Sr. Director, Leadership Affairs

The American Institute of Architects•Washington, DC

13d•$120,500 - $143,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is seeking a Sr. Director, Leadership Affairs to serve as a strategic leader within the AIA Executive Office. This role will oversee the Director of Leadership Communications and the Manager, Leadership Operations to build and steward an integrated leadership communications function. The position is responsible for shaping and executing the communications and engagement strategy that defines how AIA’s executive and volunteer leaders are positioned publicly. In close partnership with International Affairs, the Senior Director will ensure AIA’s global priorities and engagements are reflected consistently across leadership messaging and that international perspectives are effectively integrated into executive communications. The role supports the CEO, President, and Board by cultivating a clear, consistent, and compelling leadership presence across communications, speaking engagements, stakeholder interactions, and other high-profile engagements. The Senior Director will drive strategic messaging, executive positioning, and leadership engagement initiatives that strengthen AIA’s reputation, advance organizational priorities, and enhance the visibility and influence of its leadership among members, partners, policymakers, and other key stakeholders.

Requirements

Demonstrated experience leading complex, multi-stakeholder programs in a national association, nonprofit, or comparable organizational environment; experience in a membership-based or professional association setting preferred.
Proven track record in managing and developing professional teams.
Strong strategic communications instincts with experience in executive positioning, thought leadership, or public affairs.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; ability to draft and edit high-quality content for senior executives and public audiences.
Demonstrated ability to advise and interact with C-suite executives, board members, and senior volunteer leaders with credibility and discretion.
Strong relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills; comfort working across diverse internal and external audiences, including international counterparts in collaboration with the International Affairs function.
Ability to manage competing priorities, lead through ambiguity, and drive results in a fast-paced organizational environment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite; comfort with digital communication platforms and content management systems.
Bachelor’s degree required.
Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications, executive engagement, leadership communications, or a closely related field.
Two direct reports.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in communications, public affairs, organizational leadership, or a related field strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and execution of AIA’s leadership communications strategy, ensuring a coherent, high-impact function that supports the CEO, President, Board, and senior volunteer leaders.
Serve as a senior advisor to the CEO, President, and Board of Directors on leadership engagement strategy, executive positioning, and communications priorities.
Partner with the Vice President, Governance & Awards, to align Leadership Affairs priorities with broader Executive Office goals and AIA’s strategic plan.
Provide strategic counsel to senior volunteer leaders preparing for high-visibility speaking engagements, media appearances, and public-facing events, ensuring they are briefed, positioned, and ready.
Ensure that AIA’s leadership speaks with one voice across all communications channels, collaborating closely with International Affairs to integrate global narratives into executive messaging.
Partner with the Senior Director, International Affairs, to ensure that AIA’s global relationships, MOU partnerships, and engagement with organizations including the UIA and FPAA are supported by a clear leadership communications narrative.
Develop leadership communications materials and briefing packages to support AIA officers, the CEO, and senior staff ahead of international travel, bilateral meetings, and engagements at forums such as UNCOP and UN climate negotiations.
Integrate AIA’s international affairs work into executive speeches, correspondence, and public-facing content, ensuring that global policy positions and engagements are communicated with clarity and consistency.
Stay current on global policy developments and intergovernmental discussions relevant to AIA’s mission, informing leadership communications strategy in coordination with the International Affairs function.
Provide senior oversight and strategic direction for all leadership communications activities within the Executive Office, ensuring consistency, quality, and impact.
Direct the development and execution of an annual leadership communications plan that reflects the priorities of the CEO, President, Board, and international affairs agenda, in coordination with the Director, Leadership Communication.
Oversee the integration of international affairs narratives into executive speeches, correspondence, and public-facing content, working in concert with the International Affairs function to ensure AIA’s global work is communicated with clarity and coherence.
Advise on crisis communications strategies as they relate to leadership and global affairs.
Supervise and develop a team of two direct reports — the Director, Leadership Communication and the Manager, Leadership Operations — fostering a high-performing, collaborative team culture focused on execution and quality.
Develop, manage, and steward the Leadership Communications function budget, including staff development, speaking engagement support, content production, and vendor/partner expenses.
Establish and track metrics, outcomes, and reporting processes to demonstrate the value and impact of Leadership Affairs programs.
Oversee Leadership Affairs content on aia.org and other Institute channels, ensuring accuracy, currency, and alignment with executive messaging.
Oversee leadership engagement content on aia.org and other Institute channels, ensuring accuracy, currency, and alignment with executive messaging priorities.
Collaborate with the Marketing & Communications, Advocacy & Relationships, and Membership teams to ensure integrated, coherent external positioning.
Coordinate with the Executive Office to align Leadership Affairs activities with CEO and Board priorities and schedules.
Serve as a key cross-functional connector, representing Leadership Affairs interests in AIA-wide planning and strategy discussions and partnering with International Affairs to ensure coordinated, aligned external positioning.
Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

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
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