Qualifications:

• Significant professional experience (ideally at least 10 years) in policy and/or politics, experience working on Capitol Hill in a federal department/agency, for other policy makers, or in the policy/government affairs department of a national nonprofit organization, think tank, or association.
• Proficient research skills: ability to quickly and accurately pull key facts or statistics to support a broad advocacy proposal, accurately source and efficiently fact check.
• Interest in learning and leading new policy area initiatives as opportunities emerge.
• Strong writing, analytical, communications, and organizational skills.
• Skilled in leadership, facilitation, team building, relationship and consensus-building, collaborative problem solving, conflict resolution, and systems/process development.
• Skilled in negotiation and active listening.
• Experience working with multiple constituencies, such as a national board and state chapters and their individual practitioners and other relevant organizations.
• Experience speaking extemporaneously before groups to inform and persuade.
• Experience managing a staff and working as part of a larger department/team/association.
• Demonstrated success working in a team environment through coordination and communication of delegated responsibilities; communicating ideas and issues with tact and diplomacy; and resolving problems collaboratively among members, collateral organizations/agencies, and the AIA staff.
• Experience working independently and using initiative and independent judgment to complete complex projects on or before deadlines.
• Must develop significant strategic knowledge on issues of concern to the architectural profession, as well as an in-depth knowledge of the AIA organization.
• Demonstrates self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds.

• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office, including competence in Word, Excel, Access and Outlook. Skilled in using Internet browser/internet research-based methods.

J.D, Master of Public Policy preferred or advanced degree in Architecture, Planning, or Policy or related field with a minimum of seven to ten years of professional experience. Association experience is an asset.

Supervisory Requirements:

Lead a department of 3.

What we offer
We offer a comprehensive benefits package that reflects our company values and workplace culture, including:

• Medical and dental
• 401(k)
• Flexibility
• Paid time off
• Flexible spending accounts
• Income protection- (Life Insurance Coverage up to 2x salary) & disability plans at no cost.
• Tuition and membership reimbursements
• AIA employees have access to a variety of other programs, including:
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and their family members
  • Computer purchase program
  • Fitness club discounts
  • Prepaid legal services program
  • Identity theft protection

Travel Requirements: Occasional travel may be required

Work Location: 100% Remote from the Washington DC area: DC. MD, VA

Applicants from states not listed above are ineligible.

All AIA employees in the DC metro area are currently working remotely during our office renovation. Employees in the DC Metro area will have the option to return to the newly renovated office at the completion of the renovation in Spring 2025.

An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability, in accordance with the applicable law.

The American Institute of Architects (AIA)
AIA will provide you with the opportunity to advocate for the value of architecture and give architects and design professionals the resources they need to do their best work. The collective voice of architects is essential, and our work drives positive change through the power of design.

Each one of us at AIA is a leader committed to demonstrating our mission and values and designing a better future for our country and planet. Even in times of change, AIA's values remain constant:

• We stand for equity and human rights.
• We stand for architecture that strengthens our communities.
• We stand for a sustainable future.
• We stand for protecting communities from the impacts of climate change.
• We stand for economic opportunity.
• We stand for investing in the future.
• We speak up, and policymakers listen.

The American Institute of Architects, as part of the global community, is building a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion within the profession of architecture to create a better built environment for all. Achieving this vision has a direct impact on the relevance of the profession of architecture and the world's prosperity, health, and future.

Job Summary

This is a senior professional position in the Advocacy & Relationships department, reporting to the Managing Director for Public Policy & Federal Affairs. The Sr. Director is responsible for managing all aspects of the Institute's work on public policy which includes supporting AIA's federal legislative agenda and leading the development, adoption, and advancement of the Institute's overarching public policy priorities among AIA staff, AIA leadership, and member groups. This role will also provide stewardship for AIA polices and positions as they relate to international, federal, state, and local policy to ensure alignment and works with fellow AIA staff and volunteers to actively promote and protect the profession of architects on behalf of all AIA members.

The Senior Director will work with the Advocacy & Relationships Team and other AIA departments and constituencies to bring the Institute's data, analysis, and strategic expertise to bear on policy discussions at the local, state, federal, and international levels. This will be done through writing and contributing to white papers, technical reports, policy briefs, and talking points to support the Institute's positions.

The Sr. Director is responsible for providing guidance and expertise on policy matters that impact the entire Institute, managing the governance of the AIA Public Policies and Position Statements, and working closely and collaboratively with other AIA teams to ensure the Institute's public policy positions are consistent (an adhered to) across the organization.

Job Duties:

Staff and Program Management

• Manage a subcommittee of the Government Affairs Committee, working groups, and policy advisory groups comprised of member volunteers (as needed).
• Analyze emerging and pressing policy issues and liaise with other organizations that address similar policy issues.

• Manage the operations of the Public Policy team, including the review and development of the departmental budget, projects, and deliverables.
• Oversee the operations of a subgroup of the Government Affairs Committee, , and other policy advisory groups comprised of member volunteers (as needed).

• Contribute to the Institute's policy-relevant research.

• Develop policy briefs, research papers, talking points, and other written materials on specific issues, as needed.

• Perform other job-related tasks as appropriate.

Subject Matter Content

• Monitor, forecast, pursue, and respond to policy-related inquiries generated from state and local components, members, and AIA leadership.

• Advise in the development, write and contribute to white papers, technical reports, policy briefs, and other resource materials aimed at educating external audiences including policy makers.

• Develop and maintain processes and sources of information for providing counsel, direction, and assistance to AIA staff, leadership, members and components on relevant local, state, federal, and international issues, including but not limited to climate action; equity; and issues impacting the architecture profession.

• Perform other job-related tasks as appropriate.

Forecasting and Research

• Forecast and anticipate major policy issues, trends, and challenges for the AIA, and develop materials to support the efforts of AIA to address such issues.
  
• Maintain a clearinghouse of information and resources on relevant policy issues; oversee policy research and analysis; develop publications and related issue materials as needed.

• Guide AIA and provide guidance with setting priorities based on qualitative research and analysis.

• Develop long term strategic plan for the AIA to advance the AIA's policy positions working with other departments and programs to align goals and set strategy.

• Perform other job-related tasks as appropriate.

Collaboration, Promotion and Engagement

• Promote the understanding of policy issues, trends, and challenges institute-wide by using AIA channels to communicate frequently, forming, and collaborating with internal cross functional teams to develop policy-related resources; leveraging assigned staff and work to build relationships across the organization.
  
• Build understanding and support for critical matters facing architects at all levels.
  
• Increase internal and external awareness using collaboration and consensus approaches to promote the AIA's public policies.

• Serve as key point of contact for issues relating to AIA's public policy positions.

• Represent the AIA and work with other associations, organizations, and departments within the AIA on assigned policy issues.

• Work with appropriate staff to ensure policy consistency across the Institute.

• Perform other job-related tasks as appropriate.

Frequent Contacts:

• AIA National Senior Leadership
• AIA General Counsel and staff
• AIA Volunteer Leadership
• AIA Government and Advocacy Team
• AIA Government Advocacy Committee
• AIA Chapter Leadership and staff
• AIA Strategic Communications & Content
• Other Associations