Executive Director at AIA Washington DC

Executive Director Position Profile

AIA Washington DC seeks an association, non-profit, or design management professional to provide leadership as the next chief staff executive for the not-for-profit 501(c)6 organization and its associated entities. This is a significant managerial position requiring the services of an individual with extensive and successful experience working with volunteer organizations and various personality types.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director of AIA Washington DC (AIA|DC) is responsible for managing operations and directing strategic initiatives for the professional society as well as the Washington Architectural Foundation (501c3) and managing the District Architecture Center. The individual is a resource for volunteer leaders and association staff regarding the implementation of best practices, generation of new ideas, identification of non-dues revenue sources, and effective execution of the Board of Directors’ vision. The AIA|DC ED is a strong advocate to the broader public for members, the American Institute of Architects, and the profession of architecture. Additional information is available at https://dcarchcenter.org/.

This position requires significant leadership skills in planning strategically and collaboratively:

Leadership and ManagementAdvocacy and OutreachPrograms and Knowledge DeliveryMembership and CommunicationsGovernance and Operations

Education and Experience:

▪ Bachelor’s Degree, with position history demonstrating increasing responsibility.

▪ Minimum of seven years of previous management-level experience working in association management, not-for-profit, government affairs, public administration, or communications.

▪ Business administration, organizational management, or architecture/design-related focus.

▪ Understanding of membership organizations or familiarity with architecture profession.

▪ Demonstrated success in maintaining continuity across a volunteer-membership environment with a rotating leadership structure.

▪ History of proactively recognizing and acting upon opportunities that benefit members.

Skills, Abilities, and Qualities:

Strategic and visionary | Action-oriented | Inclusive | Collaborative | Confident | Patient |Connective |

Organized | Passionate | Commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion across the AIA community

AIA Washington DC provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

AIA Washington DC has engaged an organizational management consultancy, The Three Aspens, Ltd., to assist with this executive search. Inquiries and nominations should be directed (confidentially) to Helene Combs Dreiling, FAIA via e-mail at helene@theplumstudio.com. To be considered, applicants must submit a customized letter of interest and resume/curriculum vitae to that email address by 5:00 pm EST on Friday, November 7, 2025.

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