Midwest Program Manager

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 (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. 

Job Purpose

The Program Manager for Watersheds takes an active role in executing the regional producer-led watershed and water quality program strategy and related work plans.  This includes engaging with internal and external partners, tracking deliverables and project budgets, ensuring that invoices and reports are submitted on time, and providing supervision for project staff. 

Position Summary

The Midwest Program Manager position offers an exciting opportunity to help carry out the strategic agenda of a growing, forward-looking conservation organization. S/he will have the opportunity to work across teams within AFT’s Midwest Region, as well as with external partners including farmers, landowners, and agricultural professionals.  This a permanent position that will work to support and build upon AFT producer-led watershed programs in the Midwest, especially in Illinois. The Midwest Program Manager will work with farmers, farmland owners (especially non-operating landowners) as well as state and federal agencies, agricultural service providers, and conservation leaders to provide coordination across diverse groups of partners and programs. Several of the programming is directly supporting the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP).

Duties and Responsibilities

Program Planning and Development / Delivery

• Develop and manage projects to promote sound farming practices, accelerate implementation of Illinois’ Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy, and help farmers combat climate change.

• Develop and launch producer-led watershed programs in priority watersheds in Illinois by engaging with farmer leaders and program partners, and sharing information for a diversity of stakeholders across multiple formats, such as webinars, networking events, educational workshops and field days.

• Manage contracts and memorandums of understanding between partner organizations and ensure successful completion of deliverables.

• Track project activities and outcomes and contribute to project-related reports, including tracking progress for the Regional Conservation Partnership Program.

Internal and External Partner Engagement

• Help build positive relations with the team and external partners.

• Represent AFT at public meetings, field days, and educational events.

Fundraising and budget management

• Develop and manage project budgets, review financial statements and invoices, and develop and submit reports.

• Assist in the development of compelling proposals to federal, state, and private funders to secure funding for priority projects.

Staff Supervision / Management

• Supervise field-based program staff and work with stakeholders to increase adoption of conservation cropping systems, track outreach and education events, and ensure consistent messaging to advance watershed goals. 

Other

• Provide communications staff with content for social media campaigns, regular email updates, and other digital communications, including narratives describing farmers who have successfully transitioned to conservation cropping systems and others engaged in AFT programs.

• 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.

Required Qualifications

The Midwest Program Manager must be entrepreneurial and a self-starter, outgoing and energetic, organized, and capable of working well independently as well as part of a team. 

• BA or BS degree and a minimum of 5-7 years of related work experience in agriculture or watershed/water quality outreach and planning. An advanced degree in one or more of the disciplines noted may substitute for 2 years of work experience.

• Supervisory experience including motivating, leading, setting objectives, and managing budgets and deadlines.

• Direct professional experience working with farmers, non-farming landowners, women, Black, Indigenous, People of Color, or other socially disadvantaged farmers, public officials, agricultural and conservation organizations, commodity groups, and academic institutions. 

• Direct professional experience building networks, partnership development, and organizing events for farmers, landowners, and agricultural professionals.    

• Strong interpersonal skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

• Preferred experience using ArcGIS and other spatial mapping tools.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated commitment to high-quality work.

• Knowledge of the Midwest agricultural landscape, water quality concerns, and key stakeholders. 

• Demonstrated commitment to the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion, and justice, and knowledgeable about how those principles can be effectively applied in practice. 

• Willingness to travel frequently within Illinois (approximately 40% of time), plus occasional travel within the Midwest Region.  

Degree of Supervision

Supervision Received

This role receives Direction, establishing methods and procedures for attaining specific goals and objectives and receiving guidance in terms of broad goals. Only the results of work are typically reviewed.

Supervision Given

This role supervises (1) Midwest Agriculture Specialist and (1) Midwest Watershed Coordinator.

Working Conditions and Travel

This is a full-time remote position, with occasional day travel to locations in the region. Occasional overnight or out-of-state travel may also be required for events such as all-staff meetings.

Compensation

American Farmland Trust offers excellent vacation, medical, retirement and other benefits. The salary range for this position is from $70,000 to $80,000 based upon experience. 

American Farmland Trust offers a full benefits package for full time employees:

• Insurance coverage begins the 1st of the month following the date of hire. 
• Medical & Prescription Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Company Paid Life Insurance & Long-Term Disability (LTD)
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) – Healthcare & Dependent Care
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• 401(k) with 10% match after six months of employment
• Sick Leave: Regular full-time employees accrue 3.5 hours per pay period (13 “sick days” per year).
• Vacation Leave: Accrue 15 days during the first year increasing by one day per year to 20 days per year maximum.
• Holidays: AFT observes eleven fixed holidays during the year (all offices closed) plus a choice of up to three (depending on hiring month) floating holidays.

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
• Remote work opportunity   

 
Please answer the screener questions and be sure to include a resume AND cover letter to be considered. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

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.