Executive Director

AIA Arizona seeks a visionary, highly engaged, dynamic individual with an interest in architecture and design to inspire AIA Arizona in pursuing its mission of promoting the architectural profession through the strength and participation of its members. 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 Arizona is responsible for managing operations and directing strategic initiatives for the professional society. The individual is a resource for volunteer leaders and association staff regarding the implementation of best practices, generation of new ideas, and effective execution of shared goals. The AIA Arizona Executive Director is a strong advocate to the broader public for members, the American Institute of Architects, and the profession of architecture.

About the Organization

AIA Arizona promotes the architectural profession through the strength and participation of its members.

The American Institute of Architects (AIA), with over 95,000 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. The AIA is a three-tiered organization operating at the national, state, and local levels. Chartered in 1937, AIA Arizona is a statewide chapter/component of the AIA and is independently chartered and incorporated. The national organization is headquartered in Washington, DC and AIA Arizona is based in Phoenix. There are three local components/sections in Arizona: AIA Phoenix Metro, AIA Southern Arizona, and AIA Grand Canyon.

AIA Arizona represents architects and allied design professionals in private practice, business, industry, government, and academia. The chapter offers continuing education courses; awards and honors programs; specialized, issue-specific Knowledge Communities; government and public advocacy for architects; communications to members and the public; and help for consumers looking for an architect. Members volunteer on committees and task forces to develop programs and services. AIA Arizona is governed by a 17- member Board of Directors made up of 5 officers and 12 directors. The staff team of four operates from offices at 30 North Third Avenue in Phoenix. Additional information is available at www.aiaarizona.org.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Executive Director (ED) serves as the hands-on leader for the component and works with the AIA Arizona Board of Directors to execute the strategic initiatives of Advocacy, Communication, and Education for the organization. The ED ensures the organization’s role as a source of education, information, community involvement, business support, and development. Often serving as the first contact with the public for the profession, the ED should represent the organization with professionalism and enthusiasm. The ED should be a consensus builder, with a passion for design, who can advocate for the profession across the state.

Leadership: This position requires significant leadership skills in planning strategically and collaboratively. Knowledge of – or special interest in – architecture and/or the built environment is important. Experience in nonprofit membership organizations is critical. 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.

Management: This position requires keen business acumen, strong management practices, and attentive customer service. The Executive Director manages the operations of AIA Arizona – providing leadership for the organization and staff, influencing policies, planning programs, supporting initiatives, directing communications, and enhancing outreach – to satisfy the expectations of members and maintain the viability of the organization.

Roles and responsibilities include:

Leadership

• 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 of AIA Arizona.
• Interact with committee members (volunteers) to encourage positive working relationships with the membership and/or stakeholders and identify future leaders of the organization.
• Effectively present information and respond to questions from volunteer leaders, members, public officials, media, and others.
• Serve as the primary resource to the Board of Directors and staff team members for best practices, new ideas, and strong execution of shared goals.

Management:

• 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.
• Effectively manage the organization from fiscal, administrative, and infrastructure perspectives.
• Build upon current revenue sources and identify new value-added services/products and sources of revenue. Ensure a robust sponsorship program to support of the mission of AIA Arizona.

Advocacy and Outreach:

• Work closely with administrative agencies, members of the Arizona State Legislature, the Government Affairs Committee, and AIA Arizona’s contracted lobbyist.
• 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 to advance the policies/positions of AIA Arizona.

Communication and Alliances

• Direct and manage a diverse communications strategy for both members and external stakeholders to include newsletters, website, social media, and other platforms.
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with the members of the AIA in Arizona, the AIA Arizona Board of Directors, and boards and leaders of the local Arizona chapters and section to execute the organization’s Strategic Plan.
• More broadly, liaise with AIA Western Mountain Region and AIA National to advance the mission and vision of the AIA overall.
• Participate on national AIA and Council of Architectural Component Executives (CACE) committees and task forces as may be requested or appropriate.

Education and Membership

• Develop innovative programming to drive value for members.
• Lead the organization and planning of the State Conference, Awards, Gala, and Associates Conference.
• Actively target and pursue growth in the membership through the addition of new members and relationships with annual partners, potential sponsors, and allied organizations.
• Foster the next generation of architects, specifically in leadership development, value identification, and personal growth.

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 Arizona.

Works closely with:

• President, officers, and Board of Directors
• Members of committees and task forces and other volunteer leaders
• Members of AIA Arizona across the state
• Leaders and staff team members of the AIA (national) and the local AIA chapters and section in AZ
• 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: 2080 hours per year) with requirement for flexible hours.
• Generally, however, work hours and days are Monday through Friday.
• Periodic evening or weekend work may be required to participate in events, committee meetings, board retreats, and other AIA-related functions.
• The position requires regular travel across the state to serve AIA Southern Arizona (chapter) and AIA Grand Canyon (Section).
• Travel out of Arizona may sometimes be necessary to attend the meetings, events, and conferences of AIA Arizona, AIA Western Mountain Region (WMR), AIA National, the Council of Architectural Component Executives (CACE), or the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE).
• Travel expenditures are covered or reimbursed through the AIA Arizona policy.