AIA Brooklyn, a local chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), seeks a visionary association management professional to provide leadership as the next executive for this not-for- profit organization. This is a significant position requiring the services of an individual with strategic, successful experience working with volunteer organizations and various personality types.
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director of AIA Brooklyn is responsible for managing operations and orchestrating strategic initiatives for the professional society. The individual is a resource for volunteer leaders regarding the implementation of best practices, generation of new ideas, and effective execution of shared goals. The AIA Brooklyn Executive Director is a strong advocate to the broader public for members, the American Institute of Architects, and the profession of architecture.
About the Organization
AIA Brooklyn is dedicated to the advancement of the architectural profession through education, outreach, and mutual support.
The American Institute of Architects, with over 96,000 members in 200+ chapters around the world, inspires and empowers architects to improve society and transform the world. Through core values that center on being impactful, transformative, visionary, inclusive, and innovative, the AIA drives positive change through the power of design and focused activism. The AIA is a three-tiered organization operating at the national, state, and local levels. AIA Brooklyn is a local chapter/component of the AIA and is independently chartered and incorporated. The national organization is headquartered in Washington, DC and the statewide component, AIA New York State, is based in Albany, NY.
With approximately 1,000 individual members, AIA Brooklyn is the second largest chapter in the state of New York, and represents architects and allied design professionals in private practice, business, industry, government, and academia. AIA Brooklyn offers lectures and continuing education courses; awards programs; specialized, issue-specific Knowledge Communities; advocacy for architects; daily communications online and through its in-house magazine, Pylon; and help for consumers looking for an architect. A 10-member Board of Directors with four officers and six directors governs AIA Brooklyn. Members volunteer on committees and task forces to develop programs and services. Additional information is available at www.aiabrooklyn.org.
Position Overview
This position requires significant leadership skills in planning strategically and collaboratively, keen business acumen, strong management practices, and attentive customer service. Knowledge of – or special interest in – architecture and/or the built environment is important but not required. Experience in nonprofit membership organizations is critical. Most importantly, the Executive Director must be an excellent public speaker, listener, and writer to communicate the value of the architect and the profession to a broad and diverse community.
The Executive Director manages the operations of AIA Brooklyn – providing leadership for the organization by influencing policies, planning programs, supporting initiatives, directing communications, and enhancing outreach – to satisfy the expectations of members and maintain the viability of the organization. Roles and responsibilities include:
Leadership & Management
- Provide organizational leadership through the current governance structure including the Executive committee and Board of Directors, serving as a direct working partner with the AIA Brooklyn President and Treasurer.
- Interact with committee members (volunteers) to encourage positive working relationships with the membership and/or stakeholders and identify future leaders of the organization.
- Effectively present information to and respond to questions from volunteer leaders, members, public officials, media, and others.
- Develop the budget and manage the financial health of the organization, monitoring general administration, identifying and obtaining new sources of revenue, and working with volunteers to achieve organizational goals and provide exceptional service to members.
Advocacy & Outreach
- Monitor and influence municipal legislative and administrative agency proposals as well as local government policies that affect members and the organization.
- Develop a legislative agenda for the organization that is consistent with the AIA’s public policies, engaging leaders and members in grassroots legislative efforts and building coalitions with allied professional associations and interest groups to achieve public policy goals.
- Collaborate with public agencies and allied organizations to establish forums to discuss issues of mutual interest and advance the policy positions of AIA Brooklyn.
Programs & Knowledge Sharing
- Plan, direct, coordinate, promote, and manage programs sponsored by AIA Brooklyn, as well as membership campaigns, working with volunteers and committees.
- Provide support and advice on program operations, monitor effectiveness, and recommend improvements to ensure programs are responsive to members’ needs.
- Participate on national AIA and Council of Architectural Component Executives (CACE) committees and task forces as may be requested or appropriate.
Communications & Public Awareness
- Direct and manage the chapter’s website, communications, preparation of newsletters and other publications, delegating responsibility and authority to appropriate persons to ensure effective member communications.
- Encourage open communication with members and allied organizations by interacting with members, Brooklyn’s local academic architectural programs, national AIA, and other AIA chapter executives.
- Convene like-minded organizations for opportunities of mutual benefit.
- Responsible for communicating effectively with the board and providing, in a timely and accurate manner, all information necessary for the board to function properly and to make informed decisions.
- Reach the public by enhancing awareness of the organization, architects, and architecture; providing client education; encouraging community service initiatives; and maintaining positive relations with media, national AIA, and other allied organizations.
View position requirements and application instructions here.
