Idaho External Relations Manager

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 8 million acres of agricultural lands, advanced environmentally-sound farming practices on millions of additional acres, and supported thousands of farm families by improving farm viability and farmland access. Long an agroecosystems leader, AFT is now riding a new wave of growth, driven by agriculture’s most pressing needs and opportunities. 

Position Summary

Reporting to the Idaho Senior Program Manager, the Idaho External Relations Manager (Manager) will work to inform and elevate AFT’s programmatic growth in Idaho through strategic communications and focused fundraising. An exceptional catalyst and polished externally facing leader, this individual will have two primary roles: 1. Helping to forge and steward new relationships to build AFT’s reputation, visibility, and impact; and 2. Helping to articulate the impact of AFT’s work clearly and concisely in a manner that inspires and motivates allies and supporters. The Manager will provide a unique blend of communications skills, operations capacity, and program development to deepen relationships, strengthen the AFT brand, and grow the pipeline of sustainable support for AFT’s Idaho Program. The Manager will optimize communications, impact reporting, and storytelling. Additionally, the Manager will bring deep fundraising and outreach experience to drive effective collaboration with AFT’s West Coast Senior Philanthropy Officer, ensuring they have the tools and materials to succeed.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with regional leadership and program staff to fully understand the strategies and tactics used, as well as the goals and objectives of the major activities within the region.
• Develop and craft highly impactful regional communications (both written and verbal) that capture the environmental, economic, and human impact of the work to motivate the intended audiences.
• Proactively support a positive public image, brand, and reputation for the organization.
• Develop, lead, and manage effective strategies that create meaningful opportunities to engage with institutional, corporate, and individual philanthropic leaders in Idaho to advance AFT’s goals, priorities, and financial stability.
• Develop and produce engaging Idaho-based events that deepen stakeholders’ understanding of and connection to AFT’s mission.
• Collaborate closely with national development staff to support prospecting and pipeline management.
• Lead the planning and implementation of a right-sized cultivation and communications strategy that builds on, deepens, and expands upon AFT’s existing portfolio of priority programs, projects, and partnerships in Idaho.
• Support the Pacific Northwest team as needed with strategy, talking points, marketing visuals, and tasks as assigned to advance key opportunities.

We are seeking an experienced communicator and strategist who has the energy and drive for catalyzing the external relations functions at AFT within the Pacific Northwest region and specifically in Idaho. A strong candidate for this role is a terrific public speaker, a persuasive writer and a resourceful, entrepreneurial leader who loves to build and foster relationships with others. This dynamic person will be a self-starter with a proven track record of success in nonprofit fundraising, advocacy, public relations, and/or business development.

Knowledge, Approach, and Know-How

• You are a creative thinker who deeply understands people, both in terms of our audiences and our internal team. You’re excited by the opportunity to invite key thought leaders and stakeholders to engage with us and collectively be part of our solution.
• You are a consummate team player who knows that a rising tide lifts all boats and that our individual success depends on our teammates, and our teammates’ success depends on us.
• You enjoy working to solve problems. You are excited by the challenge of navigating the (sometimes) unknown and willing to experiment until you find the right mix. You want to leverage on the ground conservation work, public policy, and communications to calibrate our communication and development strategies in a way that builds support for the ongoing work.
• You can’t wait to shout AFT’s bold vision and energizing mission from the rooftops. You are skilled in explaining complex ideas in simple, compelling terms. You are motivated by inspiring others to join the movement.
• You are a generalist who knows external relations and development top to bottom and can learn what you don’t know and roll up your sleeves to get things done. You understand impact communications and relationship building fundamentals but thrive in a startup environment where initiative, creativity, and adaptation is key. You have figured out how to manage multiple tasks and projects with ease and calm.

Nuts and Bolts Experience

• You have demonstrated success managing and forging relationships with multiple stakeholder sources.
• You have proven experience significantly growing an organization’s reputation and revenue.
• You have at least five years’ experience in development, external affairs, and/or impact communications position.
• You have strong knowledge of best practices in fundraising and institutional development principles with a primary focus on corporate and foundation giving, but also skilled at major gifts, annual giving, donor communications, and prospect research.
• You are based in Idaho and have robust, first-hand experience with Idaho’s food systems, farm and ranch viability, and/or agricultural communities.
• You are familiar with Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, and can learn new software quickly.
• You have a valid U.S. driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.

Working Conditions & Travel

This is a full-time, fully remote position in Idaho, United States. Candidates must be able to work business hours within their time zone Monday-Friday. Occasional travel may be requested.

Supervisory Responsibility  

This position has no supervisory responsibility. 

Compensation

This position offers an annual salary of $75,000 - 80,000.

American Farmland Trust offers a full benefits package for full time employees:

• 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)
• 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 maximum.
• Holidays: AFT observes eleven fixed holidays during the year (all offices closed) plus a choice of up to three (depending on hiring month) floating holidays.

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

Timeline

To be considered, applicants must submit a resume, a cover letter, and complete all screener questions. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and accepted until the position is filled.

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.