Federal Affairs Sr. Manager

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 for Federal Affairs, the Senior Manager will assist with research and direct lobbying to support AIA’s federal legislative agenda. In this role, the manager will represent the AIA before Congress, the Executive Branch, and other organizations regarding federal issues impacting the practice of architecture and the built environment.

This position is responsible for ensuring AIA lobbying and engagement on AIA’s issue priorities that support its Strategic Plan and help manage the Government Advocacy Committee (GAC).

Job Duties

Advocacy – Federal Lobbying – External Affairs

• Attend and participate in the Federal Team weekly meetings with staff and federal consultants to strategize outreach, messaging, and collaborations involved in AIA’s federal campaigns.
• Organize and convene meetings between members of Congress, Congressional staff, Executive Branch officials, AIA volunteers, and staff leadership to directly engage with policymakers.
• Take AIA leadership to meet with Congressional & Executive Branch staff on defined issue areas.
• In collaboration with the Senior Director for Federal Affairs, coordinate with key staff members to build grassroots and grasstop support for AIA’s advocacy agenda.
• Develop strategic path on moving issues from discussion to results, including but not limited to engaging with outside groups, AIA staff and potential allies throughout the DC metro area Government Relations ecosystem.
• Help with the development and dissemination of AIA’s federal agenda and relevant messages, testimony, and commentary.
• Ensure that talking points, issue briefs, and other written materials support AIA’s policy initiatives while carefully considering political sensitivities (and ensuring full internal review prior to engagement).
• In consultation with the AIA Board Government Advocacy Committee (GAC) and the federal appointment task force (developed to vet potential candidates to U.S. federal positions for appointment or nomination), coordinate lobbying efforts to support AIA candidates to federal appointments to various Executive Branch boards and bodies.
• Coordinate partner agreements between AIA and federal agencies, as needed.
• Work with AIA staff to prepare federal issue articles for AIA Architect, social media, etc.

issues.

• Speak on behalf of AIA at conferences and meetings on issues relevant to AIA’s federal agenda, including before AIA components and other constituencies.
• Provide issue leadership on federal policy issues including but not limited to the following Climate Action, Resilience, Housing, and Tax.

Policy

Demonstrate a proactive & creative approach to specific portfolio issue areas. Develop policy briefs, white papers, talking points, and other written materials on specific issues, as needed in conjunction with the Public Policy team.

• In collaboration with the ArchiPAC Committee, coordinate, and provide input on AIA’s federal political giving strategy.
• Represent AIA (and delegate staff) to represent AIA at high-priority political events.

Research and Writing

• Routinely track, research, and analyze federal legislation and issues impacting architects, the profession, and the built environment.
• Review daily the introduction of federal legislation potentially impacting architects, the profession, and the built environment.
• Write action alert messages and other communication materials for distribution to AIA members.
• Prepare AIA members for fly-ins and other lobbying events (such as AIA’s Leadership Summit) by prepping briefing material, lobbying visit coordination, webinars, and panels for member engagement.

Coordination

• Assist the department in planning major events, including scheduling/ coordinating Congressional and Executive Branch meetings for annual fly-ins or attendance by an AIA member(s) for federal government affairs-related meetings in Washington, DC.
• Helps manage the logistical coordination between the federal team and chapter executives to implement in-district meetings to help advance AIA’s federal public policy agenda.

Frequent contacts

• • Executive and Legislative branch staff and officials
  • External associations and coalition partners
  • AIA national volunteer leadership and staff
  • AIA state and local components
  • AIA Government Advocacy Committee
  • ArchiPAC Steering Committee

Qualifications

• Federally registered lobbyist
• High-level understanding of how to successfully lobby Congress and the executive branch, including no less than 4-6 years’ experience in working to advance legislative and regulatory proposals.
• Established track record of helping to enact legislation at the federal or state level.
• Demonstrated ability to speak extemporaneously before groups to inform, persuade or influence.
• Exceptional skill in communicating complex ideas both in writing and orally, including analyzing complex subjects quickly, researching and providing logical presentations.
• Proven ability to work independently while successfully managing multiple priorities and responsibilities simultaneously.

Bachelor’s degree in political science or related field with 4-6 years of lobbying or general government affairs experience is required; Campaign and/or Grassroots/Grasstops experience is desired but not required.

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:                            Limited travel required may be required.

Work Location:                                     100% Remote from the Washington DC area with expected meetings on the Hill: DC. MD, VA

Applicants from states not listed above are ineligible.

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.