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