Managing Director, Events at The American Institute of – Washington, District of Columbia

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 Sr. Vice President, Sales, Events and Exhibitions, this senior management role within the AIA Sales, Events, and Exhibitions department is responsible for planning and execution of AIA’s portfolio of in-person and digital meetings and events. This role also serves as a key leader role in the planning and execution of the AIA Conference on Architecture & Design with over 12,000 attendees, 600+ exhibitors and several hundreds of education sessions, events and experiences.

This role collaborates on the development and implementation of an enterprise-wide events strategy aligned with AIA’s organizational priorities, with a focus on innovation, revenue growth, and member value. The Managing Director serves as a key leader and innovator, bringing a strong understanding of AIA’s mission and advancing the impact of its events portfolio.

The Managing Director oversees a team of event professionals and is accountable for delivering high-quality, high-impact events that support the organization’s overall success. This role requires strong leadership in talent development, cross functional collaboration, and effective resource management, while fostering an inclusive and high performing team culture aligned with AIA’s values.

The position requires the ability to build strong relationships across all levels of the organization, as well as with volunteer leaders, partners, and vendors. The Managing Director ensures that all events are executed with a high standard of quality, operational excellence, and fiscal responsibility.

Job Duties:

Event Strategy and Planning

Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive AIA meetings and events strategy. Ensure ongoing review, evaluation, and alignment of all events in collaboration with internal stakeholders, external partners, and vendors. Establish portfolio-level strategies, best practices, and standardized operations across the full events portfolio.

Event Team Leadership

Provide leadership and direction to the Events team, with a focus on operational excellence, coaching, and digital and event innovation. Strengthen team capabilities through ongoing development and performance management. Foster a collaborative environment that supports accountability, high performance, and engagement.

Annual Conference Management

Strategy and execution of the AIA Conference on Architecture & Design to ensure continued attendee, revenue and satisfaction growth and other KPIs Key responsibilities include budget management, strategic planning, attendee journey development, and operational oversight. Manage relationships with key stakeholders on a highly matrixed project to deliver and innovate education, networking, events, exhibits, and sponsorship opportunities for members, attendees, and industry partners.

Event Logistics and Attendee Experience

Lead cross functional collaboration to design and deliver high quality event experiences. Ensure each event includes seamless logistics, best practices, and clearly defined performance metrics. Drive continuous improvement in attendee satisfaction and overall event impact.

Contract Review and Negotiation

Negotiation and execution of many event vendor contracts related to the AIA Conference on Architecture & Design or event portfolio MSA. Partner with the SVP, SEE on large agreements while overseeing other contracts from direct reports. Collaborate with AIA Legal and external partners to ensure balancing risk while maximizing efficiency.

Fiscal Management

Oversee financial performance for the AIA Conference on Architecture & Design, including accurate forecasting of revenue and expenses and reporting. Develop and implement budget strategy, standards, and guidance for the full events portfolio.

Other duties and projects as assigned

Frequent contacts:

• SVP, Sales, Events & Exhibitions
• AIA Senior Leadership Team
• AIA Business Development, Marketing, Knowledge and Practice, and Membership departments
• Members and/or volunteer leaders
• Third party contractors, vendors and other partners

Qualifications

Demonstrated advanced and broad knowledge of the events and exposition industry. Well-developed skills in contract negotiation, meeting planning and logistics, exhibit management, registration and on-site management of a large-scale annual meeting or conference. Outstanding interpersonal skills. Considerable skill in written/oral communication and accounting systems/procedures. Proven skills in leadership, including, but not limited to: facilitation, team building, collaborative problem-solving, conflict resolution, volunteer management, and systems/process development. Demonstrated ability to coordinate diverse resources. Skill in the use of Microsoft Office and other supporting technologies. Ability to travel.

Bachelor’s Degree preferred and 12+ years of progressively responsible meeting management experience, including experience managing a major meeting or conference/expo of more than 15,000 attendees. Association experience and/or architectural background in education and/or experience are desirable.

Supervisory Requirement:

3 direct reports, total staff of 6

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
• 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: Some travel is required (5%)

Work Location: Hybrid/Remote from Washington DC metro area.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.