Director, Higher Education Engagement

The American Institute of Architects (AIA)

The American Institute of Architects (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

1. We stand for architecture that strengthens our communities
2. We stand for a sustainable future
3. We stand for protecting communities from the impacts of climate change
4. We stand for economic opportunity
5. We stand for investing in the future
6. 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 Managing Director, EDI Strategies, in partnership with team members on designing and delivering programs, outreach, convenings, and resource development, the director plays a key role in advancing AIA’s strategic initiatives. The focus is on shaping the future of architectural education, making it more responsive to emerging trends, more inclusive of underserved audiences, and more oriented toward the future role of the architect. In addition, the Director will deliver exceptional support to stakeholders, which promotes and drives future AIA membership and participation. The Director will lead AIA’s engagement with academic communities, industry partners, and members, and will focus efforts on architectural education to increase access to careers in architecture and design. The primary responsibility of this position is to develop and implement programs designed to respond to the needs of those entering and navigating career pathways and providing opportunities for collaboration at the intersections of academy and practice.

Job Duties

1. Cultivate relationships with members, organizational and industry partners, and architectural academic communities, including AIA Chapters, subject matter experts, education networks, and students.
2. Develop, plan, and implement education and engagement programs typically delivered at AIA and Alliance partner conferences.
3. Facilitate AIA leadership visits and presentations to academic audiences and contribute to presentations, briefs, and editorial coverage as needed.
4. Represent AIA in architecture education related convenings and conferences such as ACSA Annual Meeting, NOMA Conference, AIAS Forum, and Grassroots.
5. Expand program growth opportunities and partnerships; with input from the Managing Director, develop workplans and financial projections and success measures to achieve AIA strategic objectives.
6. Recruit, convene, and serve as staff liaison to the Higher Education Advisory Team.
7. Serve as the AIA liaison with the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) and the Coalition of Community College Architecture Programs (CCCAP) as well as a regular collaborator of ACE Mentor Program of America, the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA), the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA), and other colleague organizations on projects of mutual interest.
8. Work closely with colleagues in the knowledge and practice department to fully connect on initiatives focusing on the intersection of academia and practice.
9. Manage projects associated with Community College engagements, the AIA Components, and resource tools.
10. Oversee the Medal for Academic Excellence and scholarship programs in coordination with the Architects Foundation, department manager, vendor, and academic institutions.
11. Serve as a direct point of contact for AIA’s HBCU Student and Faculty Initiatives.
12. Capture knowledge efforts (data, research, case studies, etc.) to frame emerging issues, trends, and industry innovation.
13. May serve on special project teams and task forces, utilizing knowledge and experience to support and enhance organizational leadership on various initiatives.

Frequent Contacts

1. All internal AIA teams, including the EVP/CEO
2. All alliance organizations (NCARB, AIAS, ACSA, NAAB, NOMA), with a focus on AIAS
3. Coalition of Community College Architecture Programs [CCCAP]
4. AIA Chapters
5. Volunteer Leaders
6. Students & University Faculty/Administrators
7. AIA Members
8. Various volunteer groups, including academics, practitioners, emerging professionals, and students.

Qualifications

1. Embraces diverse and inclusive perspectives and disciplines across the organization and joins with partners at all levels toward a common vision and realizing transformational change.
2. Ability to think critically, with a strong interest in innovation, user experience, and customer service.
3. Self-motivated, initiative-driven, and works independently as well as part of a high-performing team.
4. Demonstrated knowledge and skill in the effective design and implementation of association, academic or higher education, or professional development programs.
5. Experience in career and technical education programs, such as creative arts or counselor networks related to youth programs and alumni associations and career centers related to higher education entities, a plus.
6. Knowledge of professional licensure processes, policies, and regulations in the United States, as well as an understanding of tenure protocols within universities, is a plus, but not required.
7. Experience developing program budgets with responsible financial oversight and accountability a must.
8. Ability to assimilate and present complex written and oral materials and experience working with systems/process development to establish metrics and success measures.
9. Proficient with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, and Adobe Acrobat, and familiarity with project management and collaboration tools such as Teams and Smartsheet.
10. Proficient in the use of social media platforms and virtual networks is a benefit.
11. Ability to understand various perspectives, manage priorities, and decisively meet expectations.

Bachelor’s degree in education, Psychology, Social Sciences, Architecture, Engineering, Business, or related field plus eight to ten years of professional experience executing complex programs or projects. Experience in higher education or associations preferred. Advanced degree desirable. Knowledge of career pathways that lead to the architectural and/or design industry within a membership organization is a plus. Previous experience as a supervisor or mentor, project manager, and working with volunteers is an asset.

Supervisory Requirements: None

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
• 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
• Computer purchase program
• Fitness club discounts
• Prepaid legal services program
• Identity theft protection

Travel Requirements Up to 15% travel may be required, with occasional evenings and weekends.

Work Location 100% Remote from the Washington DC area: DC, MD, VA

All AIA employees in the DC metro area are currently working remotely during our office renovation. Employees in the DC Metro area will return to a hybrid work environment in the newly renovated office at the completion of the renovation in Spring 2025.

An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability, in accordance with the applicable law.