Dir, Government Affairs Programs & Communicat

The American Institute of Architects; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental

401(k)

Paid time off

Parental Leave

Flexible spending accounts

Professional development

Job summary

The American Institute of Architects is seeking a Director of Programs & Communications to connect Government Affairs, Communications, and AIA membership. You will design programs that expand member participation in advocacy and strengthen our government affairs communications while building long-term engagement infrastructure that advances strategic priorities.

The Director leads Government Affairs communications and member engagement initiatives, translating policy into compelling messaging,

Qualifications

• Experience developing communications strategies, advocacy campaigns, or member engagement programs.
• Strong understanding of government affairs, public policy, advocacy, or political communications.
• Experience managing cross-functional projects involving multiple stakeholders.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills with the ability to communicate complex policy issues clearly.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute a national member engagement strategy enhancing AIA’s advocacy capacity.
• Coordinate strategic communications between Government Affairs and Communications.
• Lead development and execution of member-facing advocacy campaigns.
• Oversee cross-departmental coordination for Government Affairs projects and events.

Skills

Communications strategy

Advocacy campaigns

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Public policy

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications or related field

Tools

Quorum

Job description

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 for Government Affairs, the Director of Programs& Communications serves as the strategic connector between Government Affairs, Communications, and AIA membership. The Director is responsible for designing and executing programs that expand member participation in advocacy, strengthen AIA's government affairs communications, and build long-term engagement infrastructure that advances the organization's strategic priorities.

This position leads Government Affairs communications and member engagement initiatives, ensuring policy expertise is effectively translated into compelling communications, advocacy campaigns, leadership programming, and volunteer engagement opportunities. The Director works across departments to cultivate a national community of architect advocates while supporting the execution of Government Affairs priorities through strategic communications, project management, and organizational collaboration.

Job Duties

Member Engagement & Advocacy Programming

Design and execute a national member engagement strategy that strengthens AIA's advocacy capacity by:

• Developing and managing AIA's Government Affairs Member Engagement Program in partnership with State & Local Affairs, Member Relations, and component leadership.
• Assessing advocacy capacity, engagement opportunities, and organizational readiness across AIA state and local components.
• Designing and implementing a scalable ladder of member engagement that provides multiple pathways for members to participate in advocacy activities.
• Creating advocacy programs, toolkits, recognition opportunities, and training resources appropriate for each stage of member engagement.
• Coordinating national and component-based advocacy training, workshops, webinars, and leadership development programs.
• Traveling to AIA components to provide advocacy education and strengthen local government affairs capacity.
• Working collaboratively with Member Relations to integrate advocacy participation into broader member engagement and retention strategies.
• Measuring program effectiveness through participation metrics, engagement data, and continuous program improvement.

Communications & Campaign Strategy

Serve as the primary liaison between Government Affairs and Communications by:

• Coordinating strategic communications between Government Affairs and the Communications department to ensure timely, accurate, and effective messaging.
• Providing policy expertise and legislative context that informs public communications, media materials, and digital content.
• Collaborating on rapid-response communications related to federal, state, and local policy developments.
• Managing Government Affairs' digital presence, including oversight of website content and advocacy resource pages.
• Developing communications strategies that translate complex public policy issues into accessible messages for architects, policymakers, media, and the public.
• Reviewing and coordinating Government Affairs messaging to ensure consistency across all communications platforms.
• Managing Government Affairs social media strategy, including editorial oversight of LinkedIn and other professional engagement channels.
• Supporting executive communications, speeches, presentations, newsletters, and advocacy publications.

Member Communications & Campaign Execution

Coordinate Government Affairs communications directly with AIA members by:

• Leading the development and execution of member-facing advocacy communications and campaigns.
• Managing advocacy campaigns through Quorum and other digital engagement platforms.
• Coordinating action alerts, legislative updates, advocacy newsletters, and issue briefings.
• Reviewing Government Affairs communications for clarity, consistency, and strategic alignment prior to publication.
• Working with policy staff to ensure advocacy messaging accurately reflects AIA policy positions while maximizing member engagement.
• Developing communication plans supporting legislative priorities, Hill Day, Leadership Summit, fly-ins, and other advocacy initiatives.
• Identifying new opportunities to engage members through digital advocacy tools and emerging communication platforms.

Strategic Coordination & Department Operations

Support Government Affairs leadership through cross-functional coordination by:

• Assisting the Managing Director with departmental planning, project management, and strategic initiatives.
• Coordinating cross-departmental projects involving Communications, State & Local Affairs, Public Policy, Federal Affairs, Knowledge & Practice, and other AIA teams.
• Supporting planning and execution of Government Affairs events, meetings, and member programs.
• Identifying operational improvements that increase efficiency and collaboration across Government Affairs.
• Providing flexible support on special initiatives and emerging organizational priorities.
• Assisting with onboarding, documentation, and program development as Government Affairs initiatives expand.

Internal & External Relationships

Coordinate relationships that strengthen Government Affairs' visibility and effectiveness by:

• Serving as the principal communications liaison between Government Affairs and AIA Communications.
• Building collaborative partnerships with State & Local Affairs, Member Relations, Marketing & Communications, Knowledge & Practice, and Component Relations.
• Representing Government Affairs at internal planning meetings and external conferences, as appropriate.
• Supporting partnerships with external organizations that advance AIA's advocacy objectives.
• Coordinating communications support for federal, state, and local advocacy campaigns.

Frequent Contacts:

• Executive and Legislative Branch officials and staff
• Federal lobbying consultants
• AIA President, Board of Directors, and Strategic Council
• AIA CEO and Senior Leadership Team
• AIA Board Level Government Advocacy Committee (GAC)
• ArchiPAC Steering Committee
• Other GAPP staff and AIA departments (especially Communications and Knowledge Communities)
• AIA Large Firms, Small Firms, Student, and Minority associations
• AIA state and local component members and staff
• Officers & staff of outside industry organizations and stakeholders (ACEC, AGC, USGBC, et. al.)
• Consultants and Contractors

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience developing communications strategies, advocacy campaigns, or member engagement programs.
• Strong understanding of government affairs, public policy, advocacy, or political communications.
• Experience managing cross-functional projects involving multiple stakeholders.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills with the ability to communicate complex policy issues clearly.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships across departments and with volunteer leaders.
• Experience developing digital engagement campaigns and member communications.
• Strong project management, organizational, and strategic planning skills.
• Experience with advocacy platforms such as Quorum or similar engagement systems preferred.
• Ability to analyze engagement metrics and use data to improve program effectiveness.
• Excellent facilitation, collaboration, and leadership skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive, collaborative workplace culture.

Bachelor's degree in communications, public policy, political science, public administration, nonprofit management, marketing, or a related field required.

A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in government affairs, advocacy, communications, membership, nonprofit management, public affairs, or related fields is preferred.

Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, project management training, or demonstrated experience leading complex organizational initiatives is desirable.

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
  • 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

Travel Requirements: 10%

Work Location: Hybrid from the Washington DC metro area only (DC, MD, VA)

This position will periodically be required to be on-site at the AIA Headquarters in Washington D.C.

Equal opportunity employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.