Responsibilities

• Project/Program Leadership and Execution
• Contributes to the development and leads to the implementation of AFT's media relations strategy.
• Cultivates and maintains relationships with key members of the media, particularly agriculture reporters.
• Serves as primary point of contact for members of the media and a liaison between media and AFT's subject experts.
• Leads project execution by setting priorities, defining deadlines, and coordinating across teams and with external partners to ensure collaborative and timely delivery of outcomes.
• Applies subject matter expertise to lead high-impact projects and processes, ensuring effective design, implementation, and delivery in support of divisional and organizational goals.
• Ensures successful project and team outcomes by prioritizing tasks, managing deadlines, and aligning efforts with strategic and budgetary goals.
• Collaboration and Organizational Alignment
• Fosters internal and cross-divisional collaboration through informed guidance, coaching, and knowledge and/or expertise in relevant areas.
• Collaborates with other Directors and Deputy Directors on cross-divisional efforts and works to break down siloes within the organization to ensure effective execution of strategic initiatives.

Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, prioritize competing demands, and make timely, strategic decisions.
• Proven ability to respond effectively and professionally to media inquiries, including time-sensitive requests and reporter deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex, technical, or academic topics into clear, compelling, concise, and on-message communications for media.
• Strong knowledge of media relations principles and best practices, with a commitment to staying current on evolving communications strategies and industry trends.
• Proficiency with Meltwater and other relevant communications and public relations tools.
• Interest in agriculture, conservation, and related policy issues, with a commitment to American Farmland Trust’s mission.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders, partners, and media contacts across the country.

Benefits

• 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)
• 401k Plan
• Sick Leave: Regular full-time employees accrue 13 “sick days” per year.