Agriculture Program Director

The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) envision a Commonwealth that is thriving as a result of people's commitment to creating healthy, active, and green communities. We believe that a sustainable local food system that is inclusive of all people is fundamental to a vibrant future for Massachusetts as a sustainable system reaps a myriad of environmental, social and economic benefits for individuals and local communities. In light of increasingly troubling trends such as food insecurity, diet-related illness, natural resource degradation, and climate change, The Trustees recognize the urgent need – and the opportunity - to play an active role in improving the local and regional food systems and engage many more people in these critical issues.

The Agricultural Program Director (APD) develops and implements The Trustees' agricultural strategy, which is focused on a) nurturing a growing network of Community Farms throughout the Commonwealth, b) increasing the amount of sustainably produced food in Massachusetts, and c) working to improve food access for all. The APD leverages The Trustees statewide agricultural work, including partnerships with a growing number of collaborators, to improve the public's access to local fresh food and, when possible, connections with sustainable agricultural landscapes. Given The Trustees active affiliations, the existing network of farms, and the engagement opportunities with Trustees' members and visitors, the Agricultural Program Director has a unique opportunity to realize The Trustees potential as a leading farm and community garden resource in the region.

Core Functions

The Agricultural Program Director provides leadership to the organization in the continued evolution of its agriculture vision, strategies, and goals. This includes

• Envisioning and implementing strategic programs, collaborations, and funding opportunities that build The Trustees role within the food systems of Massachusetts and southern New England.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships within regional and local agriculture and food access networks.
• Working with colleagues to develop a variety of financially sound agricultural enterprises and programs (on- and off-Trustees property) that drive demand for local food, contribute to local food production, and engage the public with The Trustees through memorable agriculture-related experiences.
• Providing strategic oversight and integration of Trustees farm-based operations and staff.
  • Establish annual/programmatic, farm-specific goals and support local oversight of farmers to ensure achievement of these goals.
  • Develop agricultural practices that demonstrate the compatibility of sustainable food production and resource stewardship practices, reflecting The Trustees breadth of mission as well as a history of excellent property care.

Related Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with Development colleagues to secure funds that support ag-focused strategies.
• Support the implementation of communications and engagement strategies that connect people to healthy food, sustainable agriculture, and the work of The Trustees.
• Inform and guide The Trustees' land conservation strategy so that it materially addresses issues of food access and the protection of working landscapes, especially high-quality farmland, across the state.
• Work closely with The Trustees' affiliate, the Boston Natural Areas Network to identify synergies that optimize the organizations' impact, especially centered on urban agriculture and food access.
• Work closely with an interdisciplinary team of experts in the areas of land conservation, ecology, cultural resources, and stewardship to identify shared strategies that optimize impact in each of these areas

• Performs, directs or reports on special studies, projects and assignments as requested

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Knowledge of Massachusetts' agricultural, natural, social, and cultural landscapes.
2. Demonstrated experience with multiple forms of agriculture applicable to Massachusetts as well as basic experience with property/natural resource stewardship.
3. Excellent interpersonal skills as well as strength in oral and written communications and the management of multiple tasks.
4. A proven passionate commitment to the values, mission, and purposes represented by The Trustees.
5. An ability to motivate and collaborate with a team of diverse professionals and volunteers to produce high quality outcomes on time and on budget.
6. Demonstrated experience in fundraising, business planning and enterprise management.
7. Experience with education strategies focused on conservation and/or sustainability on working lands is desired.

Required Experience and Education

1. A Bachelors Degree in agricultural, environmental, educational, business, or related field.
2. Eight to ten years experience with a history of increasing responsibilities in program management that demonstrates leadership and management in a collaborative environment.

Additional Information:

The Agricultural Program Director reports to the Vice President for Program Leadership and works with a diverse professional team that includes farmers, urban gardeners, educators, ecologists, land conservation staff, and cultural resource experts, along with numerous volunteers. The Agricultural Program Director provides high-level, strategic oversight for The Trustees' farm-based staff, who report principally to their local property Superintendent for day-to-day guidance and support.

This is a salaried position that can be based at the Doyle Conservation Center in Leominster, Long Hill in Beverly, or Moose Hill Farm in Sharon. The position provides a competitive salary and benefits package, including health insurance, paid vacation and sick leave, life insurance, and an employer-funded retirement plan. The candidate should have the ability to travel throughout the state using her/his own transportation.

TTOR's Underlying Values

The Trustees of Reservations aims to create a thriving, inclusive workplace that a) values each member of our team and b) reflects and effectively serves the diverse residents and communities of Massachusetts. We believe that people and communities are strongly connected to place; that it is our mission to foster stronger connections between communities and their natural and cultural heritage; that climate change is a serious threat to our mission and the sustainability of the landscape, and that we must work to catalyze widespread action to offset this threat. To succeed, The Trustees must be a broadly inclusive organization that engages and serves the many different communities of Massachusetts.

We would appreciate your participation in a brief, voluntary survey about the position you are applying for and about yourself. Your response will be completely anonymous and will be held completely confidential. This information is not used towards any decision regarding employment. Survey Link.