Executive Director

The mission of Connecticut Farmland Trust (CFT) is to preserve Connecticut farmland for current and future generations of farmers.

Connecticut Farmland Trust is the only statewide nonprofit dedicated exclusively to protecting the state’s working farmland. To date, CFT has permanently protected more than 7,700 acres, helping to sustain local food production, safeguard soil and water resources, maintain open space, and support Connecticut’s agricultural economy. CFT is accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission.

We acknowledge that the benefits of land conservation have not been equitably shared. CFT is committed to evolving our work to serve all farmers, especially historically underserved farmers and farmers of color, and to reshape conservation tools to improve equitable access to land.

• Farmland and soil preservation, with a focus on farms under 30 acres, which are most obtainable for new and beginning farmers
• Agricultural conservation easements
• Buy-protect-sell (BPS) projects to expand land access
• Implementing tools such as Option to Purchase at Agricultural Value (OPAV) to ensure affordability for future farm buyers
• Climate‑smart farmland protection and soil health education
• Advocacy and coalition leadership through groups like Working Lands Alliance
• Partnerships across land trusts, municipalities, and state and federal agencies

Honesty & Accountability
• Responsiveness
• Justice & Equity
• Innovation & Risk-Taking
• Building Partnerships & Community

Connecticut Farmland Trust seeks a strategic, relationship‑centered, and equity‑driven Executive Director (ED) to lead the organization through its next chapter. The ED will implement CFT’s 5-Year Strategic Plan; expand farmland preservation and equitable access; strengthen climate‑resilient conservation practices; and foster a healthy, inclusive, high‑performing organizational culture.

This is a hands‑on leadership role overseeing strategy, fundraising, operations, partnerships, and staff development—all within a mission‑driven, nimble nonprofit deeply connected to Connecticut’s agricultural community.

• Implement the strategic plan across farmland protection, farmland access, climate resilience, and organizational health
• Oversee acquisition, easement, and stewardship work
• 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

• 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,…