The AIA South Carolina Executive Director ensures that the programs, activities, and services of AIA South Carolina directly benefit the members and the profession, as determined by the Board of Directors.Responsibilities include: facilitating long-range planning; implementing organizational goals and objectives; seeking non-dues revenue opportunities through programs, sponsorships, and collaborative initiatives; acting as liaison to state government agencies and identified public groups; assisting in Board development and governance; and providing relevant and timely member services. The ED is responsible for managing the offices of AIA South Carolina and ensuring that the office is appropriately staffed and structured to support the mission of AIA South Carolina.
AIA South Carolina promotes the architectural profession through the strength and participation of its members.
The American Institute of Architects (AIA), with over 100,000 members in 200+ chapters around the globe, inspires and empowers architects to improve society and transform the world. Through core values that center on being impactful, transformative, visionary, inclusive, and innovative, the AIA drives positive change through the power of design and focused activism. The AIA is a three-tiered organization operating at the national, state, and local levels. Chartered in 1913, AIA South Carolina is a statewide chapter/component of the AIA and is independently chartered and incorporated. The national organization is headquartered in Washington, DC and AIA South Carolina is based in Columbia. AIA South Carolina works in collaboration with six volunteer-led local sections: Charleston, Columbia, Grand Strand, Greenville, Hilton Head Island, and Spartanburg.
AIA South Carolina, with over 1,000 members, represents architects and allied design professionals in private practice, business, industry, government, and academia. The chapter offers continuing education courses; awards and honors programs; specialized, issue-specific Knowledge Communities; government and public advocacy for architects; communications to members and the public; and help for consumers looking for an architect. Members volunteer on committees and task forces to develop programs and services. AIA South Carolina is governed by a board of four executive committee members and ten directors. The staff team of two operates from offices at the South Carolina Center for Architecture, 1530 Main Street, Suite C, Columbia, SC 29201. Additional information is available at https://www.aiasc.org/.
Mission Statement
AIA South Carolina is an association dedicated to providing its members with opportunities to gain knowledge through continuing education, advocate together with one voice for the public's health, safety, and welfare and become more involved in communities.
The AIA South Carolina Executive Director shall provide overall management of the operational, financial, membership, advocacy, education, honors, design awards, and component coordination areas, as established by the Board of Directors within the context of a statewide nonprofit organization. The ED reports directly to the organization’s President, Executive Committee, and Board of Directors. The ED serves as the primary liaison between and among the local components of the AIA and with national AIA. The ED oversees the staff and directs these employees to carry out the vision and goals of the Board of Directors.
This position requires significant leadership skills in planning strategically and collaboratively. It also requires keen business acumen, strong management practices, and attentive customer service. Knowledge of architecture and/or the built environment is important. Experience in nonprofit membership organizations is critical. Most importantly, the candidate must be an excellent public speaker, listener, and writer, to communicate the value of the architect to a broad and diverse community.
Roles and responsibilities include:
Leadership and Public Outreach
Serve as spokesperson for the component and promote AIA South Carolina through the media, communicate with state leaders, and promote component interests with allied organizations and other public entities.
Diversify the revenue stream by developing non-dues revenue opportunities and/or other income in collaboration with the Board of Directors.
Liaise with national AIA, other statewide components in the region, and the six local AIA sections in South Carolina: Charleston, Columbia, Grand Strand, Greenville, Hilton Head Island and Spartanburg.
Maintain working relationships with South Carolina’s accredited programs in architecture at Clemson University.
Forge meaningful and effective alliances with related professional organizations, sponsors/supporters, and South Carolina businesses.
Through the South Carolina Center for Architecture and the South Carolina Architectural Foundation, advance public awareness of the power of architecture, planning, and design, and influence the enhancement of the quality and equity in our communities.
Government Advocacy
Work closely with contract lobbyist and/or serve as registered lobbyist to monitor and influence state legislative, administrative agency proposals, and regulatory policies that impact members and the organization.
With the Board of Directors, develop a state legislative agenda for the organization that is consistent with AIA public policies, engaging leaders and members in grassroots legislative efforts and building coalitions with allied professional associations and interest groups to achieve public policy goals.
Collaborate with public agencies and allied organizations to establish forums to discuss issues of mutual interest and advance the policy positions of AIA South Carolina.
Coordinate advocacy resources within the organization as well as with the lobbyist hired by AIASC.
Oversee collection and disbursement of funds through the AIASC Political Action Committee.
Member Service and Support
Collaborate with the Board of Directors as well as the local, regional, and national components to assess membership needs, and set annual operational and long-range goals.
Serve as a resource for the general membership in matters pertaining to AIA National policy and represent AIA South Carolina at national, state, and local levels.
Coordinate with the six local sections and their membership needs to maintain accreditation by the AIA.
Oversee execution of signature educational and professional development programming to include AIASC Annual Meeting, Academy of Architecture for Health Conference, Aspire Conference, and others.
Direct the annual honors and design awards programs.
Encourage and support the development of programs and services to meet members’ needs.
Build programs to encourage increased membership by architects.
Governance and Operations
Collaborate in the development of the organization’s annual budget of approximately $600,000 for the statewide component.
Manage said budget and maintain best financial practices within the areas of governance, reporting, compliance, and risk management.
Direct the component office and oversee a dynamic staff team.
Participate in long-range and strategic planning for the future growth of the organization.
Implement best practices for nonprofit governance.
Maintain human resources responsibility for the organization.
Oversee property management of the South Carolina Center for Architecture space and event rentals.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s Degree Required. Business and/or arts/architecture focus encouraged.
Previous experience working in association management and/or chapter relations; exposure to professional societies preferred.
Ability to oversee the strategic use of the organization’s digital tools such as software programs, social media, and applications.
Evening or weekend work may be required.
Understanding of membership organizations and/or familiarity with the architecture profession.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Efficiently handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment with attention to detail.
Good interpersonal skills with ability to interact effectively, efficiently, and professionally with individuals at all levels of the organization, both volunteers and staff.
Exceptional written, organizational, communication, and customer service abilities.
Resourceful nature, innovative spirit, and creative approach.
Demonstrated leader with positive attitude, organizational dedication, and energetic enthusiasm.
Supervisory Responsibility:
This position is at the highest staff level within the organization; as such, the Executive Director operates as the chief executive for AIA South Carolina and for the South Carolina Architectural Foundation.
Works closely with:
Members of the AIA South Carolina Executive Committee and Board of Directors
Members of committees and task forces and other volunteer leaders
Members of AIA South Carolina across the state
Leaders and staff team members of the AIA (national) and the local AIA sections in South Carolina
All members of the staff team, including contract Lobbyist
Trustees and Stakeholders of the South Carolina Architectural Foundation
Other strategic partners and related professional organizations
On-site and remote guests, visitors, vendors, and suppliers
Competencies Required:
Proficiency in collaboration software and related programs.
Database working experience/exposure helpful, though managed by others.
Good interpersonal skills, diplomacy, ethical conduct, and thoroughness.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
This is a full-time exempt position (average: 2080 hours per year) with requirement for flexible hours.
Generally, however, work hours and days are Monday through Friday, in person at least three days.
Periodic evening or weekend work may be required to participate in events, committee meetings, board retreats, and other AIA-related functions.
The position requires regular travel across the state to serve AIA components throughout the state.
Travel out of South Carolina may sometimes be necessary to attend the meetings, events, and conferences of AIA South Carolina, AIA National, the Council of Architectural Component Executives (CACE), or the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE).
Travel expenditures are covered or reimbursed through the AIA South Carolina policy.
Recruiting Compensation Range:
Base salary is commensurate with education/experience and knowledge/skills/abilities with an additional benefits package; a range of $90,000 to $110,000 is anticipated. An annual review process will be performed and led by the officers of the board and is tied to compensation.
AIA South Carolina provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Other Requirements and Duties:
Candidate must be willing to undergo a background check including legal, educational, driving, credit, employment records, etc. This position description does not cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.
AIA South Carolina has engaged an organizational management consultancy, The Three Aspens, Ltd., to assist with this executive search. Inquiries, nominations, and applications should be directed (confidentially) to Helene Combs Dreiling, FAIA via e-mail at helene@theplumstudio.com. No phone calls, please. All candidates will be notified via e-mail as to the status of their application.
To be considered, applicants must submit a customized letter of interest and resume or curriculum vitae (detailing measurable success in the key qualifications for the position) to Ms. Dreiling at helene@theplumstudio.com by 5:00 p.m. EDT on April 4, 2025.
The Three Aspens, Ltd. is a consulting firm devoted to change management, organizational transformation, and process innovation. Through a carefully orchestrated search, screening, and selection process, we place the best possible professional to lead and manage a particular not-for-profit or design firm.
