Job Description – Executive Director

The Alaska Farmland Trust Corporation, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit corporation, is seeking a highly motivated leader to serve as its Executive Director.  The Farmland Trust’s mission is to protect Alaska’s farmlands for future generations through land conservation.  The Alaska Farmland Trust is committed to educating Alaska’s residents on the importance of local agriculture and farmland preservation, and maintaining Alaska’s agricultural infrastructure. The Farmland Trust is on the cusp of a tremendous growth period with the addition of new staff members, more easement activity, and the implementation of our 3-5 year strategic vision of transforming our donor base, establishing and funding an endowment, and gaining accreditation with the Land Trust Alliance.  The new ED needs to have the non-profit experience and vision to lead us through this transition to a self-funded organization with the support of state and local governments, and the financial backing to secure conservation easements to protect Alaska’s precious soils. The Executive Director (ED) serves the AFTC Board of Directors with subject matter expertise, political acumen, and organizational skills in order to deliver results aligned with the strategic plan.   The ED is accountable for maintaining a healthy organization with sound financial backing, and creating a positive, growth-minded working environment for staff members.  It is expected that the ED will work approximately half-time in the AFTC office in Palmer, and about half-time from an appropriate home office.

Primary Goals and Responsibilities

The primary deliverables and expectations for the new ED will be the stewardship and implementation of our capacity-building grant, the creation and funding of an endowment for land preservation, and the accreditation of the AFTC with the national Land Trust Alliance.  In order to accomplish these objectives, the successful candidate must create relationships with major foundational donors and build alliances with other land preservation organizations.  

Other Important Job Duties

• Serves as the primary spokesperson for and champions the strategic vision of the organization. 
• Develops and maintains various planning documents and systems in alignment with board direction to carry out AFT programs/projects.
• Manages and leads AFTC staff, contractors, and volunteers to carry out the AFT programs/projects prioritized and funded through board direction. 
• Maintains an active outreach and education program to promote land protection and Alaska agriculture via speaking engagements, events, and social media.
• Reaches out to local businesses, larger corporations, and foundations for grant funding and event sponsorship.
• Maintains good, cooperative partnerships with other organizations supporting Alaska agriculture, land conservation, and food security in Alaska such as the Alaska Farm Bureau, the Palmer Soil and Water Conservation District, the Alaska Food Policy Council, the Great Land Trust, and others.
• Advocates for the importance of protecting agricultural land in Alaska in a myriad of forums, and lobbying State and Local Governments for policies that support land preservation.
• Creates an energetic and supportive work environment for AFTC staff, interns, and volunteers.
• Stays current with the latest USDA conservation programs and policy rules, the Land Trust Alliance standards, and best practices for land trusts.
• Bi-weekly reports to the Board of Directors that summarize activities and status of ongoing projects, funding, and outreach efforts.
• Manages the Trust’s conservation easements land conservation efforts, including development of conservation easements, land donations, land purchase, and cooperative projects with other organizations.
• Develops organizational policies and procedures and oversees compliance. 
• Manages all fundraising efforts of the organization including donor development; Federal, State, Local and Foundation grant requests; and event coordination.
• Develops and manages an annual budget of $250,000+, ensuring systems are in place for meeting financial management standards and achieving program success. 

Minimum Qualifications

In order to be considered for this position, a candidate must possess a Bachelor’s Degree or higher from an accredited university. Prior experience in non-profit management is preferred.  10 or more years of working experience and 5 or more years of professional working experience. Strong written and oral communication skills and public speaking ability. 

Additional Qualifications

The ideal candidate will be a dynamic individual who is deeply passionate about the inherent value of agriculture to a healthy community and who understands the challenges faced by farmers today.  This person will be a tireless advocate for preserving agricultural land in Alaska and create strong partnerships based on mutual respect with all stakeholders; working with the Board of Directors to advance the mission of the Alaska Farmland Trust.  The ideal candidate will be a problem solver and a team-builder, and will prioritize action because time is of the essence when it comes to land preservation. A demonstrated track record of building foundational relationships and funding endowments, writing successful grant applications, and prior supervisory experience is preferred.

Compensation & Hours

Start date: As soon as possible. Position is full time, 40 hours/week.  Salary: $72-92,000, depending on experience Benefits include mileage reimbursement, paid holidays, health coverage and retirement contributions. Paid leave is also provided. 

How to Apply

Submit resume, cover letter, three references with contact information (at least one each professional and personal) to Phoebe Autry by close of business Wednesday, April 13, 2022.  Applicant information should be sent via email to phoebeautry@akfarmland.com with the subject line: Executive Director Position Opening.