Executive Director

AIA Miami; Miami (FL); On-site; USD 125,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

AIA Miami and the Miami Center for Architecture and Design (MCAD) seek a strategic, relationship-driven leader to serve as the shared Executive Director for both organizations. The role reports to two boards and partners with the AIA Miami President and MCAD Chair to align governance, finance, and mission.

The ideal candidate brings experience managing both a 501(c)(6) membership organization and a 501(c)(3) foundation, with a track record in fundraising, advocacy, and community engagement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; five+ years of senior leadership experience in nonprofit/association management.
• Experience managing a 501(c)(6) membership organization and a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation.
• Proven financial management and budget oversight; track record with donor cultivation and fundraising.
• Experience working closely with volunteer boards and governance bodies.

Responsibilities

• Serve as chief staff executive for both AIA Miami and MCAD.
• Partner with boards to develop and implement strategic plans and governance.
• Oversee fiscal stewardship, budgeting, reporting, audits, and compliance.
• Develop and implement fundraising strategies and donor cultivation.
• Lead staff, shape organizational culture, and ensure program alignment.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Fundraising

Governance

Public speaking

Communications

Diversity

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Job description

AIA Miami and the Miami Center for Architecture and Design (MCAD) seek a dynamic, strategic, and relationship-driven leader to serve as the shared Executive Director for both organizations.

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This is a unique executive leadership opportunity overseeing two aligned but distinct non-profit entities:

AIA Miami, a 501(c)6 professional membership association serving architects and allied professionals; and the Miami Center for Architecture and Design (MCAD), a 501(c)3 charitable foundation dedicated to being the physical gateway for Miami into the world of architecture and urban design. The Executive Director serves as the chief staff executive for both entities, reporting to their respective Boards of Directors and working in close partnership with the AIA Miami President and MCAD Chair.

The ideal candidate will bring demonstrated experience managing both a 501(c)6 membership organization and a 501(c)3 charitable foundation, with a strong understanding of governance distinctions, compliance requirements, fundraising strategy, and mission alignment between affiliated entities.

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About the Organizations

AIA Miami is the voice of the architectural profession in Southern Florida. The chapter serves architects, emerging professionals, allied members, and firms by advancing design excellence, advocacy, professional development, and community engagement. As a component of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), AIA Miami supports members through continuing education, public policy advocacy, leadership development, awards programs, and strategic partnerships. With over 1,000 individual members, AIA Miami is the largest local component in Florida and is governed by a five-person executive committee and thirteen-member board. The staff team of three currently operates remotely from the Miami area but intends to return to jointly occupied space in the future. Members volunteer on committees and task forces to develop programs and services. Additional information is available at www.aiamiami.com.

The Miami Center for Architecture and Design (MCAD) is Miami’s premier destination for exploring architecture and urban design, where a rich tapestry of voices can come together to brainstorm ideas, share insights, and inspire innovative solutions. The organization’s goal is to create a more inclusive, informed, and beautiful city that future generations can cherish and enjoy. Together, these organizations amplify the value of architects and design in building more vibrant, informed and welcoming community.

The American Institute of Architects (AIA), with over 100,000 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. AIA Miami is a local chapter/component of the AIA and is independently chartered and incorporated. The national organization is headquartered in Washington, DC and the statewide component, AIA Florida, is based in Tallahassee.

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Position Overview

The Executive Director provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and visionary direction for both organizations. This role requires a collaborative executive who can balance:

• Strategic planning and board partnership
• Operational management and fiscal stewardship
• Membership growth and engagement
• Fundraising and donor development
• Public advocacy and community presence
• Staff leadership and organizational culture

The Executive Director ensures alignment between the 501(c)(6) and 501(c)(3) entities while maintaining appropriate governance, financial, and operational distinctions.

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KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Both Organizations:

STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE

• Serve a chief staff executive for both AIA Miami and manager of MCAD.
• Partner with board leadership to develop and implement strategic plans.
• Provide timely, accurate reporting and policy guidance to both boards.
• Support governance best practices and board development.
• Ensure compliance with AIA National and AIA Florida component requirements.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS

• Develop and manage annual budgets for both organizations.
• Oversee financial reporting, audits, tax filings (IRS 990), payroll, insurance, and contracts.
• Ensure clear financial separation between 501(c)6 and 501(c)3 activities.
• Identify long-term financial sustainability strategies.

STAFF LEADERSHIP AND CULTURE

• Recruit, supervise, mentor, and evaluate staff.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing workplace culture.
• Align staff capacity with strategic priorities.
• Ensure operational continuity during staff transitions.

EXTERNAL RELATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS

• Serve as chief spokesperson for both organizations.
• Represent AIA Miami and MCAD with civic leaders, media, universities, and allied groups.
• Elevate public awareness of architecture’s role in resilient and sustainable communities.
• Support clear, consistent member and donor communications.

AIA Miami:

ADVOCACY AND PUBLIC POLICY

• Advance the profession through strategic advocacy efforts.
• Monitor local and regional policy issues affecting architects and the built environment.
• Collaborate with AIA National, AIA Florida, and allied organizations.

MEMBERSHIP GROWTH AND ENGAGEMENT

• Develop and execute membership recruitment, retention, and reinstatement strategies.
• Support knowledge communities, committees, and leadership development initiatives.
• Foster engagement of emerging professionals and future leaders.

PROGRAMS AND REVENUE DEVELOPMENT

• Oversee continuing education, signature events, sponsorship programs, and awards / honors.
• Identify and cultivate non-dues revenue streams and strategic partnerships.
• Ensure programs align with member value and strategic priorities.

Miami Center for Architecture and Design:

FUNDRAISING AND DEVELOPMENT

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy.
• Cultivate individual donors, major gifts, sponsorships, grants, and planned giving.
• Support fundraising events and campaigns.

COMMUNITY IMPACT AND PUBLIC OUTREACH

• Manage ‘Open House’ program and associated partnerships.
• Advance public education initiatives and scholarship programs.
• Strengthen community partnerships and visibility.
• Position the Foundation as a trusted voice in design and the built environment.

COMPLIANCE AND STEWARDSHIP

• Ensure adherence to charitable governance standards and donor intent.
• Oversee grant management and scholarship administration.
• Maintain financial transparency and accountability.

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QUALIFICATIONS

Required Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Minimum of five years of senior leadership experience in nonprofit or association management.
• Demonstrated experience managing a 501(c)(6) membership organization.
• Demonstrated experience managing or partnering with a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation.
• Proven financial management and budget oversight experience.
• Experience working closely with volunteer boards.

Preferred Credentials

• Certified Association Executive (CAE) or similar credential.
• Experience within architecture, design, construction, or allied professional fields.
• Demonstrated commitment to enhancing culture and community, both internally and externally.
• Fundraising and donor cultivation success.
• Experience in advocacy or government relations.

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KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES

• Strategic thinker with strong business acumen.
• Skilled communicator—public speaking, writing, and interpersonal engagement.
• Politically savvy and diplomatically persuasive.
• High emotional intelligence and collaborative leadership style.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Transparent, ethical, and accountable leadership approach.

POSITION DETAILS

Full-time, exempt position.

Evening and occasional weekend work required.

Regional and national travel expected (AIA Florida and AIA National events).

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE IS:

A strategic operator who can move seamlessly between governance, finance, and community engagement.

A relationship-builder who inspires volunteers, members, donors, and staff.

Comfortable balancing the distinct but complementary missions of a 501(c)(6) and 501(c)(3).

Passionate about the built environment and architecture’s role in shaping resilient communities.

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RECRUITING COMPENSATION RANGE:

Base salary commensurate with education/experience and knowledge/skills/abilities with additional benefits package; range of $125,000-$155,000 anticipated. Compensation will be commensurate with experience, with a competitive salary and benefits package.

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS:

AIA Miami 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:

Candidates 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.

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