Mgr, Climate Action & Resilient Communities

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 Director, Resilience & Disaster Response on the Climate Action & Design Excellence Team, this role facilitates internal and external stakeholders to provide essential project management and communications to advance AIA’s programs for climate resilience, adaptation, and disaster mitigation in the built environment. The manager will facilitate volunteer working groups, coordinate educational programs, and drive member engagement across AIA Climate Action and Design Excellence programs and networks in support of design excellence to advance zero carbon, resilience, health, and equity in the built environment and communities.

 Job Duties: 

Member engagement

• Manage and support AIA member working groups, which may include the Resilience and Disaster Response (RADR) Committee and the State Disaster Coordinator Network. Responsibilities include cultivating strong relationships with member chairs, coordinating agendas, and identifying opportunities for collaboration across member groups. These groups may include the Committee on the Environment, AIA Climate Action Pledge programs, Regional and Urban Design Committee Knowledge Community, Housing and Community Development Knowledge Community, Historic Resources Committee, Building Performance Knowledge Community, and others, all in support of advancing climate adaptation and the AIA’s Climate Action and Design Excellence goals.
• In collaboration with the Director of Resilience and Disaster Response, support the development of programs, projects, and resources related to disaster assistance, emergency response, and community engagement. 
• Support and foster peer-to-peer mentorship within the State Disaster Coordinator Network, which includes AIA state components, to strengthen the development and growth of State Disaster Assistance Programs.

Program management

• Manage assigned projects in the areas of volunteer leadership, event planning, knowledge and information delivery via print and electronic means, communications and marketing. 

• Coordinate AIA Safety Assessment Program trainings with internal staff, AIA components, instructors, and partner organizations, and evaluate programs for effective delivery and content updates.

• Serve as a resource by responding to inquiries from AIA members, AIA components, and partner organizations, and the general public concerning best practices, community models, resources, and activities related to disaster assistance programs. 

Knowledge & Communications

• Support local disaster response efforts, including coordinating internal response, effectively briefing leadership, and escalating component or member needs.
• Coordinate with Government Affairs & Public Policy department on member engagement, input, and communications related to disaster assistance and emergency response concerns, and to advance resilience planning and disaster mitigation.
• Work in conjunction with Manager, Climate Action and Design Excellence to ensure Resilience and Disaster Response content is prevalent in AIA communications and website.
• Other duties as assigned

Frequent contacts:

• AIA members and volunteer groups
• Consultants and vendors
• Allied organizations including: CAL-OES, FEMA, emergency management agencies, and others.
• Current and potential sponsors
• AIA National and Component staff including Knowledge & Practice; Executive Office; Government Affairs & Public Policy; Marketing & Communications; Component Relations; Architects Foundation/Communities by Design

Qualifications

• Outstanding written and oral communication skills and organizational skills. 
• Demonstrated understanding of and some experience working with resilience in a high-performance design environment and/or working in an association a plus. 
• Experience in project management and managing multiple priorities and responsibilities independently. 
• Ability to work independently, using initiative and independent judgment to complete complex projects on or before deadlines. 
• Skill in facilitation, team building, collaborative problem solving, conflict resolution, and systems/process development. Skill in negotiation and active listening. 
• Considerable skill in needs assessment and defining/designing projects. 
• Considerable knowledge of and skill in monitoring costs, quality and on-time performance of project activities using standard project management techniques. 
• Ability to coordinate a diverse resource pool, to interact effectively in an individual membership environment, recognize and identify member concerns, analyze issues and concepts to correctly state a problem and develop recommended solutions. 
• An understanding of collaboration techniques, methods and trends in the profession of architecture is preferred. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Project, Excel, Power Point, Outlook and knowledge of Internet research methods a must. 
• Experience with content management systems and association management systems a plus.

Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing, Public Relations/Communications, Emergency Management, Urban Planning, Architecture / or related fields with a minimum of four to five years of administrative and/or project management experience or equivalent combination of education and experience. 

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
• Parental Leave
• 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: Minimal travel required. Ability to travel is a must.

Work Location: Remote from the AIA Approved States :  AR, CT, DE, FL, GA, ID, IL, IA, KS, KY, MA, ME, MI, MN, MT, NH, NM, NY, NC, OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, UT, VT, WI, WY

Applicants from states not listed above are ineligible.This position will periodically be required to be on-site at the AIA Headquarters in Washington, D.C

 Equal Opportunity Employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.