Director of Media Relations

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 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.

Job Purpose

Reporting directly to the VP of Communications the Media Relations Director develops and implements AFT's media relations strategy, and contributes to general AFT communications efforts, working across AFT departments, especially with program staff. 

Position Summary

As an integral part of the AFT Communications team, the Media Relations Director develops and implements policies and procedures for the relations between the media and AFT.  The Media Relations Director works to expand understanding of AFT’s business, performance, and strategy.

Duties and 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.
• Staffs AFT's president and CEO and other spokespeople during interviews and at media-related events as needed.

Innovation and Continuous Improvement

• Identifies, develops, and promotes new programmatic and operational initiatives that drive organizational growth, improve effectiveness, enhance efficiency, quality, and engagement, while encouraging and supporting a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and adaptability.

Communication Leadership 

• Leads the execution of National Communications strategy as tailored to divisional priorities and capabilities.
• Oversee the development and production of written and multimedia communications that effectively convey the division’s priorities, programs, and impact to target audiences.
• Partner closely with the National Communications team to ensure consistency, coordination, and alignment across internal and external communications and messaging.
• Develop and oversee press materials highlighting AFT initiatives, research, events, and other newsworthy developments.
• Develop and secure placement of op-eds, opinion pieces, and other thought leadership content in national and regional media outlets.
• Draft, edit, and provide strategic guidance on op-eds, opinion pieces, and other executive or organizational communications.
• Write talking points, FAQs, briefing materials, and other communications resources to support organizational leaders and spokespeople.
• Pushes hard for reporter coverage by developing proactive media outreach strategies, cultivating relationships with reporters and pursuing opportunities to elevate AFT’s research, programs, and projects.

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 an accurate 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.
 

Qualifications

• 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.

Education & Experience

• Advanced degree (master’s degree in business administration, marketing, communications, or a related field) and 10+ years of progressively responsible media relations experience or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.

Working Conditions

• This is a remote position. 
• Occasional work in the evenings or on weekends may be required to meet deadlines.  

Travel 

• Occasional domestic travel is required for this position.

Supervisory Responsibility

The position has supervisory responsibility for:  

•    Media Relations Associate
 

Compensation
American Farmland Trust offers excellent vacation, medical, retirement and other benefits. The salary range for this position is from $120,000 to $130,000 based upon experience. 

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)
• 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.

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 opportunity   

 
Timeline 

To be considered applicants must submit a resume, answer all screener questions and include a cover letter explaining what they are a right fit for both AFT and this role. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the role is filled.

Applicants must directly Apply Here: Director of Media Relations

 If the link is unavailable, please visit AFT’s Careers page and select this position to submit your application.