Sr. Manager, Firm Prosperity Programs

The American Institute of Architects • Washington, DC

3d • $72,000 - $87,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is seeking a Sr. Manager, Firm Prosperity Programs to lead the advancement of AIA’s business education and practice resources. This role is crucial in ensuring programs, tools, and initiatives strengthen firm prosperity, encompassing financial performance, profitability, and overall business health for architectural firms. The position aims to improve access to knowledge, tools, and resources that support successful practices. The role involves overseeing the AIA Business Academy, a five-month executive-level immersive cohort program, and leading the newly launching Firm Management Symposium. Key requirements include project management, understanding of architectural practice issues, and cross-disciplinary collaboration skills. Ultimately, this role champions the implementation of programs and resources that help architects cultivate sound business practices.

Requirements

• Strong critical thinking and planning skills, with the ability to align to organizational goals.
• Communicates effectively across written, verbal, and presentation formats with a range of audiences.
• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to respond to member and stakeholder needs with sound judgment and practical solutions.
• Experience managing projects and workstreams independently, including planning, coordination, and delivery; ability to escalate issues appropriately.
• Strong project management skills, including managing timelines, budgets, and deliverables.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and service-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain confidentiality.
• Bachelor’s degree in architecture, business, or related field.
• Approximately 5–7 years of relevant experience in program management, project management, or related roles within corporate, professional society, or trade association environments.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of the architecture profession and familiarity with AIA programs and structure.
• Experience in architecture education and/or firm.
• Experience working in professional societies or trade associations.
• Licensed architect

Responsibilities

• Coordinate across departments to effectively drive content to AIA membership to increase member value.
• Partner with Membership & Component Engagement and AIA Trust to align practice resources with the needs of local and state AIA components.
• Work closely with the Research team to raise awareness and collaborate on tools that help members leverage the wealth of data available for firm prosperity.
• Engage cross-functionally with Knowledge & Practice and AIA Trust colleagues to align content themes, avoid duplication, and leverage research to create cohesive, high-value educational resources that address emerging trends in architectural practice.
• Work closely with Marketing & Communications to develop strategic messaging and promotional campaigns that increase visibility, participation, and perceived value of AIA’s business education offerings.
• Collaborate with Sales & Sponsorships to identify and cultivate sponsorship opportunities, building mutually beneficial relationships that expand program reach and enhance member experiences.
• Develop proposals to integrate new tools and resources to help promote firm prosperity.
• Lead execution of high-impact business tools that address the unique operational challenges of architecture firms of all sizes, from small practices to large, multi-office firms.
• Manage deployment of signature and emerging business education programs (e.g., AIA Business Academy, Firm Management Symposium), and serve as primary point of contact from engagement to delivery, ensuring alignment with association best practices.
• Evaluate and update practice resources continuously by incorporating feedback, monitoring industry metrics, and benchmarking against best practices to ensure AIA offerings remain relevant, actionable, and measurable in driving firm prosperity.
• Oversee member groups and knowledge communities: Small Firm Exchange (SFx), Practice Management Knowledge Community.
• Engage with member groups and communities by contributing programming ideas and utilizing them as a resource to achieve strategic initiatives.
• Manage and coordinate meetings for member groups.
• Manage and coordinate content and participation in AIA events, publications, and education channels.
• Provide high levels of customer service to member groups.
• Maintain and enhance relationships with internal member groups.
• Assist Sr Director, Professional Practice Programs with limited admin functions for the Large Firm Round Table.
• Oversee annual and program-specific budgets for business education and practice resource initiatives, ensuring appropriate allocation of funds to maximize member value and program impact.
• Monitor and track expenses against budget targets, monitoring regular financial reports, identifying variances, and implementing adjustments to maintain fiscal responsibility.
• Lead end-to-end project management for flagship programs and new initiatives, establishing timelines, milestones, deliverables, and performance metrics to ensure project success.

Benefits

• Medical, vision 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager