Sr. Director, State & Local Affairs

Salary Range

$152,000.00 To $155,000.00 Annually

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 Advocacy Officer (CAO), the Senior Director is responsible for developing and implementing a long-term strategy to increase AIA’s State and Local Advocacy through member engagement. This role involves advocacy, training, legislative tracking, and strategic communications. Critical to the success of the Senior Director will be active and thorough engagement with state and local components. This includes serving as the primary point of contact with AIA components, overseeing AIA’s grassroots engagement programs, coordinating joint campaigns, and creating issue and advocacy materials for state and local use.

Job Duties

• Manage the development and implementation of strategies to increase AIA member involvement in advocacy at the state and local levels.
• Lead state and local advocacy efforts, including staff management, project assignments, strategic plan progress, time allocation, and performance reviews.
• Advise and engage components on upgrading the AIA digital forum for conversation and story sharing.
• Plan and advise on digital resources needed for the team and their state counterparts.
• Develop and manage advocacy and state/local issue campaigns, budget administration, strategic planning, advocacy programs, and products.
• Implement strategies to increase AIA members’ engagement at continually increasing activity levels.
• Collaborate with the Advocacy Team, AIA Knowledge Communities, and internal departments to ensure messaging consistency, engagement in advancing AIA’s federal legislative agenda, and well-informed discussions.
• Coordinate with the Member and Component Engagement, and Marketing & Communications Teams to ensure promotion of member engagement and success stories.
• Direct advocacy communications and member engagement activities with the public, AIA components, and groups related to codes, standards, and legislation at various levels.
• Regularly interact with volunteer leaders, members, task forces, advisory groups, and working groups.
• Collaborate with other AIA teams and constituencies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Frequent Contacts

• AIA Board of Directors
• AIA Strategic Council
• AIA National Leadership and Staff
• AIA Government Advocacy Committee
• AIA Committee on Codes and Standards
• State and local AIA component directors, staff, and members
• State and Local Advocacy Consultants and vendors
• Grassroots and Grasstops third-party allies

Qualifications

• Proven knowledge of the American political system and grassroots/member engagement strategies.
• Demonstrated experience in leading change through vision, innovation, and results; anticipating challenges and identifying solutions.
• Experience building a culture of collaborative teamwork, strong leadership, analytical thinking, and effective diplomacy.
• Advocacy training experience with knowledge of policy issues and advocacy engagement techniques to inspire member activity.
• Skill in designing and implementing cross-team advocacy and engagement initiatives.
• Advanced communication skills (written and verbal) and experience working with high-profile members and political leaders.
• Ability to lead multiple priorities and responsibilities simultaneously.
• Preferred but not required: campaign and/or field organizing experience.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in public affairs, communications, political science, or a related field and/or a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in government affairs, public affairs, campaigns, or grassroots organizing in executive, legislative, corporate, non-profit, or private sector organizations.

Supervisory Requirements

This position oversees one full-time staff position.

What We Offer

We offer a comprehensive benefits package reflecting our values and workplace culture, including:

• Medical, vision, and dental coverage
• 401(k) plan
• Flexibility and paid time off
• Flexible spending accounts
• Income protection (Life Insurance Coverage up to 2x salary) and disability plans at no cost
• Tuition and membership reimbursements
• Additional employee programs:
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and family members
  • Computer purchase program
  • Fitness club discounts
  • Prepaid legal services program
  • Identity theft protection

Travel Requirements

Approximately 20%

Learn more here