Programs Manager

American Institute of Architects Seattle•Seattle, WA

1d•$32 - $40

About The Position

AIA Seattle is seeking a Programs & Engagement Manager to lead the programmatic activities of its 501(c)(6) professional membership organization. The role oversees educational programs, signature design and individual awards events, and committee-led programming. It anticipates major issues and ideas shaping design and the built environment, then develops learning and engagement opportunities to prepare members to help create equitable, resilient, and thriving communities. The position manages programs and budgets, supports member committees and engagement, collaborates across AIA Seattle and Seattle Design Festival, supervises direct reports including the Programs Coordinator, and provides staff leadership to steering committees. It contributes to annual planning, organizational strategy, and day-to-day operations. The role is full-time, 40 hours per week, and is currently conducted both in person and remotely to support collaboration and work-life flexibility.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent life experience.
Demonstrated management experience in program development, project management, event planning, volunteer engagement, membership, and/or a related area.
Exceptional ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects.
Collaborative approach that values collective success.
Ability to facilitate others’ voices and lead from behind.
Organized, self-directed strategic thinking and attention to detail.
Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills, including the ability to motivate volunteers and collaborators.
Strong presentation, writing, communication, and facilitation skills.
Commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Interest in advancing the organizations’ vision for equitable, resilient, thriving communities.

Responsibilities

Initiate, manage, and produce educational and awards programs that equip members to shape the built environment and elevate the impact of architecture and design.
Develop and manage programs that advance AIA Seattle’s mission, long-term vision, and organizational priorities.
Engage members, volunteers, and partners in program development and efforts to expand organizational impact.
Establish clear roles, expectations, and guidelines so program participants can contribute meaningfully.
Oversee program and event delivery in alignment with established goals and objectives.
Develop and manage program budgets in support of financial sustainability, organizational priorities, and responsible stewardship.
Evaluate program outcomes and strategies, and recommend future programming.
Manage and support member committees delivering events and engagement opportunities for the 10-county membership and broader design community.
Develop strategies to strengthen member engagement and community impact through committees.
Guide annual committee planning and orientations, setting expectations and aligning committee work with the organization’s mission and priorities.
Implement processes, frameworks, and tools to support committee leadership and committee-led activities.
Build relationships with members and committee leaders to support a connected and inclusive design community.
Review committee spending reports and support responsible stewardship of resources.
Evaluate committee effectiveness and committee-led programming and recommend improvements.
Collaborate with the team and supervise others, including the Programs Coordinator, to support AIA Seattle and Seattle Design Festival programs.
Manage hiring, annual reviews, onboarding, documentation, redundancy planning, and professional development for direct reports, as applicable.
Collaborate on organization-wide people management, policy considerations, professional development, staff care, and team appreciation.
Work with AIA Seattle program staff on annual planning and team capacity; contribute to day-to-day and long-term strategic planning.
Attend AIA and Seattle Design Festival events and functions as required.
Manage and support related leadership groups and steering committees, providing staff leadership to advance learning and engagement opportunities.
Partner with committee chairs to develop goal-driven agendas and annual plans, ensuring alignment with organizational strategy.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package.
Employer pays 100% of employee medical-benefit premiums.
Life insurance premium coverage paid by the employer.
Dental plan available; employer covers 50% of the premium.
401(k) plan with employer matching up to 4% of wages per year.
Nine paid holidays, plus the week between December 25 and January 1.
Ten days of additional paid time off accrued during the first year, with an additional day for each hiring anniversary.
Additional sick leave above City of Seattle and State of Washington requirements.
Sixteen hours of paid employee community-service time each year.
Reimbursement for parking expenses on in-office days and at work-related events.
Workplace flexibility, creativity, leadership opportunities, and professional development.