Director, Pacific Northwest Region

~ The mission of American Farmland Trust (AFT) is 'Saving the Land That Sustains Us' by protecting farmland, promoting sound farming practices, and keeping farmers on the land. Since our founding in 1980, the organization has helped protect more than 5 million acres of our country's working lands. ~

Position Overview 

The Pacific Northwest Director is responsible for representing
the organization in advancing its mission in the Pacific Northwest Region, which
includes the states of Washington, Oregon and Idaho, and serves under the
direction of the Vice President, Programs. Pacific Northwest office currently
is in Seattle, WA. 

Responsibilities 

Management and Field activities:  

• Work with AFT's management
  team and supporting departments including program, policy, communications,
  development, finance and legal;
• Develop and oversee all field
  projects and activities in the region, including identifying opportunities
  for AFT services at the local, state and regional levels;
• Manage a staff of two to
  six people assigned to projects;
• Create and maintain strong
  relationships with key leaders in agriculture, environmental,
  conservation, research, and government agencies; and
• Make public presentations
  to groups and organizations. 

Strategic planning: 

• Create and execute a strategic
  plan for the future of the regional office that supports AFT's national
  objectives while also addressing local needs and taking advantage of local
  opportunities. 

Public policy & lobbying: 

• Develop policy and program
  options to further AFT's mission;
• Advocate and lobby for
  policy change and funding on an as needed basis; and
• Develop and maintain relationships
  with key officials, track legislation, monitor regulations, provide public
  testimony to advance policy action consistent with AFT's mission. 

Fundraising: 

• Develop compelling
  proposals to secure funds for priority projects;
• Cultivate relationships
  with funders (foundation, corporate, government, and individual); and
• Provide complete and
  timely reports to funders and other stakeholders as needed. 

Marketing and Communications: 

• Proactively cultivate
  local media opportunities to enhance the visibility of AFT; and
• Implement communications
  plans to disseminate the results of projects to target audiences. 

Financial: 

• Develop annual budgets for
  the Pacific Northwest Office that support the activities of the office;
• Manage project and office budgets
  to ensure projects are completed on time and within their budgets; (core
  financial accounting is provided by the AFT National Office); and
• Manage expenses of the office
  in a timely manner. 

Qualifications 

Personal Skills Required: 

• Ability
  to conduct research, analysis, and write reports;
• Clear
  and effective written communication of ideas and advocacy;
• Ability
  to make effective public presentations;
• Strong
  interpersonal communication skills;
• Basic
  computer skills;
• Ability
  to work independently;
• Highly
  developed project management skills;
• Attention
  to details and deadlines; and
• Good
  judgment/discretion/ability to maintain confidentiality. 

Required Educations & Experience: 

• Bachelor's degree in a
  field relevant to the position, Master's Degree preferred
• 7+ years background in a
  related field, with special emphasis in: 

1. Agriculture:  Work experience in or with the agriculture
   industry and knowledge of the issues, concerns, and perspective of agricultural
   producers, particularly as they relate to conservation stewardship practices on
   working farmlands; and
2. Environment:  Work with environmental issues and knowledge
   of issues, concerns, and perspectives of the environmental community,
   particularly as they relate to agriculture. 

Preferred Knowledge & Experience: 

• Knowledge
  or experience with land use issues, growth management, conservation
  easements, conservation practices, environmental markets, federal and
  state lobbying, and/or developing and securing adoption of public policy. 

To Apply 

Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to email your resume and a cover letter. Type "Director of Pacific Northwest Region" into the subject line.