Manager, Volunteer Engagement

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, Governance & Volunteer Management, the Manager, Volunteer Engagement is responsible for the operational and administrative functions that support a consistent volunteer experience across the American Institute of Architects (AIA). This role ensures that volunteer engagement processes, including recruitment, onboarding, communications, and recognition, are executed accurately, efficiently, and in alignment with AIA standards.

The Manager also serves as a key operational resource for the governance functions of the Executive Office, supporting the AIA President, President-Elect, and Board of Directors with travel coordination, scheduling, logistical support, and preparation of briefing and meeting materials.

In addition, this role provides project coordination and operational support to strengthen volunteer engagement and governance operations across AIA.

Job Duties

Volunteer Engagement Operations

• Supports implementation of standardized volunteer processes, including recruitment, selection, onboarding, training, ongoing engagement, and recognition initiatives.
• Manage logistics for volunteer programming, including orientation sessions, webinars, digital onboarding modules, appointment notifications, and recognition activities.
• Maintain and update volunteer-facing materials, resources, onboarding documents, and process guidance to ensure clarity, accuracy, and alignment with AIA's governance standards and inclusion commitments.
• Monitor volunteer participation touchpoints to streamline workflows and enhance the volunteer experience.
• Manage the volunteer pages and call for volunteers in OpenWater.
   
   

Volunteer Appointments Process

• Support the Senior Director in administering all operational components of the annual national appointments cycle.
• Manage application processing, tracking, and data entry; ensure accuracy of applicant information; and maintain organized, up-to-date committee profiles and rosters.
• Coordinate appointment-related communications, website updates, orientation materials, and scheduling with staff liaisons and the President-Elect.

Executive Office Operations & Leadership Support
 

Speaker Requests, Briefings & Communications

• Update and improve the AIA President/President-Elect speaker request process as necessary, ensuring timely intake, routing, and follow-up.
• Prepare detailed briefing documents for the AIA President and President-Elect for each travel and speaking engagement, including event background, stakeholder notes, logistics, and required materials.
• Coordinate with Marketing & Communications to ensure all speeches, remarks, talking points, and scripts are prepared and finalized in advance.
   
   Scheduling & Calendar Management
• Manage and maintain the calendars for the AIA President and President-Elect, ensuring accuracy, prioritization, and alignment with institutional needs.
• Manage the calendar for the AIA Board of Directors, including scheduling meetings, coordinating availability, and ensuring timely distribution of calendar updates.
• Assist in development and preparation of meeting books and materials for Board meetings.
   
   Travel Planning & Event Logistics
• Plan, coordinate, and manage comprehensive travel schedules for the AIA President and President-Elect.
• Coordinate with Membership to plan and confirm visits to local AIA components and ensure strong communication during trip planning.
• Attend AIA's annual conference with the President and President-Elect, serving as the on-site coordinator for scheduled engagements.
• Provide on-site support at additional major AIA events, including Leadership Summit and Governance Week.
   

 
Basic Qualifications:  

• Demonstrated organizational, scheduling, and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple executive-level priorities, deadlines and workflows.
• Experience in program coordination, volunteer management, governance support, operations, or project management roles in an association, nonprofit, or similar mission-driven environment.
• Experience with AMS/CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce/Fonteva), databases, or digital platforms used for volunteer or member lifecycle management.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across departments and levels.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy, data integrity, and process consistency.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience with OpenWater, Higher Logic, or similar community engagement and application platforms.
• Experience working with volunteer committees or governance structures in a membership organization or association.
• Familiarity with nonprofit governance, appointment cycles, or leadership development programming.

Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, business administration, public administration, organizational leadership, communications, or a related field with 4–5 years of relevant professional experience in volunteer engagement, governance support, or nonprofit operations, including experience managing projects or programs.  Equivalent professional experience will also be considered.

Supervisory  No direct reports

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 
• 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: 
  1. Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and their family members 
  2. 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 

Work Location:  Hybrid, from the Washington, DC metro area only (DC, MD, VA) 

Applicants residing in states not listed are not eligible.

Employees in the DC Metro area will return to a hybrid work environment in the newly renovated office in 2026.

Travel Requirements: % annually 

Equal Opportunity Employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.