Level: Management
Position Type: Full Time
Location: Fully Remote • Hartford, CT - Hartford , CT 06103
Remote Type: Fully Remote
Salary Range: $75,000.00 - $80,000.00 Salary/year
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. AFT launched the conservation agriculture movement and continues to raise public awareness through our No Farms, No Food message. Since our founding in 1980, AFT has helped permanently protect nearly 8 million acres of agricultural lands, advanced environmentally sound farming practices on millions of additional acres and supported thousands of farm families. Long a pioneering leader, AFT continues to evolve to meet the needs of farmers and ranchers nationwide, adapting its approach to ensure the continued strength and resilience of agriculture and rural communities nationwide.
Job purpose
The New England Policy Manager advances policies that protect farmland 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 in Connecticut and supports AFT's policy advocacy efforts throughout New England.
Position Summary
Under the general supervision of the Senior Manager of 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.
Duties and responsibilities
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Working Lands Alliance Management - Connecticut (50%)
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Manage day-to-day activities of Working Lands Alliance (WLA) including collaborating with the Steering Committee to set legislative policy agendas
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Coordinate WLA sub-committee meetings, schedule monthly meetings, prepare meeting materials, agendas, and presentations
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Take meeting notes and manage follow-up communications with stakeholders
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Provide input to annual work plans and coordinate implementation of WLA initiatives
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Manage WLA office space, website contracts, and coordinate lobbying contract administration in Connecticut
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Represent WLA and AFT at Connecticut stakeholder meetings and support AFT's advocacy efforts in the state under guidance of SMEA
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Plan and execute all WLA events including lobby days, WLA's Annual Meeting, Connecticut Agriculture Day and stakeholder retreats
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Execute WLA social media campaigns, regular email updates, and other digital communications
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Draft testimony and organizational sign-on letters of support for key policies and programs
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Prepare public comments to State Agency officials, emails and event invitations to key state leaders and lawmakers
Policy Research and Analysis (15%)
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Research best practices, emerging policy trends, and conduct policy scans in coordination with AFT staff to guide policy development in the region
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Research topics including but not limited to - farmland protection, farmland access, climate disaster relief, renewable energy siting, business technical assistance, and soil health initiatives
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Analyze policy proposals and provide recommendations to SMEA on strategic opportunities
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Monitor legislative developments across New England states and report on key issues
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Draft policy briefs, white papers, and analysis documents (e.g., Option to Purchase at Agricultural Value, PFAS contamination on Farmland, etc.)
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Event Coordination and Execution (15%)
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Plan and execute New England policy events (lobby days, tabling events, etc.)
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Manage all event logistics: reserve event space, coordinate caterers and speakers, send invitations, and coordinate follow-up
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Coordinate programs for diverse stakeholders across multiple formats such as webinars, networking events, and educational workshops
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Evaluate event success and provide recommendations for improvements
Communications and Advocacy Support (15%)
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Draft testimony and organizational sign-on letters of support for key policies and programs
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Prepare public comments to State Agency officials, emails and event invitations to key state leaders and lawmakers
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Develop blogs, press releases, action alerts, and other advocacy documentation
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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
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Assist with content development and delivery for NE Policy
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Respond to inquiries from farmers, landowners, organizations, and the public regarding AFT's policy work
Stakeholder Engagement and Coalition Building (5%)
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Build and maintain relationships with coalition partners, policymakers, and agricultural organizations
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Help build farmer engagement with AFT's policy agenda through phone, email, and attendance at conferences with SMEA
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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.
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