About

• 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

• Reporting to the Chief Government Affairs Officer (CGAO) in the Government Affairs & Public Policy department, the Managing Director is responsible for managing all aspects of the Institute’s work with respect to federal legislative relations, public policy, codes and standards, international, and state and local affairs, which includes leading the development, adoption, and advancement of the Institute’s overarching legislative priorities among AIA staff, AIA leadership, and member groups, relationships with the Administration and Congress. This role will also provide stewardship for AIA strategy, polices and positions as they relate to international, federal, state, and local policy making and works with fellow AIA staff and volunteers to actively promote and protect the profession of architects on behalf of all AIA members.

• The Managing Director will work with the Government Affairs & Public Policy Team and other AIA departments and constituencies to bring the Institute’s data, analysis, and strategic expertise to bear on federal affairs and policy discussions at the local, state, federal, and international levels. This will be accomplished by engaging with the federal government and aligned interest groups/trade associations to further AIA government relations objectives as well as writing and contributing to white papers, technical reports, policy briefs and papers to support the Institute’s positions.  

• The Managing Director is responsible for providing guidance and expertise on policy matters that impact the entire Institute, managing the governance of AIA Government Affairs, Public Policies, and Position Statements, and working closely and collaboratively with other AIA teams to ensure the Institute’s government affairs and public policy outreach is consistent (an adhered to) across the organization. 

Job Duties

• Staff and Program Management

• * Manage a team of Senior Directors who manage subcommittees of the Government Affairs Committee, taskforces and policy advisory groups comprised of member volunteers (as needed).

• * Analyze emerging and urgent federal government affairs strategies and liaise with other organizations that address similar policy issues.

• * Oversee the operations of the federal government affairs and public policy team, including the review and development of the departmental budget, projects, and deliverables.

• * Oversee the operations of a subcommittee of the Government Affairs Committee, taskforces, and policy advisory groups comprised of member volunteers (as needed). 

• * Contribute to the Institute’s policy relevant research. 

• * Develop policy briefs for the AIA Annual Leadership Summit and Hill Day fly-in including white papers, research papers, and other written materials on specific issues, as needed.  

• * Coordinate and attend Hill Day preparation, meetings, and follow up, including year-round government affairs advocacy by mobilizing AIA membership to communicate policy issues and attend strategic Congressional based fly-ins.

• * Attend major conferences attended by political leaders, including annual meetings of mayors, governors, and members of Congress.

• * Oversee the strategy and tactics development plan of six Senior Directors.

• * Oversee ArchiPAC’s political fundraising and giving strategy.

• * Perform other job-related tasks as appropriate. 

• Government Affairs & Public Policy

• * Advise on and execute federal advocacy strategies grounded in direct congressional experience, including drafting legislation, coordinating and participating in Congressional outreach, and advancing funding initiatives.

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

• * Advise in the development, write and contribute to government affairs strategy and 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. 

• * 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.  

• * Lead federal government strategy and issue formation. 

• * Perform other job-related tasks as appropriate. 

• Collaboration, Promotion and Engagement

• * Serve as point of contact for promoting the understanding of federal government advocacy and 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.
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• * Build understanding and support for critical matters facing architects at all levels.  
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• * 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. 

• * Display a positive attitude and supportive leadership style internally to the organization and externally to members of Congress, the Administration, AIA members, and outside organizations.

• * 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 Component Leadership and staff
• * AIA Strategic Communications & Content 
• * Other Associations

Qualifications

• * Demonstrated related experience (ideally at least 10 years) in federal government affairs, public policy, or legislative strategy, including significant tenure on Capitol Hill and within a national trade association.
• * Demonstrated advanced political skills, understanding politics, political timing, political messaging and campaigns.
• * 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.  
• * 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, large constituency groups like Congressional Black Caucus, Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, AIA’s Large Firm Round Table, 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.
• * Experience managing political fundraising within a political campaign or association and advising on disbursement of Political Action Committee funds to support legislative relationships.
• * 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.
• * 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.

• Bachelor’s  or advanced degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Architecture, Engineering, or a related field, with a minimum of 10 years related experience, of which a preferred minimum of 7 years in association/non-profit government advocacy and relations preferred. Political and federal government experience a must. Proven management skills. Some travel is required.

Supervisory Requirements

• Lead a team of 9

• What we offer:  

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

• * Medical, vision 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: 
• 1. Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and their family members 

• * SmartBenefits transportation program, featuring up to $55 monthly in public transportation as well as pretax METRO parking

• 1.  
• 2. Computer purchase program 
• 3. Fitness club discounts 
• 4. Prepaid legal services program 

• 1. Identity theft protection 

• Location: Hybrid from the Washington DC metro area only (DC, MD, VA)

•                                                                          Applicants from states not listed above are ineligible.

• AIA employees in the DC metro area are currently working remotely during our office renovation. Employees in the DC Metro area will return to a hybrid work environment in the newly renovated office at the completion of the renovation in the Fall of 2025.

• Travel Requirements:                                      20% 

• Equal Opportunity Employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.