Sr. Director, Leadership Affairs in Washington, District of Columbia at The American Institute of
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Job Description
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 Vice President, Governance & Awards, the Senior Director serves as a strategic leader within the AIA Executive Office, overseeing the Director of Leadership Communications and the Manager, Leadership Operations to build and steward an integrated leadership communications function. The role is responsible for shaping and executing the communications and engagement strategy that defines how AIA’s executive and volunteer leaders are positioned publicly.
Working in close partnership with International Affairs, the Senior Director ensures that AIA’s global priorities and engagements are reflected consistently across leadership messaging and that international perspectives are effectively integrated into executive communications. The position supports the CEO, President, and Board by cultivating a clear, consistent, and compelling leadership presence across communications, speaking engagements, stakeholder interactions, and other high-profile engagements.
The Senior Director drives strategic messaging, executive positioning, and leadership engagement initiatives that strengthen AIA’s reputation, advance organizational priorities, and enhance the visibility and influence of its leadership among members, partners, policymakers, and other key stakeholders.
Job Function
Strategic Leadership & Communications Direction
- Lead the development and execution of AIA’s leadership communications strategy, ensuring a coherent, high-impact function that supports the CEO, President, Board, and senior volunteer leaders.
- Serve as a senior advisor to the CEO, President, and Board of Directors on leadership engagement strategy, executive positioning, and communications priorities.
- Partner with the Vice President, Governance & Awards, to align Leadership Affairs priorities with broader Executive Office goals and AIA’s strategic plan.
- Provide strategic counsel to senior volunteer leaders preparing for high-visibility speaking engagements, media appearances, and public-facing events, ensuring they are briefed, positioned, and ready.
- Ensure that AIA’s leadership speaks with one voice across all communications channels, collaborating closely with International Affairs to integrate global narratives into executive messaging.
Collaboration with International Affairs
- Partner with the Senior Director, International Affairs, to ensure that AIA’s global relationships, MOU partnerships, and engagement with organizations including the UIA and FPAA are supported by a clear leadership communications narrative.
- The Senior Director partners with the Manager, International Affairs to connect AIA’s global relationships and policy work with the leadership communications platform that amplifies and contextualizes that work.
- Develop leadership communications materials and briefing packages to support AIA officers, the CEO, and senior staff ahead of international travel, bilateral meetings, and engagements at forums such as UNCOP and UN climate negotiations.
- Integrate AIA’s international affairs work into executive speeches, correspondence, and public-facing content, ensuring that global policy positions and engagements are communicated with clarity and consistency.
- Stay current on global policy developments and intergovernmental discussions relevant to AIA’s mission, informing leadership communications strategy in coordination with the International Affairs function.
Leadership Communications Oversight
- Provide senior oversight and strategic direction for all leadership communications activities within the Executive Office, ensuring consistency, quality, and impact.
- Direct the development and execution of an annual leadership communications plan that reflects the priorities of the CEO, President, Board, and international affairs agenda, in coordination with the Director, Leadership Communication.
- Oversee the integration of international affairs narratives into executive speeches, correspondence, and public-facing content, working in concert with the International Affairs function to ensure AIA’s global work is communicated with clarity and coherence.
- Advise on crisis communications strategies as they relate to leadership and global affairs.
Team Leadership & Operational Management
- Supervise and develop a team of two direct reports — the Director, Leadership Communication and the Manager, Leadership Operations — fostering a high-performing, collaborative team culture focused on execution and quality.
- Develop, manage, and steward the Leadership Communications function budget, including staff development, speaking engagement support, content production, and vendor/partner expenses.
- Establish and track metrics, outcomes, and reporting processes to demonstrate the value and impact of Leadership Affairs programs.
- Oversee Leadership Affairs content on aia.org and other Institute channels, ensuring accuracy, currency, and alignment with executive messaging.
- Oversee leadership engagement content on aia.org and other Institute channels, ensuring accuracy, currency, and alignment with executive messaging priorities.
Cross-Organizational Collaboration
- Collaborate with the Marketing & Communications, Advocacy & Relationships, and Membership teams to ensure integrated, coherent external positioning.
- Coordinate with the Executive Office to align Leadership Affairs activities with CEO and Board priorities and schedules.
- Serve as a key cross-functional connector, representing Leadership Affairs interests in AIA-wide planning and strategy discussions and partnering with International Affairs to ensure coordinated, aligned external positioning.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Demonstrated experience leading complex, multi-stakeholder programs in a national association, nonprofit, or comparable organizational environment; experience in a membership-based or professional association setting preferred.
- Proven track record in managing and developing professional teams.
- Strong strategic communications instincts with experience in executive positioning, thought leadership, or public affairs.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; ability to draft and edit high-quality content for senior executives and public audiences.
- Demonstrated ability to advise and interact with C-suite executives, board members, and senior volunteer leaders with credibility and discretion.
- Strong relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills; comfort working across diverse internal and external audiences, including international counterparts in collaboration with the International Affairs function.
- Ability to manage competing priorities, lead through ambiguity, and drive results in a fast-paced organizational environment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite; comfort with digital communication platforms and content management systems.
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in communications, public affairs, organizational leadership, or a related field strongly preferred. Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications, executive engagement, leadership communications, or a closely related field.
Supervisory Requirements - Two direct reports.
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
- Parental Leave
- 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
- SmartBenefits transportation program, featuring up to $55 monthly in public transportation as well as pretax METRO parking
- Computer purchase program
- Fitness club discounts
- Prepaid legal services program
- Identity theft protection
Travel Requirements: Occasional domestic and international travel is required for this position.
Work Location: Hybrid from the Washington DC metro area only (DC, MD, VA)
States not listed above are not eligible work locations
This position will periodically be required to be on-site at the AIA Headquarters in Washington D.C.
Equal Opportunity Employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.