Company description

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.

Job description

Who We Are

American Farmland Trust (AFT) is the only national organization taking a holistic approach to agriculture by protecting farmland, promoting sustainable practices, and supporting farmers and ranchers. Since 1980, AFT has permanently protected over 6.5 million acres of farmland, advanced sustainable farming on millions more, and helped thousands of farm families thrive. AFT is growing to address agriculture’s most pressing challenges and opportunities.
We value diversity and innovation. AFT is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels empowered to bring their authentic selves. Read AFT’s statement on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice.

Job Purpose

The Farm to Institution New York State (FINYS) Associate supports farm-to-institution initiatives, including the annual NY Farm to School Institute. Working closely with the FINYS team, the Associate helps institutions expand local food purchasing and supports farmers in growing their institutional sales. FINYS promotes equitable food systems by connecting institutions with local farms to strengthen farmer economic security and improve New Yorkers’ health.

Position Summary

The FINYS Associate fosters farmer and institutional connections, builds collaborative networks, develops educational resources through the Local Food Learning Center, and delivers the NY Farm to School Institute Farmer Track program. This includes planning training events, providing coaching to farmers, and supporting institutions in sourcing local foods.
This two-year appointment may be extended based on funding and performance.

Primary Responsibilities
· Provide technical support to farmers and institutions interested in local food purchasing and sales.
· Plan and execute the NY Farm to School Institute, including in-person and virtual programming.
· Facilitate quarterly coach meetings for the Farm to School Institute.
· Design and deliver workshops, trainings, and professional development events with an equity lens.
· Develop educational resources for the FINYS Local Food Learning Center.
· Create evaluation metrics for FINYS programs and promote educational tools.
· Build relationships with farmers, institutions, and stakeholders to support farm-to-institution connections.

Secondary Responsibilities
· Advance FINYS’s anti-racism efforts by building relationships with diverse organizations and incorporating DEIJ principles into programming.
· Collect and share success stories from farmers and institutions.
· Represent FINYS at workshops and aligned workgroups.

Qualifications
· Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in agriculture and food systems.
· 3+ years of experience in food systems, farm-to-institution, event planning, or agricultural education.
· Experience providing technical assistance to farmers, preferably in selling to institutions.
· Proficiency in designing and facilitating professional development for farmers and institutions.
· Familiarity with NYS agriculture and school procurement processes.
· Strong interpersonal, communication, and public speaking skills.
· Ability to work independently with remote supervision and manage multiple projects.
· Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite.
Preferred Skills
· Event planning experience, including multi-day conferences.
· Knowledge of farm-to-school programs and institutional food procurement.
· Bilingual Spanish (preferred but not required).
Working Conditions/Travel This remote role requires occasional travel (5–10%) across New York State for meetings, site visits, and events. Evening or weekend work may be needed to meet deadlines. Employees must maintain a suitable home office setup.
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Compensation Salary: $67,000–$72,000, based on experience.
Benefits Include:
· Medical, dental, and vision insurance (effective the 1st of the month after hire).
· Life insurance, long-term disability, and voluntary life insurance.
· Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA).
· 401(k) with a 10% employer match after six months.
· Generous sick leave, vacation accruals, and holidays, including a week off between Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Why You Should Apply
· Be part of a mission-driven, innovative, and inclusive team.
· Enjoy competitive compensation and excellent benefits.
· Work remotely with flexible scheduling.
Timeline Applications must include a resume and cover letter. Review begins immediately and continues until the position is filled.
Encouragement to Apply AFT values diversity and encourages individuals who meet at least half of the qualifications to apply, including women, immigrants, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and other historically underrepresented groups.

PI260487649

Compensation

this position is: salaried, $50,000 - $75,000

Application instructions

Deadline

March 28, 2025