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.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Education and Experience:
Relevant Bachelor’s Degree, with position history demonstrating increasing responsibility.
Minimum of five years of previous upper management-level experience working in association management, not-for-profit, government affairs, public administration, or communications.
Business administration, organizational management, or architecture/design-related focus desired.
Exposure to professional societies preferred.
Understanding of membership organizations and the unique attributes of a volunteer organization with a board that changes annually.
Familiarity with the architecture profession, the design/construction industry, and/or the AIA preferred, with empathy for the architecture profession, its value, and the role of architects in society/environment.
History of proactively recognizing and acting upon opportunities that benefit members.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Willingness and ability to commit to a long-term association with AIA Arizona, with compensation tied to demonstrable results.
Diversity of knowledge and skills to effectively manage the organization, including personnel management, fiscal management, membership management and growth.
Knowledge of advocacy, event management, communications strategies, and building of partnerships and coalitions.
Ability to set priorities, delegate responsibilities, mentor, motivate, and develop others.
Strong ability to multi-task and manage competing priorities.
Robust creative and entrepreneurial spirit that enables the organization to grow and expand its influence within its mission and vision.
Significant experience in public speaking.
Ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment with attention to detail.
Knowledge and experience in the state of Arizona preferred.
Currently living in, or willingness to relocate to, Phoenix or surrounding area.
Resourceful nature, innovative spirit, and creative approach are valued.
Demonstrated leader with positive attitude, organizational dedication, and energetic enthusiasm.
Commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in the membership, volunteer, and staff environments.
Competencies Required:
Proficiency in data processing, collaboration software, and related programs.
Database working experience/exposure helpful, though managed by others.
Good interpersonal skills, diplomacy, ethical conduct, and thoroughness.
ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS:
AIA Arizona provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Other Duties:
Candidate must be willing to undergo a background check including legal, educational, driving, credit, employment records, etc. This position description does not cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.
NOTES:
Additional Salary Information: Base salary commensurate with education/experience and knowledge/skills/abilities with additional benefits package; range of $110,000 to $140,000 anticipated. An annual review process will be performed and led by the officers of the board and is tied to compensation.
About American Institute of Architects - Arizona Component
Chartered on June 30, 1937, AIA Arizona is the statewide component of the American Institute of Architects. Our overall mission is to promote the architectural profession through the strength and participation of our members.
