. Management reserves the right to revise the job or to require other or different duties be performed as assigned.