Position: Farmland Access Manager
Organization: The Land Connection
Location: This position is based in Champaign, Illinois. It is eligible for our approved hybrid work schedule. Remote work will not be considered for any applicant.
Reports to: Program Director
Employment Status: Full Time, Exempt
Salary: $49,593 – $88,207 This salary range is based upon the organization’s compensation schedule and the average candidate will likely fall within the middle of this range.
Benefits: Full health, vision, dental, and life benefits included, as well as partial benefit coverage for up to two dependents. Paid time off for vacation, holidays (incl. floating holidays), sickness, and parental leave.

About Us
Founded in 2001 by farmer and good food advocate Terra Brockman, The Land Connection is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Champaign, Illinois. For over two decades, we have been a cornerstone of Illinois agricultural communities, working to build a more resilient and just food and farm system.

Our work is organized around two program areas: farmer services and food access. Through farmer services, we connect farmers with mentorship and training opportunities to increase farm viability. We also work to connect farmers and landowners to preserve Illinois’ agricultural legacy. Through our food access programs, we operate year-round farmers markets, provide additional food dollars to neighbors in need through a variety of assistance programs, and offer consumers information and tools to incorporate more locally grown foods into their diets.

Job Overview
The Farmland Access Manager is responsible for developing and implementing farmland programming at The Land Connection. Specifically, the program manager manages a statewide network of partner organizations, agricultural service providers, and stakeholders; supervises and supports the Farmland Access Navigators; oversees the ongoing management and enhancement of Illinois FarmLink, the organization’s online land-linking profile system for farmers and landowners; coordinates the development and delivery of educational programs and outreach that help farmers and landowners navigate farmland access and succession; and secures and administers funding, including the management of a budget and associated expense accounting. This position reports directly to the Program Director. It requires a valid driver’s license and the ability to have occasional travel plus weekend/evening work.

Primary Responsibilities

• Maintain strategic vision for farmland access programming
• Supervise Navigators, including hiring, training, oversight, and providing specific direction of day-to-day responsibilities
• Cultivate, facilitate, motivate, and coordinate strong relationships with and among a diverse network of partners
• Provide training, direct assistance, and ongoing support to Navigators
• Connect farmers and landowners to Navigators through electronic communications, phone calls, and in-person meetings
• Collaborate with Navigators and partners on the development and implementation of statewide educational events, resources, and networks
• Oversee the Illinois FarmLink profile system to ensure it is up to date with current property and farmland seeker postings
• Lead ongoing efforts that better enable farmland programming to reach and serve farmers who face challenges due to their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, etc.
• Represent The Land Connection at public meetings, conferences, workshops, and trainings
• Responsible for managing the program budget and ensuring alignment with the organization’s financial goals.
• Manage execution of grant funded farmland access programs including writing and submitting grant reports, budgets, financial activity, progress toward grant goals, relationships with project partners, and evaluation of projects.
• Identify and review new grant opportunities for TLC to consider, as well as write applications for submission.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Communications Director on the outreach strategy for farmland access programming and provide programmatic content for use in outreach materials such as newsletters, web and social media content, flyers, etc.
• Attend weekly staff meetings, check-ins, project meetings, etc.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Passion for and commitment to building an equitable local food system for our region
• Proven experience leading staff, promoting collaboration, ensuring accountability, and effectively communicating and upholding policies and procedures
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and maintain thorough records and documentation
• Demonstrated ability to produce accurate, detail-oriented work while consistently meeting deadlines
• Enjoys conversation and meeting new people
• Able to use Microsoft, Google, social media platforms, and other software with training
• Comfortable with significant time spent on computer
• Comfortable sitting or being on your feet for long periods of time
• Able to work in the evenings or on weekends, as well as travel
• Ability to lift weights up to 50 lbs and move equipment
• Available to work in Champaign, Illinois

The Land Connection is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

To Apply
Submit your application below. You can also submit a resume, three references, and a cover letter to [email protected]. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.