Farm to Institution New York State Associate

Who We Are

American Farmland Trust (AFT) 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. Please see AFT’s statement on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice.

Job purpose  

The Farm to Institution New York State Associate supports food systems and farm to institution initiatives, including the development, execution, and facilitation of the annual NY Farm to School Institute. The Associate works closely with the FINYS manager and FINYS team to plan and implement training programs and Local Food Learning Center educational tools to support NY institutions in expanding their local food purchasing and farmers in expanding their sales to institutions.  

FINYS is an intentional, collaborative initiative led by AFT dedicated to shaping the future of equitable food systems and building the next generation of food system leaders in New York. FINYS strengthens the economic security of farmers and the health of New Yorkers by empowering institutions, empowering farmers, and promoting supportive supply chain connections to increase the number of local foods grown and consumed in New York institutions. 

Position summary  

As an integral part of the AFT team, the FINYS Associate will work within Farm to Institution New York State (FINYS). The Associate plays an important role in fostering connections with farmers and institutional partners, building and maintaining collaborative networks with aligned stakeholders, developing resources for institutions through the Local Food Learning Center, planning and delivering the year-long, annual New York Farm to School Farmer Track for the Institute and providing ongoing coaching and technical assistance to farmers.  The Associate will also support schools and other institutions that are looking to purchase from NYS farmers.   

This is a two-year appointment with possible extension contingent on available work, funding, and performance. 

Duties and responsibilities   

Essential/Primary Duties 

• Provide technical support to farmers and institutions interested in selling and purchasing local New York foods.  
• Support planning and execution of the New York Farm to School Institute, including two in-person trainings and year-long virtual programming.   
• Support facilitation of quarterly Farm to School Institute coach meetings.  
• Design and execute farm to institution workshops, trainings, and other professional development events for schools and farmers, incorporating an equity lens.  
• Coordinate network of alumni Institute participants. 
• Develop, promote, and deliver educational resources as part of the FINYS Local Food Learning Center (LFLC). Research data and conduct interviews for LFLC toolkits and resource materials.   
• Develop and assess evaluation metrics for FINYS educational tools and programs.  
• Assist in FINYS promotion of educational tools and programs, including Institute school team recruitment.  
• Support building FINYS’s presence amongst farmers  

 Secondary/Non-Essential Relevant Duties 

• Organize efforts to progress FINYS program towards anti-racism by building relationships with non-white organizations and stakeholders and incorporating DEIJ work into FINYS programming and resources. 
• Collaborate with other AFT staff to develop farm to institution stories from farmers, institutions, and others by conducting interviews and assist with writing success stories 
• Represent FINYS at farm to institution workshops and training sessions and participate in aligned workgroups and learning communities. 

This role is funded for two years with a likely extension pending additional funding.  

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

Desired Qualifications 

• Demonstrated commitment to or understanding of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, and how these play a role in agriculture and food systems  
• Experience providing technical assistance to farmers; experience providing business technical assistance to farmers who wish to sell to institutions strongly desired 
• Experience designing and facilitating professional development or other educational trainings, specifically for farmers and/or schools or other institutions 
• Experience managing multi-day conferences and events, reviewing venue and A/V contracts, and coordinating caterers and multiple speakers preferred. 
• Knowledge of farm to school. Understanding of school procurement requirements and ability to translate complicated policies into relatable material 
• Understanding of agriculture in NYS 
• A track record of developing and maintaining strong working relationships with and among a diverse group of stakeholders, both internal and external. 
• Ability to work independently with remote supervision as well as collaboratively on multiple projects 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, specifically with an aptitude for public speaking, meeting facilitation, and developing effective public education materials. 
• Facility with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite is required  
• An intellectual curiosity, understanding, and enthusiasm for farm to institution, food systems and AFT’s mission. 
• The ability to communicate effectively with racially and ethnically diverse communities in an inclusive manner and ability to apply an equity lens to the work.     
• Experience with public outreach, community engagement, and communications (digital and/or traditional). 
• Experience both creating and managing print and social media content. 
• Bilingual Spanish desired  

Data shows that women, immigrant, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and other historically resilient job seekers are less likely to apply for jobs when they do not meet all criteria. The AFT NY & NJ team is dedicated to hiring the right fit for this role and committed to a diverse, inclusive work environment because of the value it beings to the work. Applicants are not required to meet 100% of the qualifications listed to be considered for this position. If you meet at least half of the qualifications and have a passion for local agriculture and food systems, we encourage you to apply. 

Education & Experience   

 BA or BS degree and a minimum of 3 years of related work experience in food systems, farm to institution, event planning, agricultural education. Additional work experience or an advanced degree in one or more of the disciplines noted may substitute for these requirements.  

Degree of Supervision 

o General Supervision: The incumbent normally receives little instruction on day-to-day work and receives general instructions on new assignments. 

Working Conditions/Travel

• This job operates in a remote environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers and phones. Occasional work in the evenings or on weekends may be required to meet deadlines.   Employees are expected to have suitable workstations to conduct their job at home or an alternative self-selected office space. 
• Occasional travel across NY state for AFT and partner meeting and institutional and farmer site visits required. Travel will be 5-10% of the role.  

Direct reports  

This position has no management responsibility.  

Compensation

The salary range is from $67,000 to $72,000 for full-time employees, 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 opportunities
• Flexible scheduling

 
Timeline

Applications must include a resume AND cover letter to be considered. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Apply Here. 

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. Please see AFT’s statement on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice.