Director of Media Relations

Director of Media Relations

Organization: American Farmland Trust (AFT) Location: Washington, DC Position Type: Full Time

Salary Range: $120,000.00 – $130,000.00 Salary Level: Senior

Overview: 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 relationship 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 the implementation of AFT's media relations strategy. Cultivates and maintains relationships with key members of the media, particularly agriculture reporters. Serves as the primary point of contact for members of the media and a liaison between media and AFT's subject matter 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 silos 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. Oversees the development and production of written and multimedia communications that effectively convey the division's priorities, programs, and impact to target audiences. Partners closely with the National Communications team to ensure consistency, coordination, and alignment across internal and external communications and messaging. Develops and oversees press materials highlighting AFT initiatives, research, events, and other newsworthy developments. Develops and secures placement of op-eds, opinion pieces, and other thought leadership content in national and regional media outlets. Drafts, edits, and provides strategic guidance on op-eds, opinion pieces, and other executive or organizational communications. Writes talking points, FAQs, briefing materials, and other communications resources to support organizational leaders and spokespeople. Pushes 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 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 $120,000 to $130,000, based on experience.

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

Insurance coverage begins the first day 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) for Healthcare & Dependent Care Health Savings Account (HSA) 401(k) 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 up to a maximum of 20 days annually. Holidays: AFT observes twelve fixed holidays and provides a week off between Christmas and New Year's Day (all offices closed), plus up to three floating holidays depending on the hiring month.

Why You Should Apply: Be 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 and benefits. Remote work opportunity.

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