Sr. Director, Governance

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 Managing Director, Governance & Awards + Corporate Secretary, the Senior Director, Governance and Volunteer Engagement, is a strategic leader within AIA's Governance & Awards department. This role drives the Institute's volunteer engagement strategy, strengthens governance infrastructure, and advances the organization's mission and strategic priorities, while partnering with staff liaisons across the Institute to navigate the growing complexities of member leadership engagement.
 

This role serves as a key connector across member groups and governance bodies, ensuring that volunteers are recognized, supported, and empowered to advance AIA's priorities. It also plays a vital role in coordinating with staff liaisons across the Institute to strengthen collaboration and drive strategic outcomes.

Job Duties

      Governance and Volunteer Alignment

•  Lead a coordinated approach to the committee appointment process by assisting the President-Elect with research, guiding staff in gathering input from liaisons and committee chairs, communicating appointments and sunsets, updating information in the AMS and on the website, sending appointment letters, maintaining an up-to-date roster, and scheduling chair/co-chair orientation calls. Serve as the primary point of contact for communication between the Board of Directors and committees by collaborating with senior leadership and staff teams and develop and maintain training and educational materials that explain committee roles, responsibilities, and decision-making processes for both staff liaisons and committee chairs.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and efficiencies; proactively seek feedback to streamline processes and explore creative solutions. 
• Partner with the Governance team to align volunteer engagement with AIA's bylaws, policies, and strategic initiatives.
• Lead the development of resources, training, and support structures that enable effective volunteer governance practices.
• Collaborate with department heads and key stakeholders to ensure volunteer groups are resourced and integrated into organizational planning.
• Maintain up-to-date records, communications, and engagement analytics to measure impact and identify opportunities for improvement.
  
  Team Leadership & Collaboration
• Provide guidance and direction to staff and cross-functional teams supporting volunteer programs and governance functions. Collaborate closely with other departments (e.g., Member & Component Engagement, EDI, Government Affairs & Public Policy) to ensure cohesion and mutual reinforcement of goals.
• Serve as a visible leader and ambassador of AIA's culture of collaboration, service, and excellence.

Basic Qualifications:  

• Successfully managed complex volunteer networks and led strategic engagement efforts within nonprofit or member-driven organizations. 
• Demonstrated ability to build trust-based relationships and work effectively across the organization, collaborating with senior staff colleagues to align operations, strategy, and execution in support of enterprise-wide priorities.
• Proven experience partnering with volunteer leaders, boards, and committees to translate organizational strategy into actionable initiatives, while fostering shared ownership, accountability, and long-term strategic impact.
• Proven understanding of the dynamics of volunteer management and stakeholder collaboration.
• Proven leader with a strong work ethic and demonstrated ability to think strategically and develop long-term plans aligned with the organization's vision.
• Skilled in communicating AIA's strategic priorities to firm leadership, staff, and the broader professional community.
• Proficient interpersonal, written, and verbal communication abilities. 
• Skilled in distilling complex written and oral information and delivering insightful analysis. 
• Skilled at preparing and presenting materials for high-level internal and external stakeholders.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively across departments with multidisciplinary teams. 
• Advanced experience in facilitation, team building, negotiations, and conflict resolution. 
• Demonstrated ability to communicate confidently at all organizational levels and to lead collaborative problem-solving efforts.
• Experience navigating member-based environments and an aptitude for identifying and addressing member concerns. 
• Ability to assess issues, articulate challenges clearly, and develop strategic solutions. 
• Demonstrate strong service orientation when working with volunteer leaders, members, staff, and external partners.
• Self-directed and resourceful, able to exercise independent judgment and meet complex deadlines. 
• Skilled at maintaining confidentiality and managing sensitive organizational information with discretion and professionalism.
• Experience leading and mentoring a team.

Bachelor's degree in business administration, nonprofit management, public administration, organizational leadership, communications, or a related field , plus ten or more years of relevant senior-level professional experience in governance, volunteer engagement, or membership-based organizations.  Experience leading the development and implementation of complex programs or projects, preferably within a corporate environment or trade associations.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience in architecture education and/or firm.  
• Experience working in professional societies or trade associations. 

Supervisory  Director of Governance and Manager of Volunteer Engagement

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.