Details

Posted: 08-Oct-25

Location: Washington DC

Type: Full Time

Categories:

Executive Director/CEO

Certifications:

CAE

AIA Washington DC seeks an association, non-profit, or design management professional to provide leadership as the next chief staff executive for the not-for-profit 501(c)6 organization and its associated entities. This is a significant managerial position requiring the services of an individual with extensive and successful experience working with volunteer organizations and various personality types.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director of AIA Washington DC is responsible for managing operations and directing strategic initiatives for the professional society as well as the Washington Architectural Foundation and managing the District Architecture Center. The individual is a resource for volunteer leaders and association staff regarding the implementation of best practices, generation of new ideas, identification of non-dues revenue sources, and effective execution of the Board of Directors’ vision. The AIA Washington DC ED is a strong advocate to the broader public for members, the American Institute of Architects, and the profession of architecture. Additional information is available at https://dcarchcenter.org/.

About the Organization

The mission of AIA Washington DC is to “empower our members, profession and community to advance the value of architecture and design in Washington DC.”

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. A three-tiered organization, the AIA operates at the global, state, and local levels. The national organization is headquartered in Washington, DC at the Global Center for Architecture and Design. AIA Washington DC is the fifth largest local chapter/component of the AIA and is independently chartered and incorporated.

AIA|DC. Founded in 1887, the Washington Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA Washington DC or AIA|DC) serves the nation's capital, functioning as both the local and state component of the AIA for the District of Columbia. With 2,300 members living or working in DC, AIA|DC provides continuing education, honors and awards, and opportunities for networking through volunteer committees. A fifteen-member Board of Directors governs AIA Washington DC. The staff team of six-seven operates from offices at the District Architecture Center, 421 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004.

Washington Architectural Foundation. The Washington Architectural Foundation (WAF) was created in 1988 as a 501(c)3 entity to be more public facing, with tours, programs, exhibitions and youth programs. The Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors made up of architects and public sector members who represent the local building and development industry, housing and social service non-profits, and arts organizations.

District Architecture Center. The District Architecture Center (DAC) is the home for both organizations, as well as hosting event rentals from other organizations. Located in DC’s Penn Quarter, the District Architecture Center (DAC) storefront location presents DC architecture to the profession and the community. Through exhibitions, lectures, and professional programming, the DAC is a place to educate and celebrate architecture. 

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POSITION OVERVIEW

This position requires significant leadership skills in planning strategically and collaboratively. It also requires keen business acumen, strong management practices, and attentive customer service. This person should be a highly motivated, engaged, and dynamic individual to inspire AIA Washington DC in pursuing its mission. Knowledge of – or special interest in – architecture and/or the built environment is important. Experience in nonprofit membership organizations is critical. Additionally, the Executive Director must be an excellent public speaker, listener, and writer to communicate the value of the architect to a broad and diverse community.

The Executive Director serves as the hands-on leader for the component and works with the Board to execute the strategic initiatives of Advocacy, Communication, and Education for the organization. The ED manages the operations of AIA Washington DC – providing leadership for the organization and staff, influencing policies, planning programs, supporting initiatives, directing communications, and enhancing outreach – to satisfy member expectations and maintain organizational viability. Roles and responsibilities include:

Leadership and Management

• Effectively present information to and respond to questions from volunteer leaders, members, public officials, media, and others.
• Interact with committee members (volunteers) to encourage positive working relationships with the members and/or stakeholders and to identify future leaders of the organization.
• Convene like-minded organizations for mutual benefit.
• With the Treasurer, manage fiscal stewardship: business functions, expenses, payroll, insurance, tax filings, leases, etc.
• Manage reimbursement from the AIA and oversee component accreditation.
• Manage the Washington Architectural Foundation, dedicated to educating and engaging the public about the value and power of architecture.
• Oversee the management and maintenance of the District Architecture Center, the storefront location that presents DC architecture to the profession and the community.

Advocacy and Outreach

• Monitor and influence municipal legislative and administrative agency proposals as well as local government policies that affect members and the organization.
• Develop a legislative agenda for the organization that is consistent with the AIA’s 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 Washington DC.
• Reach the public by enhancing awareness of the organization, architects, and architecture; providing client education; encouraging community service initiatives; and maintaining positive relations with media, global AIA, and other allied organizations.

Programs and Knowledge

• Oversight of planning, coordinating, promoting, and managing programs sponsored by AIA Washington DC, as well as membership campaigns, working with the staff lead, volunteers, and committees, as appropriate.
• Provide support and advice on program operations, monitoring effectiveness and recommending improvements to ensure programs are responsive to members’ needs.
• Oversee planning and execution of the annual Design Awards program, supporting the staff lead and committees to ensure programmatic and financial success.
• Participate in the AIA’s Council of Architectural Component Executives (CACE) and on AIA (global) committees and task forces as may be requested or appropriate.

Membership and Communications

• Actively target and pursue growth and impact through new memberships and relationships with annual partners, potential sponsors, and allied organizations.
• Engage current members through retention, reinstatement, programming, and outreach.
• Foster and recruit the next generation of members and leaders through targeted outreach.
• Delegate responsibility and authority to appropriate staff or board members to ensure effective member communications such as newsletters or other publications.
• Encourage open communication with members and allied organizations by interacting with members, Washington DC’s colleges and universities with architectural programs, national AIA, and other AIA component executives (e.g. CACE).

Governance and Operations

• Provide leadership to the organization through the current governance structure including the Executive Committee and Board of Directors, serving as a working partner with the President.
• Liaise effectively with the Board of Directors and provide, in a timely and accurate manner, all information necessary for the board to function properly and make informed decisions.
• Supervise and mentor staff to foster teamwork and develop a strong office culture and productive workplace in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.
• Develop the budget and manage the financial health of the organization, monitor general administration, identifying new sources of revenue (particularly non-dues), and working with volunteers to achieve organizational goals and provide exceptional service to members.

Washington Architectural Foundation (WAF)

Beyond the roles and responsibilities notes above for the chapter, the following are required for the WAF:

• Mission: With a strategic mindset, focus on mission, with clear understanding of WAF’s purpose as the public outreach vehicle for elevating awareness of the power of architecture.
• Financial Acumen: Oversee financial operations and development activities to include fund-raising at-scale, grant-writing capability, donor development, sponsor management, and overall fiscal stewardship.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree, with position history demonstrating increasing responsibility.
• Minimum of seven years of previous management-level experience working in association management, not-for-profit, government affairs, public administration, or communications.
• Business administration, organizational management, or architecture/design-related focus.
• Exposure to professional societies is preferred, with CAE or similar designation beneficial.
• Understanding of membership organizations or familiarity with architecture profession.
• Demonstrated success in maintaining continuity across a volunteer-membership environment with a rotating leadership structure.
• History of proactively recognizing and acting upon opportunities that benefit members.

Skills, Abilities, and Qualities:

• Strategic and visionary: Driven to foster and implement the strategic visions of both organizations.
• Action-oriented: Able to work at both a macro- and micro-level to set and achieve organizational goals.
• Inclusive: Able to diplomatically build consensus and actively pursue engagement among diverse people, talents, and objectives across the profession, including allied professionals and community leaders.
• Collaborative, confident, and patient: Able to speak with well-considered authority in a process-oriented environment.
• Connective: Expert in identifying and implementing revenue generating practices that build resources and grow the fiscal health of the organization.
• Organized: Detail-oriented and highly capable as an organizer, manager, and communicator. Capable of training, effectively delegating, and maximizing the involvement of staff and volunteers.
• Passionate: Driven toward excellence and committed to high standards.
• JEDI: Commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion across the AIA community.
• Washington, DC: Knowledge of and experience in the city of Washington, DC is preferred. Willingness to commit to a long-term association (5 years +) with AIA Washington, DC, with the ability to relocate to Washington, DC or the surrounding

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 Washington DC as well as the Washington Architectural Foundation.

Works closely with:

• President, officers, Board of Directors, committees, task forces, and other volunteer leaders
• Members of AIA Washington DC
• Leaders and staff team members of the AIA (global) and other components
• All members of the staff team
• Other strategic partners and related professional organizations
• On-site and remote guests, visitors, vendors, and suppliers

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• This is a full-time exempt position (average of 2,080 hours per year).
• Generally, work hours and days are Monday through Friday.
• Periodic early morning, evening, or weekend work will be required.
• Travel within and beyond the city should be expected several times per year.

Recruiting Compensation Range:

Base salary commensurate with education/experience and knowledge/skills/abilities with additional benefits package; range of $140,000-$160,000 anticipated.

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ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS:

AIA Washington DC 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 Duties:

The 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 Washington DC has engaged an organizational management consultancy, The Three Aspens, Ltd., to assist with this executive search. Inquiries and nominations should be directed (confidentially) to Helene Combs Dreiling, FAIA via e-mail at helene@theplumstudio.com.

To be considered, applicants must submit a customized letter of interest and resume/curriculum vitae to Helene Dreiling at helene@theplumstudio.com by 5:00 pm EST on Friday, November 7, 2025.