Connecticut Farmland Trust · 9 hours ago
Executive Director
Hartford, CT
Full-time
Hybrid
Director/Executive
$100K/yr - $110K/yrConnecticut Farmland Trust is the only statewide nonprofit dedicated exclusively to protecting the state’s working farmland. The Executive Director will lead the organization in implementing its strategic plan, expanding farmland preservation, and fostering an inclusive organizational culture within the agricultural community.
AgricultureConsultingFarming
Hiring Manager
Elizabeth Hucker
Responsibilities
Implement the strategic plan across farmland protection, farmland access, climate resilience, and organizational health
Oversee acquisition, easement, and stewardship work
Support partner programs
Promote climate-smart agriculture and soil-health practices
Serve as CFT’s chief fundraiser (major gifts, grants, earned revenue)
Expand donor networks and cultivate a new generation of supporters
Build relationships with farmers, communities, donors, agencies, and partners
Oversee budgeting, cash flow, risk management, and compliance
Optimize internal systems and project coordination using a continuous‑improvement approach
Partner with the Board on governance, planning, and fiduciary oversight
Supervise and develop staff
Build an inclusive, equitable, high-performing culture
Lead transparent and equitable organizational processes
Advance staff and board succession planning
Qualification
Required
Experience in land conservation, agricultural easements, farmland protection, real estate, land-use planning, agriculture, or related fields
Understanding of CT or New England agricultural systems is strongly preferred
Experience leading an organization, department, or major initiative
Demonstrated ability to execute long-term plans with measurable outcomes
Ability to cultivate meaningful partnerships across sectors
Experience building relationships with farm owners, farmers, donors and communities
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Public speaking and advocacy experience
Ability to translate complex conservation tools into clear, understandable concepts
Proven ability to supervise, inspire, and develop staff
Track record of building healthy, equitable, and collaborative teams
Ability to work in strong partnership with an engaged and active board of directors
Competency in budgeting, financial oversight, systems, processes, and project coordination
Experience improving workflows or organizational systems
Progressive leadership experience in conservation, agricultural, land use, or nonprofit context
Fundraising success (major gifts, foundation grants, government funding)
Experience with conservation transactions or related real estate tools
Demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion
Valid driver's license and ability to travel statewide
Preferred
Understanding of CT or New England agricultural systems is strongly preferred
Familiarity with and interest in CT agriculture and New England agriculture preferred
Benefits
Comprehensive health insurance
Paid short-term and long-term disability insurance
5% employer retirement match after 6 months
Paid vacation: a week off between Christmas and New Year, plus 15 days (years 1–3), 20 days (year 4 and 5) and 1 additional day for each year after year 5 up to a total of 5 weeks
Paid holidays: 11 Federal Holidays and 2 additional floating holidays
Paid sick and personal leave: 8 sick days in year 1 and 10 days a year thereafter; and 3 personal days
Work travel reimbursement
Paid sabbatical
Paid professional development opportunities
Flexible, and collaborative workplace
Company
Connecticut Farmland Trust
Connecticut Farmland Trust preserves farmland for current and future generations of farmers.
Founded in 2002
2-10 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageCompany data provided by crunchbase