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.

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.

The Position

Reporting to the Senior Writer/Editor, the Communications Specialist is responsible for writing and editing American Farmland Trust materials for internal and external audiences.

Position Summary

As an integral part of American Farmland Trust’s Communications team, the Communications Specialist collaborates extensively with national and program staff to create compelling materials while implementing American Farmland Trust’s communications strategy.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Copy edits an array of materials for the entire organization, including reports, emails, and blog posts

• Maintains American Farmland Trust’s institutional voice in external writing tasks

• Identifies new content opportunities and pitches them

• Collaborates with Digital Communications Manager to copy edit all web-based materials (web pages, blog posts, sign up pages, event pages)

• Writes and posts blogs on American Farmland Trust’s website

• Helps to generate story ideas for the organization and interviews subjects for American Farmland Trust stories

• Assists with the writing for quarterly print newsletter

• Assists with the management of American Farmland Trust’s photo library

• Assists with the content and launch of a new American Farmland Trust publication

• Helps with web updates when needed

• Tracks and records editing assignments in Wrike software

• Assists with the writing of annual report and other development materials as needed

• Collaborates on other writing and editing assignments as well as print-related tasks as needed

This is not necessarily an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements or working conditions. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated interest and experience in print and digital communications in multiple formats

• Clear and engaging writing

• Strong copy-editing skills and adherence to AP style

• Ability to translate complicated or technical topics into compelling content for a broad audience

• Interest in using storytelling techniques to illuminate American Farmland Trust’s mission, work, and impact

• Experience in interviewing subjects and writing profiles

• Interest in agriculture and conservation issues; commitment to American Farmland Trust’s mission

• Ability to work with diverse stakeholders; invested in collaborative approach to completing tasks

• Facility working with colleagues in offices around the country

• Self-sufficient and comfortable working independently and remotely

• Ability and desire to learn relevant skills and develop expertise in key computer applications and departmental processes (prior experience in Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe, Wrike, and Canva a plus, but not required)

• Ability to juggle multiple responsibilities and prioritize tasks

Education & Experience

Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, English, or related field AND at least three to four years of communications experience, including writing and editing print and digital materials, ideally at a nonprofit or conservation organization.

Compensation

The salary ranges from $68,000 to $75,000 for full-time employees, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

American Farmland Trust offers a complete benefits package:

• 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
• Holidays: The Company observes eleven holidays during the year (all offices closed): plus, choice of 3 other floating holidays depending on hiring date

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

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.