Director, Knowledge & Practice

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

The Knowledge & Practice (K&P) department consists of the following teams: Knowledge Communities, Member Education & Learning, Research, Practice, and Climate Action & Design Excellence.

Reporting to the Sr. Vice President, Knowledge & Practice, the Director will provide volunteer management, project management, and broad team operations support that will allow each team to effectively advance its individual member value strategy while collectively advancing the goals of the department. The scope includes performing project and time management, strategic and operational thinking, and providing financial and administrative oversight.

The Director will develop and maintain highly effective relationships with member volunteers, external stakeholders, and internally across departments.

Job Duties:

Volunteer Management

Majority of AIA's volunteer committees and member groups are staffed by the Knowledge & Practice department. As such, this position may be required to support the department as directed by the Senior Vice President to execute committee charges given by the Board of Directors, advance the Strategic Plan, or to enhance the member experience.

• Serve as primary point of contact for a committee or member group(s) to assist in shepherding its work forward in accordance with AIA policies and governance best practices.
• Manage budget communication with volunteer leaders and provide oversight for project implementation within established budgets when applicable.
• Facilitate opportunities for cooperation and optimal cross-function within the Institute, such as collaboration with other relevant volunteer committees, member groups, and Board-level committees, local/state components and other Institute program areas and special initiatives.
• Develop and maintain highly effective relationships with volunteer leaders affiliated with committee or member group programs and activities.

Project Management

The Knowledge & Practice department curates, produces, and disseminates the resources that allow our members to achieve design excellence and firm prosperity. Multiple K&P teams are responsible for executing these projects which require collaboration with member volunteers and periodically external consultants

• Schedule, plan and execute both internal and member-facing projects that may increase operational efficiency, contribute to innovation, elevate AIA thought leadership, and/or enhance member value.
• Identify and coordinate subject matter experts, including volunteer members for content development and support.
• Manage project budgets, revenue, and expenses to meet established financial goals.
• Ensure products and deliverables follow AIA Brand Guidelines and policies.
• In partnership with the Marketing & Communications team, ensure developed content, tools, and resources are integrated into appropriate campaigns.

Operations Support

The Senior Vice President oversees an approximate $14M budget that spreads across the five teams. This position will facilitate coordination across the teams to fully leverage our staffing and financial resources to achieve connected department goals.

• Develop a strong understanding of the operations within the Institute to keenly coordinate activities with and between Knowledge and Practice and other AIA departments.
  • Works with K&P Team leads to develop and execute plans that leverage all distributions channels for the organization.
  • Provide support and coordination of internal invoicing processes for the department and adjacent departments that support the work of K&P
  • Tracks, evaluates and coordinates the accomplishment of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) of organizational Priority Projects that are focused on improving Knowledge & Practice specific products, programs, and resources.
  • Supports the budgeting process for all Knowledge and Practice programs and projects by compiling project budget submissions and working closely with the Senior Vice President's direct reports to achieve financial and programmatic goals.
  • Prepares management reports and other documents on department progress.
  • Handles or leads special projects as assigned by the Senior Vice President, Knowledge & Practice.

Frequent contacts

Qualifications

• Demonstrated independent judgment, initiative and discretion within the Institute's policies to successfully execute its duties.

• Demonstrated, proficient project management skills, critical thinking, decision making, and ability to coordinate a variety of projects with multiple stakeholders.

• Skill in time management plus ability to work independently and self-assign tasks appropriate for progression of projects with minimal supervision.
• Considerable skill in volunteer management, collaborative problem solving, and conflict resolution.

• Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence. Strong interdepartmental facilitation and collaboration skills.
• Considerable skill in written/oral communication, critical thinking, synthesizing, negotiation and active listening.
• Considerable knowledge of and skill in monitoring costs, quality and on-time performance of project activities using standard project management techniques
• Experience developing, managing and reporting operating budgets.

Bachelor's degree plus a minimum of 7 years of related work experience. Association management experience strongly preferred; Architecture education or experience is a plus.

Supervisory Requirements

None.

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:
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and their family members
  • Computer purchase program
  • Fitness club discounts
  • Prepaid legal services program
  • Identity theft protection

Work Location 100% Remote from the AIA Approved States: AR, CT, DE, FL, GA, ID,
IL, IA, KS, KY, ME, MI, MN, MT, NH, NM, NY, NC, OK, PA, SC, SD, TN,
UT, VT, WI, WY

This position will periodically be required to be on-site at the AIA Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Travel Requirements up to 10%

Equal Opportunity Employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.