NY & NJ Operations Associate

Job Purpose

The NY & NJ Operations Associate supports American Farmland Trust’s mission to save the land that sustains us by protecting farmland, promoting sound farming practices, and keeping farmers on the land. AFT has worked in New York and New Jersey since the early 1980s. The regional team partners with farmers, landowners, and organizations to improve soil health and water quality, expand land access for new and beginning farmers, strengthen farm viability through new markets and opportunities, and protect farmland. This permanent position will provide operational support for AFT programs in New York and New Jersey as the regional portfolio evolves.

Position Summary

The NY & NJ Operations Associate supports the effective day-to-day operations of American Farmland Trust’s NY & NJ Regional program. This position provides essential coordination and administrative support across regional programs, playing a key role in strengthening internal systems, keeping projects organized, ensuring staff have the operational support needed to advance AFT’s work in New York and New Jersey, and communicating with farmers, landowners, partners, and others as needed.

The successful candidate will be highly organized, detail-oriented, adaptable, and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a collaborative environment. Working under the supervision of the NY & NJ Regional Director, the Operations Associate will work closely with the Regional Director, Deputy Director, program staff, and national teams to support consistent procedures, timely follow-through, and responsive service to staff, partners, and the public. This is a hybrid position supporting the broader region. Candidates should be located within approximately one hour of AFT’s Saratoga Springs, NY office.

Duties and Responsibilities

Data, Metrics & Reporting

• Coordinate and track data collection, including program metrics, board reports, and other monthly data.
• Use project, contract & financial management software to prepare documents and reports for the NY & NJ team as needed.
• Manage CRM, ensuring farmer and partner data is accurate and that teams are entering data and following procedures.

Finance & Contracts

• Work closely with national administrative and financial divisions to coordinate information, research questions, and resolve discrepancies.
• Coordinate and track consulting contracts and invoicing for the division.

Meetings & Event Logistics

• Assist & support the NY Regional Director, Deputy Director and Senior Philanthropy Officer in coordinating meetings and events for the New York Council.
• Coordinate logistics for all-staff events, including agenda preparation, meeting room rentals, catering, A/V, and other support as needed.

Hiring & Onboarding

• Assist with hiring and onboarding of new NY & NJ Regional program staff, including scheduling interviews, coordinating onboarding schedules, providing operations onboarding, maintaining documents, and processing updates as needed.

General Administrative Support

• Provide administrative support to the Regional Director, Deputy Director, and occasional support to 5 program managers on the NY & NJ-based 22+ team members, as directed.
• Respond to public inquiries via email and phone and maintain the general NY & NJ inbox and voicemail.
• Maintain event and office supplies inventory; order and distribute items to the team as needed.

This is not necessarily an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities. Management reserves the right to revise the job or require other or different duties to be performed, as assigned.

• Strong computer and technology skills, including Microsoft Office, and comfort with learning new platforms
• Strong editing, writing, and proofreading skills
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple tasks, stay organized, and follow through with limited supervision
• Flexibility to adapt to changing deadlines, requirements, and procedures
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with the public and staff
• Organized and detail-oriented with a demonstrated commitment to high-quality professional work
• Understanding of contracting and invoicing
• Familiarity with data and data management
• General understanding of agriculture and/or food systems in NY/NJ
• Commitment to becoming knowledgeable about the programs and activities of American Farmland Trust
• Willingness to undertake limited work travel

Education & Experience

• A BA or BS degree and at least three years of related professional experience in office administration and/or operations, contract or grant management, or related fields; or five years of directly relevant professional experience in lieu of a degree. Knowledge of and passion for New York and New Jersey agricultural systems is a plus.

Working Conditions

This is a hybrid position based in New York, with regular onsite work at AFT’s Saratoga Springs office. Candidates should live within approximately one hour of the office, with an expected onsite schedule of about one day per week, with opportunites to come in office more as needed.

Travel

Occasional day travel to locations in the region. Occasional overnight or out-of-state travel may also be required for events such as all-staff meetings.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no supervisory responsibility.

Compensation

AFT offers a competitive compensation package, including excellent vacation, medical, retirement, and other benefits. This position offers an annual salary of $68,000 - $73,000.

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. 

Please apply directly through AFT’s Paycom Career Portal using this link: NY & NJ Operations Associate

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