Managing Director, Membership & Engagement

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) :

Check all associated application documentation thoroughly before clicking on the apply button at the bottom of this description.

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 Chief Membership Officer, the Managing Director, Membership and Engagement will play a key leadership role in fostering a member-focused culture that aligns with AIA's values and mission.

This position will be responsible for developing and executing innovative strategies for member recruitment, retention, and year-round engagement while overseeing the processing of over $51M in membership dues.

The Managing Director will collaborate closely with AIA’s component network to drive local, state, and national membership strategy, ensuring alignment with institute-wide goals.

The Managing Director will also be responsible for developing and evaluating AIA’s current membership structure to position it for future growth and sustainability.

This includes assessing membership categories, benefits, and pricing models to ensure they align with the evolving needs of the profession.

Additionally, the role will focus on creating new strategies to engage members at all career stages, enhancing overall member value, and ensuring AIA remains a leader in delivering a compelling, future-focused membership experience.

Job Duties :

• Provide strategic direction for developing and executing a comprehensive business plan to achieve membership growth, retention, and optimal member satisfaction.
• Lead recruitment and retention efforts through innovative campaigns that increase acquisition, conversion, and engagement of diverse member segments.
• Oversee the development of targeted membership programs and strategies that align with AIA’s strategic goals and global expansion efforts.
• Collaborate with internal departments and cross-functional teams to drive member growth through integrated approaches.
• Analyze membership trends, workforce shifts, and demographic changes to develop agile strategies that address evolving external challenges.
• Ensure communications and branding for membership campaigns clearly convey AIA's value, enhancing member engagement and driving business transformation.
• Lead the Membership & Engagement team in creating and monitoring annual operating plans and budgets aligned with strategic objectives.
• Develop and monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to assess membership success, making data-driven adjustments as needed.
• Foster cooperation across the Institute and component networks to achieve growth and retention goals.
• Lead a high-performing team, ensuring staffing levels and expenses align with membership targets and AIA’s core values.
• Stay informed on market forces and conduct environmental scans to identify growth opportunities and better meet the needs of the architecture profession.
• Enhance retention through member recognition programs and expansion of member benefits.
• Spearhead efforts to capture greater market share by developing new member categories and engaging firms.
• Lead national membership drive campaigns, ensuring adoption, resource development, and consistent support across the network.
• Cultivate a member-obsessed culture within AIA, strengthening relationships with members, prospects, and key stakeholders.
• Serve as an engaged and collaborative representative of AIA with members, prospects, and other relevant connections; strengthen relationships with individuals and institutions on behalf of AIA's strategic goals and priorities.

Qualifications :

• Proven ability to collaborate across a complex organization and partner with various levels of management, staff, volunteers, and external stakeholders.
• Strong leadership skills and demonstrated ability to influence, persuade, and drive change while fostering a collaborative, team-oriented culture.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the capability to manage large budgets and data, analyze membership trends, and develop accurate financial forecasts.
• Demonstrated experience using new technologies to improve operational efficiency and enhance services for emerging and diverse member groups.
• Exceptional analytical, communication, and organizational skills, with a strong record of achieving successful outcomes.
• Advanced skill in Windows Office Suite with significant emphasis on skill using Excel, data manipulation and interpretation.
• Physical Demands : May sit, stand, bend, lift, and move intermittently during working hours. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Preferred Qualifications :

• Certified Association Executive (CAE)
• Strong analytical skills and demonstrated understanding of international member-serving organizations.
• Experience with customer relationship management (CRM) software.
• Experience and knowledge of optimizing technology to meet member needs.

Bachelor’s degree and at least twelve years of progressive, successful experience in a membership organization, with extensive expertise in member relations and engagement strategies.

Certified Association Executive (CAE) preferred.

Supervisory :

Direct supervision of two, indirect supervision of up to seven employees.

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

Location : This position will periodically be required to be on-site at the AIA Headquarters in Washington, D.C when AIA returns to the newly renovated office at the completion of the renovation in Spring 2025.

Travel Requirements : Travel to industry events, components, and firms is estimated to be up to 10%.

An Equal Opportunity Employer : All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability, in accordance with the applicable law.

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