Sr. Director, Governance & Volunteer Manageme

The American Institute of Architects (AIA)

AIA will provide you with the opportunity to advocate for the value of architecture and give architects and design professionals the resources they need to do their best work. The collective voice of architects is essential, and our work drives positive change through the power of design.

Each one of us at AIA is a leader committed to demonstrating our mission and values, and designing a better future for our country and planet. Even in times of change, AIA's values remain constant:

The American Institute of Architects, as part of the global community, is building a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion within the profession of architecture to create a better built environment for all. Achieving this vision has a direct impact on the relevance of the profession of architecture and the world's prosperity, health, and future.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Managing Director, Governance & Awards + Corporate Secretary, the Senior Director, Governance and Volunteer Engagement, is a strategic leader within AIA's Governance & Awards department. This role drives the Institute's volunteer engagement strategy, strengthens governance infrastructure, and advances the organization's mission and strategic priorities, while partnering with staff liaisons across the Institute to navigate the growing complexities of member leadership engagement.

This role serves as a key connector across member groups and governance bodies, ensuring that volunteers are recognized, supported, and empowered to advance AIA's priorities. It also plays a vital role in coordinating with staff liaisons across the Institute to strengthen collaboration and drive strategic outcomes.

Job Duties

Basic Qualifications:

• Successfully managed complex volunteer networks and led strategic engagement efforts within nonprofit or member-driven organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to build trust-based relationships and work effectively across the organization, collaborating with senior staff colleagues to align operations, strategy, and execution in support of enterprise-wide priorities.
• Proven experience partnering with volunteer leaders, boards, and committees to translate organizational strategy into actionable initiatives, while fostering shared ownership, accountability, and long-term strategic impact.
• Proven understanding of the dynamics of volunteer management and stakeholder collaboration.
• Proven leader with a strong work ethic and demonstrated ability to think strategically and develop long-term plans aligned with the organization's vision.
• Skilled in communicating AIA's strategic priorities to firm leadership, staff, and the broader professional community.
• Proficient interpersonal, written, and verbal communication abilities.
• Skilled in distilling complex written and oral information and delivering insightful analysis.
• Skilled at preparing and presenting materials for high-level internal and external stakeholders.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively across departments with multidisciplinary teams.
• Advanced experience in facilitation, team building, negotiations, and conflict resolution.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate confidently at all organizational levels and to lead collaborative problem-solving efforts.
• Experience navigating member-based environments and an aptitude for identifying and addressing member concerns.
• Ability to assess issues, articulate challenges clearly, and develop strategic solutions.
• Demonstrate strong service orientation when working with volunteer leaders, members, staff, and external partners.
• Self-directed and resourceful, able to exercise independent judgment and meet complex deadlines.
• Skilled at maintaining confidentiality and managing sensitive organizational information with discretion and professionalism.
• Experience leading and mentoring a team.

Bachelor's degree in business administration, nonprofit management, public administration, organizational leadership, communications, or a related field , plus ten or more years of relevant senior-level professional experience in governance, volunteer engagement, or membership-based organizations. Experience leading the development and implementation of complex programs or projects, preferably within a corporate environment or trade associations.

Preferred Qualifications

Supervisory Director of Governance and Manager of Volunteer Engagement

What we offer:

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that reflects our company values and workplace culture, including:

Work Location: Hybrid, from the Washington, DC metro area only (DC, MD, VA)

Applicants residing in states not listed are not eligible.

Employees in the DC Metro area will return to a hybrid work environment in the newly renovated office in 2026.

Travel Requirements: 20% annually

Equal Opportunity Employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.