Texas Program Manager

AMERICAN FARMLAND TRUST•Austin, TX

1d•$80,000 - $85,000•Remote

About The Position

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. AFT’s Texas Program was re-established in 2023 in response to the urgent and accelerating loss of agricultural land and the mounting climate and water pressures facing the state. Texas is projected to lose 2.2 million acres of farmland and ranchland by 2040, by far more than any other state, underscoring the critical need for strategic, statewide intervention to keep working lands productive and resilient. AFT’s Texas program now deploys a comprehensive suite of initiatives designed to protect high value agricultural lands, advance regenerative soil and water stewardship, strengthen farm viability for both new and transitioning producers, and guide responsible renewable energy development that supports — not replaces — agriculture. The Texas Program Manager (Manager) is an integral part of AFT’s Texas regional program reporting to the Texas Director. The Manager should be based in Texas with the ability to work remotely. This role combines a unique blend of experience in communications and policy advocacy with program management to strengthen AFT’s visibility and impact in the region. The manager will focus on supporting communications and policy goals across the Texas Region and deepen our farm viability programming as summarized below: Strategic Communications – leads strategic communications and strategy development working across the Texas Program’s project areas while also rolling up sleeves and producing and implementing communications deliverables (50%) Program Management – Oversee programs related to farm viability including land transfer and succession planning, land access, and outreach and engagement activities including targeted fundraising and partnership development. (35%) Policy – high level oversight and tracking of policy priorities at the state and local level to set the stage for expanding AFT’s policy role in Texas (15%)

Requirements

A strong candidate for this role is an experienced and strategic communicator with an interest in policy and a passion for supporting farmers and ranchers through impactful programming. This dynamic person will be both a team player and a self-starter with a proven track record of success in nonprofit fundraising, advocacy, public relations, and/or project management.
Proven experience as a strategist, communicator, and advocate in external relations, with the ability to promote an organization’s mission and engage partners, funders, and stakeholders.
Success in at least two areas: public/media relations, strategic communications, marketing, policy advocacy, project management, or nonprofit fundraising.
Professional experience collaborating on programming, campaigns, or public policy in land conservation and agriculture.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to articulate complex and occasionally sensitive ideas with clarity and nuance.
Demonstrated ability to enhance an organization’s reputation, partnerships, impact, and/or revenue.
Familiarity with fundraising best practices for corporate, foundation, and individual donors.
Ability to oversee programs related to farm viability—such as land access, farm transfer/succession planning, outreach, engagement, and related fundraising—based on the job’s duties.
Experience producing a wide range of communications content (fact sheets, articles, blogs, speeches, videos) and implementing multi‑channel dissemination strategies.
Experience managing projects including staff oversight, budget management, and financial reporting.
Ambitious self‑starter able to take goals, develop plans, and deliver high‑quality work with minimal supervision.
Strong team player who can lead in key areas while collaborating effectively within a small, integrated team.
Ability to manage multiple long‑ and short‑term projects, meet tight or shifting deadlines, and maintain composure and efficiency under pressure.
Ability to work effectively with diverse farmers, ranchers, landowners, and partners across Texas.
Demonstrated initiative, creativity, adaptability, and comfort working in a fast‑paced or startup‑like environment.
Strong ability to set priorities and boundaries while managing multiple tasks with professionalism and good humor.
Capacity to represent AFT in public forums, build collaborations, and steward relationships with partner organizations and agencies.
7+ years of related work experience in writing and development of educational materials and programs, communications, or policy is desired, however more limited (5+ years) but focused experience in these areas that is directly engaged with farmers and ranchers, communications, or policy advocacy or a combination thereof may be substituted.

Nice To Haves

While an advanced degree in a related field, or with a related concentration such as environmental science, policy, communications, or agriculture is helpful, consideration will be given to candidates who instead, or additionally, have lived experience that is highly aligned with the job purpose and duties and qualifications stated above.

Responsibilities

Lead and implement a strategic communications and outreach plan to elevate AFT’s Texas Program, strengthen partnerships, and support fundraising.
Produce impactful content (fact sheets, blogs, articles, speeches, videos) that inform farmers and ranchers, partners, funders, and general audiences broadly, both across AFT’s Texas Regional Program and in support of individual projects.
Maintain clear, consistent external messaging, and be prepared to be the voice of AFT in Texas seeking public speaking opportunities, representing AFT at state and national conferences, and managing media relationships to advance AFT’s visibility.
Work with national, regional, and project staff to disseminate content across social media, earned media, newsletters, partner networks, websites, etc.
Provide program level oversight of farm viability activities in Texas for projects that provide direct support to farmers and ranchers, such as land access, farm transfer and succession planning, and outreach and engagement activities, including budget management and work planning.
Lead fundraising efforts related to this portfolio of projects collaborating closely with Texas Director and national development staff to support prospecting and pipeline management.
Develop and steward partnerships to strengthen relationships and identify gaps within this portfolio where AFT can be a valued contributor to advancing this work in the state.
Provide direct management and supervision of staff working on these projects.
Evaluate and guide AFT’s state and local policy priorities in collaboration with the Texas Director and National Policy team.
Track relevant Texas legislation and policy developments, providing updates and recommendations to AFT staff, especially on land protection, regenerative agriculture, and farmer and rancher support.
Represent AFT in policy dialogues with partner organizations, legislative leaders, allied advocacy groups, and state agencies.
Occasionally, perform more in-depth policy work: in collaboration with AFT staff and partners, research, draft, and edit legislative proposals related to agriculture and farmland conservation, and related funding; and support advocacy efforts through the preparation of written and oral testimony as needed.

Benefits

American Farmland Trust offers excellent vacation, medical, retirement and other 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.
Vacation Leave: Accrue 15 days during the first year increasing by one day per year to 20 days per year maximum.
Holidays: AFT observes twelve fixed holidays and a week between Christmas and New Years off during the year (all offices closed) plus a choice of up to three (depending on hiring month) floating holidays.