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.

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.

Job purpose

Reporting to the Farms for a New Generation (FNG) director, the Training and Education Manager will build professional capacity within and outside of American Farmland Trust to support the equitable and secure transfer of farm and ranch land to a new generation. More than 40 percent of American farmland is owned by seniors aged 65 and older who are likely to retire in the next decade or so meaning 371 million acres or one-third of U.S. farmland is likely to transition to new ownership in the next 15 years. At the same time, a new more diverse generation of farmers is seeking opportunities to access suitable farm and ranch land in communities across the country. This position will lead the design and implementation of experiential training programs to engage networks of service providers to advance knowledge and skills for professionals working directly with farmers, ranchers, and agricultural landowners to ensure the equitable transition of farmland at this critical moment.

Position summary

The Training and Education Manager is responsible for the development and implementation of multi-year, multi-disciplinary training programs that engage professional networks to address the critical need to bring a new, more diverse generation of farmers and ranchers onto the land and to manage it well. The position will work collaboratively within the FNG team as well as with other AFT National Initiatives and Regional Programs and external partners to design, deliver and evaluate trainings and engagement opportunities that build the skills and knowledge of service providers, farmers/ranchers, and agricultural landowners on accessing and transferring land through in-person, virtual and hybrid programs.

The successful candidate will be a detail-oriented, adaptable team player who is passionate about teaching and inspiring an equity-centered growth mindset in others.

Duties and responsibilities

• Design content for multi-year educational, performance-based skill-building programs for service providers on equitable and justice-oriented agricultural land access and transition.
• Organize, manage, and deliver in-person, virtual and/or hybrid trainings, workshops, and other educational opportunities, including leading efforts to identify learning competencies and objectives, recruit presenters and participants, plan content, organize evaluation, manage to budget, and align deliverables with AFT's and funders' expectations.
• Revise and build upon AFT's existing portfolio of skills-based curricula on land access and transfer and other training programs and materials on other relevant topics to adapt and deliver training programs and materials to specific audience and project needs.
• Curate and keep organized educational resources on land access, transfer, tenure, equity, and other topics on training software, member engagement platforms and AFT websites.
• Oversee external consultant relationships including translators and interpreters for training material and program delivery.
• Support and manage specific project work plans and budgets in collaboration with FNG Director and Project Manager.
• Collect and aggregate measurable results and project outcomes and provide relevant data to FNG Director for monthly org-wide metrics-data collection.
• Lead engagement and build rapport with service provider cohorts, communities of practice, and other networks providing clear expectations and regular communications.
• Support FNG Director in funder reporting and invoicing by tracking and documenting regular progress, milestones, and outcomes.
• Coordinate administrative documents, such as consultant contracts and invoicing, with FNG Program Coordinator and AFT Finance and Administration division..
• Cultivate and sustain relationships with diverse audiences and organizations to deepen FNG programming and advance equity and inclusion in our internal and external work.
• Represent AFT at public meetings, conferences, workshops, and trainings.
• Support a strong team culture of shared learning, innovation, and problem solving among AFT staff and external partners

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 a 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.

All job requirements are subject to possible revision to reflect changes in the position requirements or to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a threat or risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to which will be required in this position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor/manager (within guidelines and compliance with Federal and State Laws). Continued employment remains on an at-will basis.

• 5+ years of practical experience in adult education, creating curricula, and/or delivering and managing professional development trainings with preference for expertise in performance-based learning.
• Passion for and experience withing AFT's mission areas to protect farmland, promotes sound farming practices, and keep farmers and ranchers on the land.
• Proficiency with training technologies and software including online meeting and video conferencing and member engagement platforms.
• Track record of engaging and collaborating with diverse populations and professional backgrounds.
• Experience training diverse groups of agricultural educators and service providers, land trusts and extension staff and others as well as farmers/ranchers (including beginning and senior) and agricultural landowners.
• Experience developing and delivering programming and training events for immigrants, refugees, farmworkers, and other communities of non-English-speaking audiences.
• Strong project management skills and experience managing complex or multiple projects, government grants, workload, and budgets under deadline
• Proficiency with MSOffice Suite, including PowerPoint.
• Proactive, decisive, flexible, innovative, strategic, and able to prioritize,
• Independent self-starter as well as a poised, considerate, and respectful team player.?
• Willingness to learn and grow professionally.
• Must be able to see the big picture while also being detail oriented.
• Experience with or willingness to learn about issues and techniques related to farmland access, farmland transfer, and farmland conservation.

Education & Experience

• BA or BS degree or a minimum of 5 years of related work experience in farm transition and/or land access, land/farmland conservation, sustainable agriculture, curriculum and instructional design, and/or learner engagement. An advanced degree in one or more of the disciplines noted may substituted for two years of work experience.

Working Conditions

• This job operates primarily in a teleworking environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, and phones. Occasional work in the evenings or on weekends may be required to meet deadlines.

Travel

• Occasional travel as needed.

Physical requirements

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state, and local standards.
• The person in this position frequently communicates with partners, stakeholders and staff who have inquiries and must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.

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

Ready to apply? If this job sounds like a fit for you, then click on the 'apply' button below. Please be sure to include a cover letter and resume to be considered.

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