Director, Government Affairs Programs & Communications

**Director, Government Affairs Programs & Communications**

**Salary Range:** $115,000 – $120,000
**Location:** Hybrid (Washington, DC Metro Area – DC, MD, VA)
**Travel:** Approximately 10%

**Shape the Future of Advocacy for the Architecture Profession**

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is seeking a strategic, collaborative Director of Programs & Communications to help grow and strengthen our national government affairs and member advocacy programs.

Reporting to the Managing Director of Government Affairs, this position serves as the critical link between Government Affairs, Communications, and AIA members. The Director will lead advocacy communications, member engagement initiatives, and cross-functional programs that expand architect participation in public policy and strengthen AIA’s advocacy infrastructure nationwide.

This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced public affairs, advocacy, or communications professional who thrives at the intersection of policy, strategic communications, member engagement, and organizational leadership.

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**About AIA**

The American Institute of Architects is dedicated to advancing the value of architecture and empowering architects to design a better future. Our advocacy priorities are grounded in our commitment to:

– Equity and human rights
– Strong, resilient communities
– Sustainability and climate action
– Economic opportunity
– Investing in the future of the profession
– Effective public policy advocacy

AIA is committed to fostering a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion that strengthens both the profession and the built environment.

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**Key Responsibilities**

**Member Engagement & Advocacy**

– Develop and lead AIA’s national Government Affairs Member Engagement Program.
– Design scalable advocacy pathways that increase member participation.
– Create advocacy training, leadership development programs, webinars, and toolkits.
– Partner with state and local components to strengthen advocacy capacity.
– Measure engagement and continuously improve program effectiveness.

**Strategic Communications**

– Serve as the primary liaison between Government Affairs and Communications.
– Translate complex legislative and policy issues into compelling communications.
– Develop advocacy messaging across digital, print, and executive communications.
– Manage Government Affairs’ website content, newsletters, and social media strategy.
– Support rapid-response communications on emerging policy issues.

**Advocacy Campaigns**

– Lead member-facing advocacy campaigns and communications.
– Manage action alerts and digital advocacy campaigns through Quorum and related platforms.
– Coordinate communications supporting Hill Day, Leadership Summit, fly-ins, and legislative priorities.
– Ensure messaging aligns with AIA policy positions and strategic objectives.

**Cross-Functional Leadership**

– Coordinate projects across Government Affairs, Communications, Member Relations, Public Policy, State & Local Affairs, and other AIA teams.
– Support departmental planning, project management, and operational improvements.
– Represent Government Affairs internally and externally as appropriate.

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**Qualifications**

Successful candidates will bring:

– Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Policy, Political Science, Public Administration, Marketing, Nonprofit Management, or a related field.
– Seven or more years of progressively responsible experience in government affairs, advocacy, communications, membership, nonprofit management, public affairs, or related fields.
– Experience developing advocacy campaigns, communications strategies, or member engagement programs.
– Strong understanding of public policy and government affairs.
– Exceptional writing, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
– Experience managing complex, cross-functional initiatives.
– Familiarity with advocacy platforms such as Quorum is preferred.
– Strong project management skills; PMP certification or equivalent experience is a plus.

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**Why Join AIA?**

AIA offers a collaborative, mission-driven environment where your work directly supports architects and strengthens communities nationwide.

**Our comprehensive benefits include:**

– Medical and dental insurance
– 401(k)
– Generous paid time off
– Flexible hybrid work environment
– Paid parental leave
– Flexible spending accounts
– Employer-paid life and disability insurance
– Tuition and professional membership reimbursement
– Employee Assistance Program
– Transportation benefits
– Fitness discounts
– Identity theft protection
– Prepaid legal services

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**Work Location**

This hybrid position is open to candidates located in the Washington, DC metropolitan area (DC, Maryland, or Virginia). Periodic onsite work at AIA Headquarters in Washington, DC, is required.

The American Institute of Architects is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Interested applicants should apply here: **Dir., Govt Affairs Programs & Communications**