Sr. Director, Federal Affairs

Company: The American Institute of Architects
Location: Washington
Posted on: April 3, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description 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. 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: - We stand for equity and human rights. - We stand for architecture that strengthens our communities. - We stand for a sustainable future. - We stand for protecting communities from the impacts of climate change. - We stand for economic opportunity. - We stand for investing in the future. - We speak up, and policymakers listen. 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, Government Affairs & Public Policy, the Sr. Director a managerial position within the Government Affairs & Public Policy (GAPP) department responsible for advancing AIA’s federal advocacy efforts before the executive and legislative branches of the U.S. government. The role directs the development and execution of AIA’s federal advocacy agenda and represents the organization on policy issues affecting the practice of architecture and the built environment. This position works closely with AIA’s senior leadership and management teams to shape, implement, and communicate AIA’s federal policy priorities on behalf of its member-professional organization. The Sr. Director also coordinates selectively with external partners and allied organizations, as appropriate, to support AIA’s core advocacy objectives and strengthen the effectiveness of its federal engagement. Job Duties: Federal Advocacy Advance AIA’s federal lobbying and advocacy efforts in support of the organization’s policy priorities by: - Leading federal relations outreach to Members of Congress, congressional committees and staff, and Executive Branch officials and agencies. - Coordinating, in collaboration with the Chief Government Affairs Officer (CGAO) and Managing Director, legislative priorities, guest speakers, meeting consultants, and the planning and execution of AIA’s annual Hill Day, working closely with relevant GAPP staff. - Convening and leading weekly coordination meetings with GAPP staff and federal consultants to align outreach strategies, messaging, and cross-departmental collaboration in support of AIA’s federal advocacy campaigns. - Organizing and facilitating meetings, fly-ins, and briefings between policymakers and AIA volunteers and staff leadership to enable direct engagement on federal policy issues. - Partnering with the Managing Director and key internal stakeholders to build and sustain grassroots and grasstops support for AIA’s federal advocacy agenda. - Coordinating the development, approval, and dissemination of AIA’s federal policy agenda, testimony, and key advocacy messages. - Ensuring that talking points, issue briefs, and other advocacy materials effectively advance AIA’s policy initiatives and are responsive to the current political and legislative environment. - Identify, recruit, and support AIA members and volunteer leaders to serve as effective federal advocates in meetings with Congress and congressional staff. - Support and coordinate in-district congressional engagement, including site visits, district meetings, and member-hosted events aligned with AIA’s federal priorities. - Collaborate with GAPP staff to execute member mobilization efforts, including action alerts and targeted outreach, to influence key legislative milestones and votes. - In consultation with the AIA Board Government Advocacy Committee (GAC), coordinating lobbying efforts related to AIA-preferred candidates for federal appointments to Executive Branch boards, commissions, and advisory bodies. Policy Develop, advance, and communicate AIA’s federal policy agenda through research, analysis, and strategic engagement by: - Monitoring, analyzing, and interpreting federal legislation, regulations, and administrative actions affecting the architecture profession and the built environment. - Drafting proposed federal legislation, regulatory comments, policy statements, and formal responses that advance AIA’s federal policy objectives. - Leading engagement with the AIA Board Government Advocacy Committee (GAC), under the direction of the CGAO and Managing Director, including convening monthly meetings and ensuring committee feedback is reflected in AIA policy positions and public statements. - Ensuring alignment and consistency of AIA federal policy positions across platforms, publications, and advocacy materials. - Collaborating with the CGAO, Managing Director, and relevant GAPP staff to integrate AIA federal priorities into engagement with external political and policy organizations, including the National Governors Association and the U.S. Conference of Mayors. - Anticipate emerging federal policy trends and proactively recommend updates to AIA’s policy agenda. Political Action Committee (ArchiPAC): Support and coordinate AIA’s federal political giving strategy in compliance with applicable laws by: - Ensuring compliance with all federal lobbying, ethics, and campaign finance laws, including reporting and disclosure requirements. - Supervising the Director. Political Affairs and overseeing the coordination and implementation of AIA’s federal political giving strategy in support of the organization’s advocacy goals. - Assisting with ArchiPAC fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and solicitation efforts. - Representing AIA at ArchiPAC-supported events and coordinating 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. Internal and External Communication Coordinate federal affairs communications to inform, engage, and align AIA leadership, members, and external partners by: - Briefing AIA leadership on federal legislative, regulatory, and political developments in collaboration with relevant GAPP staff. - Working with GAPP communications and policy staff to develop content for internal and external audiences on federal issues, including oversight of federal policy web content and related digital resources. - Representing AIA at conferences, meetings, and events by speaking on issues related to AIA’s federal policy and advocacy agenda. - Coordinating, as needed, partnership agreements and collaborative engagements between AIA and federal agencies in collaboration with relevant AIA staff. - Draft recurring federal affairs updates or briefing products for AIA components and member leaders in coordination with communications focused GAPP staff. - Coordinate crisis or rapid-response communications related to federal policy developments. - Support message alignment between federal advocacy, policy positions, and broader AIA communications strategies. Frequent Contacts: - Executive and Legislative Branch officials and staff - Federal lobbying consultants - AIA President, Board of Directors, and Strategic Council - AIA CEO and Senior Leadership Team - AIA Board Level Government Advocacy Committee (GAC) - ArchiPAC Steering Committee - Other GAPP staff, AIA Communications and Knowledge Communities teams, and other AIA departments) - AIA Large Firms, Small Firms, Student, and Minority associations - AIA state and local component members and staff - Officers & staff of outside industry organizations and stakeholders (ACEC, AGC, USGBC, et. al.) - Consultants and Contractors Qualifications: - 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. - Demonstrated experience 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; multilingual preferred. - 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 oral and written communication skills, including active listening - Commitment to a positive workplace culture and environment. Educational Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in political science or a related field required; J.D. or M.A. preferred. A minimum of 8–10 years of relevant professional experience is required, preferably as federal legislative staff or an executive branch political appointee. Experience with political campaigns, federal, state, or local lobbying, and policy portfolios covering tax, housing, climate and resiliency, federal procurement, the design and construction industry, or equity advocacy is desirable but not required. Supervisory Requirements: Three direct reports What we offer We offer a comprehensive benefits package that reflects our company values and workplace culture, including: - Medical and dental - 401(k) - Flexibility - Paid time off - 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 Travel Requirements: 10% Work Location: Hybrid, from the Washington, DC metro area only (DC, MD, VA) Applicants residing in states outside of the DC, MD, & VA metro area and not listed are not eligible for consideration. Employees in the DC Metro area will return to a hybrid work environment in the newly renovated office in 2026. Equal Opportunity Employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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