Sr. Manager, Federal Affairs

The American Institute of Architects•Washington, DC

7d•$89,600 - $100,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is seeking a Sr. Manager, Federal Affairs to advocate for the value of architecture and provide architects and design professionals with the resources they need. The role involves advancing AIA’s federal legislative agenda through research and direct lobbying, representing AIA before Congress, the Executive Branch, and other organizations on federal issues impacting the practice of architecture and the built environment. This position is responsible for ensuring AIA lobbying and engagement on AIA’s issue priorities that support its Strategic Plan and helping to manage the Government Advocacy Committee (GAC). AIA is committed to building a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion within the profession of architecture to create a better built environment for all.

Requirements

Demonstrated knowledge of the federal government and its legislative and regulatory processes.
Proven understanding of the federal advocacy process, including experience developing strategies for advancing legislative regulatory proposals.
Experience in speaking extemporaneously before groups to inform and persuade.
Management experience of in-house federal lobbying teams.
Demonstrated skill in communicating complex ideas both in writing and orally.
Skill in facilitation, team building, collaborative problem solving, conflict resolution, and negotiation and active listening.
Skill in analyzing complex subjects quickly, researching and providing logical presentations both orally and in writing.
Ability to successfully manage multiple priorities and responsibilities.
Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office, including competence in Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Skilled in using Internet browser/internet research-based methods.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
Ability to work collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams across department lines.
Ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously with high quality results.
Considerable skill in assimilating complex written and oral material and providing sound analysis.
Strong skills in oral and written communications and active listening.
Commitment to a positive workplace culture and environment.
Bachelor’s degree in political science or a related field required.
A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience is required.

Nice To Haves

J.D. or M.A. preferred.
Preference given to candidates who have served as federal legislative staff or as executive branch political appointees.
Experience with political campaigns, federal, state, or local lobbying, and policy portfolios that include tax, housing, climate and resiliency, federal procurement, the design and construction industry, and equity advocacy is desirable but not required.

Responsibilities

Advance AIA’s federal lobbying and advocacy efforts in support of the organization’s policy priorities.
Participate in federal relations outreach to Members of Congress, congressional committees and staff, and Executive Branch officials and agencies.
Coordinate legislative priorities, guest speakers, meeting consultants, and the planning and execution of AIA’s annual Hill Day.
Participate in weekly coordination meetings with GAPP staff and federal consultants to align outreach strategies, messaging, and cross-departmental collaboration.
Organize and facilitate meetings, fly-ins, and briefings between policymakers and AIA volunteers and staff leadership.
Partner with the Senior Director and key internal stakeholders to build and sustain grassroots and grasstops support for AIA’s federal advocacy agenda.
Coordinate the development, approval, and dissemination of AIA’s federal policy agenda, testimony, and key advocacy messages.
Ensure that talking points, issue briefs, and other advocacy materials effectively advance AIA’s policy initiatives.
Identify, recruit, and support AIA members and volunteer leaders to serve as effective federal advocates.
Support and coordinate in-district congressional engagement, including site visits, district meetings, and member-hosted events.
Collaborate with GAPP staff to execute member mobilization efforts, including action alerts and targeted outreach.
In consultation with the AIA Board Government Advocacy Committee (GAC), coordinate lobbying efforts related to AIA-preferred candidates for federal appointments to Executive Branch boards, commissions, and advisory bodies.
Develop, advance, and communicate AIA’s federal policy agenda through research, analysis, and strategic engagement.
Monitor, analyze, and interpret federal legislation, regulations, and administrative actions affecting the architecture profession and the built environment.
Draft proposed federal legislation, regulatory comments, policy statements, and formal responses.
Coordinate engagement with the AIA Board Government Advocacy Committee (GAC), including convening monthly meetings and ensuring committee feedback is reflected in AIA policy positions.
Ensure alignment and consistency of AIA federal policy positions across platforms, publications, and advocacy materials.
Collaborate with the Senior Director and relevant GAPP staff to integrate AIA federal priorities into engagement with external political and policy organizations.
Anticipate emerging federal policy trends and proactively recommend updates to AIA’s policy agenda.
Support and coordinate AIA’s federal political giving strategy in compliance with applicable laws.
Ensure compliance with all federal lobbying, ethics, and campaign finance laws, including reporting and disclosure requirements.
Assist with ArchiPAC fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and solicitation efforts.
Represent AIA at ArchiPAC-supported events and coordinate participation by federal affairs staff and external lobbyists at political fundraising events.
Provide strategic analysis and recommendations on political contributions based on legislative priorities and advocacy goals.
Support education and outreach to AIA members and leadership regarding the purpose and impact of ArchiPAC.
Coordinate federal affairs communications to inform, engage, and align AIA leadership, members, and external partners.
Brief AIA leadership on federal legislative, regulatory, and political developments.
Work with GAPP communications and policy staff to develop content for internal and external audiences on federal issues.
Represent AIA at conferences, meetings, and events by speaking on issues related to AIA’s federal policy and advocacy agenda.
Coordinate, as needed, partnership agreements and collaborative engagements between AIA and federal agencies.
Draft recurring federal affairs updates or briefing products for AIA components and member leaders.
Coordinate crisis or rapid-response communications related to federal policy developments.
Support message alignment between federal advocacy, policy positions, and broader AIA communications strategies.

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
Computer purchase program
Fitness club discounts
Prepaid legal services program
Identity theft protection