Programs Manager

American Institute of Architects Seattle•Seattle, WA

About The Position

AIA Seattle is seeking a Programs Manager to lead its programmatic activities. AIA Seattle is a 501(c)(6) professional membership organization, and the role oversees nationally recognized educational programs, signature design and individual awards events, and committee-led programming. The manager anticipates major issues and ideas shaping design and the built environment, and develops learning and engagement opportunities to help members build the skills and knowledge to create equitable, resilient, and thriving communities. The role manages programs and budgets, supports member committees and volunteer engagement, evaluates outcomes, and ensures programs align with organizational goals and priorities. It also collaborates with the team, supervises others including the Programs Coordinator, supports leadership and steering committees, and contributes to organizational planning and day-to-day strategy. AIA Seattle works both in person and remotely and describes its small office as supporting flexibility, creativity, leadership, and professional development. This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week position paying $31.76–$40.38 per hour. The preferred application deadline is November 13, 2026.

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.
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects.
Organized, self-directed strategic thinking and attention to detail.
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, including the ability to motivate volunteers and collaborators.
Effective communication skills, including presentation, writing, and facilitation.
Commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Interest in advancing the organizations’ vision for equitable, resilient, thriving communities.

Responsibilities

Initiate, manage, and produce education 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 organizational impact.
Establish clear roles, expectations, and guidelines so program participants can contribute meaningfully.
Oversee delivery of programs and events 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 programs.
Manage and support member committees delivering events and engagement opportunities for the 10-county membership and greater design community.
Develop strategies to strengthen member engagement and community impact through committees.
Guide annual committee planning and orientations, setting expectations and ensuring alignment with organizational priorities.
Implement processes, frameworks, and tools that support committee leadership and committee-led programs.
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 make recommendations.
Collaborate with the team and supervise others, including the Programs Coordinator.
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 and participate in day-to-day and long-term strategy planning.
Attend AIA and Seattle Design Festival events and functions as required.
Manage and support related leadership groups and steering committees to advance learning and engagement and promote the organization’s mission, vision, and imperatives.
Provide staff leadership and management for steering committees.
Partner with committee chairs to develop goal-driven agendas and annual plans.
Ensure steering committee work aligns with organizational strategy.

Benefits

Company-paid medical insurance premium coverage for employees (100%).
Company-paid life insurance premium coverage for employees (100%).
Dental plan available, with the company covering 50% of the premium.
401(k) plan with company match of 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 for new full-time employees, with an additional day for each hiring anniversary.
Additional sick leave above City of Seattle and State of Washington requirements.
Sixteen hours of paid community service time each year.
Reimbursement for parking expenses on in-office days and work-related events.
Flexible work arrangements, with work conducted both in person and remotely.
Professional development and opportunities for professional advancement.