Director, Leadership Communications 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 Senior Director, Leadership Affairs, the Director is a member of the Executive Office's Leadership Affairs function and is responsible for developing and executing the strategic communications that shape how AIA's executive and volunteer leadership engages with members, the profession, and the public.
The Director serves as the primary communications advisor to AIA's CEO, President, Board of Directors, and senior volunteer leaders, ensuring their communications are clear, purposeful, and strategically aligned. This includes overseeing speeches, executive messaging, written communications, event presentations, and leadership-focused communication channels.
Working at the intersection of executive communications, leadership engagement, and organizational strategy, the Director translates complex institutional priorities into compelling narratives that strengthen leadership visibility, reinforce organizational goals, and advance AIA's mission. The role helps maintain a consistent and credible institutional voice across all leadership communications while fostering meaningful engagement with key stakeholders.
Job Duties
Executive & Leadership Communications Strategy
- Develop and execute a comprehensive leadership communications strategy for the Executive Office, aligned to AIA’s institutional priorities and the goals of the CEO, President, and Board of Directors.
- Create and manage an annual leadership communications calendar, coordinating messaging across key moments, events, and governance cycles.
- Serve as the primary communications partner for the CEO and President, developing messaging platforms, speechwriting guidance, email communications, correspondence, and executive columns.
- Develop and manage communications strategies for Board of Directors engagement, including Board correspondence, governance communications, and member-facing leadership messaging.
- Ensure that communications from AIA’s leadership reflect a consistent voice, reflect current strategic priorities, and resonate with target audiences.
Content Development & Speechwriting
- Write and edit high-quality speeches, remarks, scripts, talking points, and messaging briefs for the CEO, President, and senior volunteer leaders.
- Develop web content, member communications, op-eds, thought leadership pieces, and executive columns that advance AIA’s voice and position.
- Draft run-of-show documents, stage directions, and event scripts for AIA signature events and governance meetings.
- Commission and manage relationships with external speechwriters, communications consultants, and coaching vendors as needed; maintain quality oversight of all externally produced content.
- Integrate international affairs narratives into leadership communications, in close partnership with the Managing Director and international affairs staff.
Speaking Engagements & Event Communications
- Lead the identification, vetting, and management of speaking opportunities for the CEO and President, aligning engagements with AIA’s strategic visibility goals.
- Serve as the primary relationship manager for the AIA Conference on Architecture and other signature events, managing outreach, preparation, logistics, and coordination of the leadership schedules.
- Develop speaker briefings, preparation materials, and pre-event messaging support for AIA leadership appearing at internal and external events.
Cross-Functional & Stakeholder Collaboration
- Function as the Leadership Affairs point of contact for the Marketing & Communications department, ensuring leadership communications are integrated with AIA’s broader editorial, media, and brand strategies.
- Collaborate with the Senior Director of Communications and the media team to align executive messaging across channels and support strategic media placements for AIA leadership.
- Partner with the Advocacy & Relationships team to develop executive communications that support AIA’s public affairs and government relations priorities.
- Advise AIA Foundation and AIA Trust on leadership communications strategies, as appropriate.
- Support crisis communications as it relates to executive and leadership messaging, in coordination with the Managing Director and marketing leadership.
Metrics & Continuous Improvement
- Establish and track metrics to evaluate the reach, engagement, and effectiveness of leadership communications initiatives.
- Use data and feedback to continuously refine messaging strategies, communications channels, and content approaches.
- Maintain up-to-date awareness of trends in executive communications, association communications, and relevant policy or professional environments.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Demonstrated experience writing for and advising senior executives, C-suite leaders, or elected/volunteer officials.
- Experience managing or coordinating speaking engagements, large-scale event communications, or executive event production.
- Proficient written communication skills with a demonstrated portfolio of executive speeches, thought leadership content, or high-stakes institutional communications.
- Strong editorial judgment and the ability to match voice, tone, and message to diverse audiences and contexts.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to translate institutional priorities into compelling, accessible narratives.
- Highly organized with strong project management skills; comfortable managing multiple high-priority deliverables simultaneously.
- Collaborative and relationship-oriented; skilled at working across teams and with senior stakeholders at all levels.
- Ability to exercise discretion and handle sensitive information with professionalism.
- Familiarity with AIA, the architecture profession, or the AEC industry is a strong plus.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite; comfort with digital communications tools and content management systems.
Supervisory Requirements - One direct report.
Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field required; advanced degree preferred. Minimum 7–10 years of progressive experience in strategic communications, executive communications, or thought leadership, preferably within a professional association, nonprofit, or public affairs context.
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: Requires periodic travel, including attendance at the AIA Conference on Architecture, Board meetings, and other signature leadership events. Occasional additional domestic travel may be necessary.
Work Location: Hybrid from the Washington DC metro area only (DC, MD, VA)
States not listed 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.