Vice President, Business Success

The American Institute of Architects•Washington, DC

2d•$174,000 - $200,000•Remote

About The Position

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is seeking a Vice President, Business Success to lead the organization's efforts in making architecture firms and their professionals more successful. This role is crucial for ensuring the future of the profession by fostering financially strong, professionally excellent firms and a pipeline of skilled architects. The VP will oversee a significant portfolio encompassing firm practice resources and continuing education, with accountability for both financial performance and educational quality. This individual should possess industry foresight, strategic insight, and a deep understanding of current firm challenges, such as AI, workforce shifts, shrinking margins, and climate demands. The role requires translating this understanding into actionable programming, partnerships, and revenue-generating offerings for AIA members. The VP is expected to manage the portfolio as a business, including budgets, revenue projections, partnership ROI evaluation, and the implementation of new technologies and delivery models to enhance efficiency, member satisfaction, and market reach. As a member of AIA's Leadership Team, the VP will be a key resource for business decisions, represent AIA's practice and education priorities externally, and shape the organization's investments in member and firm success. Success will be measured by an increase in licensed architects, thriving firms, and AIA's recognition as the primary source for practice knowledge.

Requirements

Licensed architect and AIA member, with firsthand understanding of firm operations and the demands of practice today.
Proven experience translating industry trends or research into practical programming or resources at scale.
Experience leading professional development, continuing education, or practice resource functions.
Strong business acumen, with experience managing revenue generating programs.
Bachelor's degree, professional architecture degree preferred, and ten or more years of progressive experience in practice, professional development, or a related field.

Nice To Haves

Certified Association Executive (CAE).
Experience integrating sustainability or equity content into practice or professional development curricula.
Experience with learning management systems or continuing education technology.

Responsibilities

Set strategy and lead delivery for AIA's business success work, spanning design excellence, firm financial health, and firm growth and positioning.
Translate emerging industry and firm level challenges into practical programming, tools, and content members can apply immediately.
Lead AIA's business intelligence and research-based practice resources, including firm and market data that inform member decisions.
Establish AIA as the leading source of support for firms navigating change, from new technology to evolving client expectations.
Own AIA's continuing education and professional development infrastructure, including AIAU and the Continuing Education System.
Lead efforts to grow the number of licensed, active architects, including licensure pathway support and career advancement resources.
Hold learning and practice content to a high bar for quality, grounded in what firms and practitioners actually need.
Own the financial performance of the business success and learning portfolio, including budget management, revenue projections, and corrective action when results fall short of goals.
Evaluate and manage partnerships with vendors, technology providers, and outside organizations to ensure they deliver a clear return on investment.
Introduce new technologies and delivery models that improve efficiency, member satisfaction, and market reach across learning and practice resources.
Serve as a key resource for business decisions across the Institute, providing the practice and firm perspective on strategic and financial questions.
Partner with research colleagues to keep programming grounded in current economic and firm data.
Partner with membership colleagues to connect practice value to retention and growth.
Partner with equity and climate colleagues so firm success resources treat equitable practice and climate responsible design as standard guidance.
Lead, mentor, and develop the team responsible for practice resources, learning, and business success programming.
Set and monitor KPIs for program quality, learner engagement, and revenue.

Benefits

Medical, vision, and dental
401(k)
Flexibility
Paid time off
Parental Leave
Flexible spending accounts
Income protection, including Life Insurance Coverage up to 2x salary, and 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