Director, Political Affairs

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 Sr. Director, Federal Affairs, this role is responsible for the development and management of AIA’s political action committee, ArchiPAC; directing all PAC donor retention and recognition strategies; PAC and federal lobbying and legal compliance; AIA member-to-member programs; political fundraising; political disbursements strategy; political events; and other outreach or project oversight as assigned.

The Director also serves as liaison and advisor to AIA state components on state PAC fundraising and strategy and works to grow state PACs.

Job Duties

• Work with colleagues in government advocacy to develop a disbursement plan for PAC giving to members of Congress based on the AIA policy platform and other aspects of the advocacy agenda.
• Build relationships with political operatives, campaign committee leadership, federal decision-makers, and other influencers across the political spectrum in Washington, DC.
• Manage ArchiPAC accounting and records keeping, including data maintenance, rigorous and accurate accounting of receipts and disbursements, preparation and filing of FEC reports, creation and distribution of regular internal reports, and related responsibilities.
• Create, develop, implement, and coordinate political resources to achieve AIA goals, including long-term strategic planning and annual budgets.
• Provide updates and counsel to AIA and Advocacy and Relationships leadership and the ArchiPAC Steering Committee on ArchiPAC’s disbursements to members of Congress as they relate to the current political climate and AIA’s advocacy agenda.
• Partner with state components to develop long-term strategies for political engagement at the federal level to bring awareness to the AIA policy platform and other advocacy agenda items.
• Develop and implement fundraising goals and programs to expand ArchiPAC fundraising and member participation, including expanding peer-to-peer fundraising.
• Serve as staff liaison to the ArchiPAC Steering Committee and the ArchiPAC peer-to-peer fundraising groups.
• Keep informed of current federal and state campaign laws, issues, and trends, and advise components and colleagues accordingly.
• Craft and implement ArchiPAC strategic development and contributor recognition plans, with appropriate supporting materials, to achieve fundraising and activity goals.
• Serve as ArchiPAC Treasurer, including recordkeeping and reporting responsibilities such as ensuring the correctness and timeliness of filings and the legality of PAC actions and decisions.
• Collaborate with AIA’s Brand and Engagement team to develop strategies for communicating with members of AIA through the website, print publications, newsletters, and online communications.
• Oversee the development of written communications, videos, website content, and other creative elements designed to grow AIA member political awareness toward ArchiPAC.
• Other duties as assigned.

Frequent Contacts

• AIA staff
• AIA State Component staff and leaders
• AIA National leaders and Board members
• AIA Members
• Congressional candidates and staff
• National Party Committee contacts
• Professional fundraisers and volunteers
• ArchiPAC vendors and consultants
• Representatives from other organizations

Qualifications

• Proficient analytical, writing, speaking, organizational, and interpersonal skills are essential.
• Ability to balance big-picture strategies, demonstrate attention to detail, and manage multiple priorities and responsibilities.
• Sound judgment and initiative to work independently.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Commitment to producing excellent work and resolving complex issues according to deadlines and budgets.
• Creative, flexible, and high energy, including the ability to work non-routine hours.
• Demonstrated success working in a team environment, coordinating and communicating with colleagues and others, conveying ideas with tact and diplomacy, and resolving problems collaboratively.
• Experience working with and guiding multiple constituencies, such as national boards and state and local organizations, associations, and volunteers.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Word, Excel, Access) and experience using PAC/FEC-compliant software.

A Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 7 years of professional experience are required, including 3-5 years of demonstrated success with political action committee development and management. The individual must have experience in campaign and legislative processes and a command of FEC regulations. Advanced-level fundraising experience is a must.

Supervisory Requirements

None

Compensation

Compensation for this role will reflect a range of factors, including relevant experience, demonstrated expertise, and other considerations.

Starting salary estimate: $111,000 – $115,000.

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 also have access to additional 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

10% travel required if working outside of the DC, MD, VA area.

Work Location

Hybrid/Remote from the Washington DC area (DC, MD, VA) only.

Applicants from states not listed above are ineligible.

Application Information

To apply, please click here.

All 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 upon completion of the renovation in Summer 2025.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.