New England Society of Association Executives
Executive Director
New England Society of Association Executives, Olympia, Washington, United States
Overview
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 extensive and successful experience working with volunteer organizations and various personality types. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director (ED) is responsible for managing operations and directing strategic initiatives for the professional society as well as the Washington Architectural Foundation and the District Architecture Center. The ED is a resource for volunteer leaders and staff regarding best practices, generation of new ideas, non-dues revenue opportunities, and execution of the Board’s vision. The ED is a strong public advocate for members, the American Institute of Architects, and the architecture profession. Additional information is available at the Washington DC Architecture Center.
About the Organization
The mission of AIA Washington DC is to “empower our members, profession and community to advance the value of architecture and design in Washington DC.” The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has over 100,000 members in 200+ chapters and inspires architects to improve society. AIA operates at global, state, and local levels. The national organization is headquartered in Washington, DC. AIA Washington DC is the fifth largest local chapter/component of the AIA and is independently chartered and incorporated. AIA|DC. Founded in 1887, the Washington Chapter serves the nation’s capital, functioning as both the local and state component for the District of Columbia. With 2,300 members, AIA|DC provides continuing education, honors and awards, and networking through volunteer committees. A fifteen-member Board of Directors governs AIA Washington DC. The staff team operates from the District Architecture Center, 421 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004. Washington Architectural Foundation. The Washington Architectural Foundation (WAF) was created in 1988 as a 501(c)3 to be more public facing, with tours, programs, exhibitions and youth programs. The Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors representing the local building and development industry, housing and social service non-profits, and arts organizations. District Architecture Center. The District Architecture Center (DAC) is the home for both organizations and hosts event rentals. Located in DC’s Penn Quarter, the DAC presents DC architecture to the profession and community through exhibitions, lectures, and professional programming. Position Overview
This position requires significant leadership in strategic planning, collaboration, business acumen, strong management practices, and attentive customer service. The candidate should be a highly motivated, engaged, and dynamic individual who can inspire AIA Washington DC in pursuing its mission. Knowledge of architecture or the built environment is important. Experience in nonprofit membership organizations is critical. The Executive Director must be an excellent public speaker, listener, and writer to communicate the value of architecture to a broad and diverse community. The Executive Director serves as the hands-on leader for the component and works with the Board to execute strategic initiatives in Advocacy, Communication, and Education. The ED manages operations, provides leadership for the organization and staff, influences policies, plans programs, supports initiatives, directs communications, and enhances outreach to satisfy member expectations and maintain organizational viability. Roles and responsibilities include: Leadership and Management
Effectively present information to and respond to questions from volunteer leaders, members, public officials, media, and others. Interact with committee members to encourage positive working relationships with members and stakeholders and identify future leaders of the organization. Convene like-minded organizations for mutual benefit. With the Treasurer, manage fiscal stewardship including business functions, expenses, payroll, insurance, tax filings, leases, etc. Manage reimbursements from AIA and oversee component accreditation. Manage the Washington Architectural Foundation, dedicated to educating and engaging the public about the value and power of architecture. Oversee the District Architecture Center, the storefront location that presents DC architecture to the profession and community. Advocacy and Outreach
Monitor and influence municipal legislative and administrative agency proposals and local government policies affecting members and the organization. Develop a legislative agenda aligned with AIA public policies, engaging leaders and members in grassroots efforts and building coalitions with allied associations to achieve public policy goals. Collaborate with public agencies and allied organizations to discuss issues of mutual interest and advance AIA Washington DC’s policy positions. Enhance public awareness of the organization, architects, and architecture; educate clients; encourage community service; and maintain positive relations with media, global AIA, and allied organizations. Programs and Knowledge
Oversee planning, coordination, promotion, and management of programs sponsored by AIA Washington DC, including membership campaigns with staff and volunteers. Provide guidance on program operations, monitor effectiveness, and suggest improvements to meet member needs. Oversee the annual Design Awards program, ensuring programmatic and financial success. Participate in the AIA Council of Architectural Component Executives (CACE) and on AIA committees and task forces as appropriate. Membership and Communications
Grow memberships and strengthen relationships with partners, sponsors, and allied organizations. Engage current members through retention, programming, and outreach. Recruit future members and leaders through targeted outreach. Delegate responsibility to staff or board members to ensure effective member communications such as newsletters. Encourage open communication with members and with educational institutions, national AIA, and other AIA components. Governance and Operations
Provide leadership to the organization through the current governance structure and partner with the President. Liaise with the Board and provide timely information for informed decision-making. Supervise and mentor staff to foster teamwork and a productive workplace in line with policies and laws. Develop the budget, manage financial health, monitor administration, identify new revenue sources (particularly non-dues), and work with volunteers to achieve goals and service to members. Washington Architectural Foundation (WAF)
Beyond the chapter roles, for WAF: Mission-focused with clear understanding of WAF’s public outreach purpose; Financial acumen to oversee fundraising, grants, donor development, sponsorships, and fiscal stewardship. Position Requirements
Education and Experience: Bachelor’s Degree with increasing responsibility. Minimum seven years of management-level experience in association management, not-for-profit, government affairs, public administration, or communications. Business administration, organizational management, or architecture/design focus. Exposure to professional societies preferred; CAE or similar designation beneficial. Understanding of membership organizations or familiarity with the architecture profession. Proven ability to maintain continuity in a volunteer membership environment with rotating leadership. History of identifying opportunities benefiting members. Skills, Abilities, and Qualities: Strategic and visionary; drive to implement strategic visions for both organizations. Action-oriented; able to work at macro- and micro-levels to achieve goals. Inclusive; diplomatically build consensus among diverse people and objectives. Collaborative, confident, and patient; authority in a process-oriented environment. Connective; identify and implement revenue-generating practices to strengthen fiscal health. Organized; detail-oriented with strong leadership, delegation, and communication skills. Passionate; committed to excellence and high standards. JEDI: Commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion across the AIA community. Washington, DC: Knowledge of DC is preferred. Willingness to commit to a long-term association and relocate as needed. Supervisory Responsibility
This position is the highest staff level within the organization; the Executive Director serves as the chief executive for AIA Washington DC and the Washington Architectural Foundation. Works Closely With
President, officers, Board of Directors, committees, task forces, and other volunteer leaders Members of AIA Washington DC Leaders and staff of the AIA global and other components All staff members and other strategic partners Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
Full-time exempt position (average of 2,080 hours per year). Monday through Friday; periodic early morning, evening, or weekend work required. Travel within and beyond DC several times per year. Recruiting Compensation Range
Base salary commensurate with education, experience, and skills, plus benefits; anticipated range $140,000–$160,000. _______________________________________________________________________________ Additional Eligibility Qualifications
AIA Washington DC provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or veteran status in accordance with law. Other Duties: The candidate must be willing to undergo a background check including legal, educational, driving, credit, and employment records. This job description does not cover all activities, duties, or responsibilities and may change at any time. AIA Washington DC has engaged The Three Aspens, Ltd. to assist with this executive search. Inquiries and nominations should be directed to Helene Combs Dreiling, FAIA via email at helene@theplumstudio.com. To be considered, applicants must submit a customized letter of interest and resume to Helene Dreiling at helene@theplumstudio.com by 5:00 pm EST on Friday, November 7, 2025.
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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 extensive and successful experience working with volunteer organizations and various personality types. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director (ED) is responsible for managing operations and directing strategic initiatives for the professional society as well as the Washington Architectural Foundation and the District Architecture Center. The ED is a resource for volunteer leaders and staff regarding best practices, generation of new ideas, non-dues revenue opportunities, and execution of the Board’s vision. The ED is a strong public advocate for members, the American Institute of Architects, and the architecture profession. Additional information is available at the Washington DC Architecture Center.
About the Organization
The mission of AIA Washington DC is to “empower our members, profession and community to advance the value of architecture and design in Washington DC.” The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has over 100,000 members in 200+ chapters and inspires architects to improve society. AIA operates at global, state, and local levels. The national organization is headquartered in Washington, DC. AIA Washington DC is the fifth largest local chapter/component of the AIA and is independently chartered and incorporated. AIA|DC. Founded in 1887, the Washington Chapter serves the nation’s capital, functioning as both the local and state component for the District of Columbia. With 2,300 members, AIA|DC provides continuing education, honors and awards, and networking through volunteer committees. A fifteen-member Board of Directors governs AIA Washington DC. The staff team operates from the District Architecture Center, 421 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004. Washington Architectural Foundation. The Washington Architectural Foundation (WAF) was created in 1988 as a 501(c)3 to be more public facing, with tours, programs, exhibitions and youth programs. The Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors representing the local building and development industry, housing and social service non-profits, and arts organizations. District Architecture Center. The District Architecture Center (DAC) is the home for both organizations and hosts event rentals. Located in DC’s Penn Quarter, the DAC presents DC architecture to the profession and community through exhibitions, lectures, and professional programming. Position Overview
This position requires significant leadership in strategic planning, collaboration, business acumen, strong management practices, and attentive customer service. The candidate should be a highly motivated, engaged, and dynamic individual who can inspire AIA Washington DC in pursuing its mission. Knowledge of architecture or the built environment is important. Experience in nonprofit membership organizations is critical. The Executive Director must be an excellent public speaker, listener, and writer to communicate the value of architecture to a broad and diverse community. The Executive Director serves as the hands-on leader for the component and works with the Board to execute strategic initiatives in Advocacy, Communication, and Education. The ED manages operations, provides leadership for the organization and staff, influences policies, plans programs, supports initiatives, directs communications, and enhances outreach to satisfy member expectations and maintain organizational viability. Roles and responsibilities include: Leadership and Management
Effectively present information to and respond to questions from volunteer leaders, members, public officials, media, and others. Interact with committee members to encourage positive working relationships with members and stakeholders and identify future leaders of the organization. Convene like-minded organizations for mutual benefit. With the Treasurer, manage fiscal stewardship including business functions, expenses, payroll, insurance, tax filings, leases, etc. Manage reimbursements from AIA and oversee component accreditation. Manage the Washington Architectural Foundation, dedicated to educating and engaging the public about the value and power of architecture. Oversee the District Architecture Center, the storefront location that presents DC architecture to the profession and community. Advocacy and Outreach
Monitor and influence municipal legislative and administrative agency proposals and local government policies affecting members and the organization. Develop a legislative agenda aligned with AIA public policies, engaging leaders and members in grassroots efforts and building coalitions with allied associations to achieve public policy goals. Collaborate with public agencies and allied organizations to discuss issues of mutual interest and advance AIA Washington DC’s policy positions. Enhance public awareness of the organization, architects, and architecture; educate clients; encourage community service; and maintain positive relations with media, global AIA, and allied organizations. Programs and Knowledge
Oversee planning, coordination, promotion, and management of programs sponsored by AIA Washington DC, including membership campaigns with staff and volunteers. Provide guidance on program operations, monitor effectiveness, and suggest improvements to meet member needs. Oversee the annual Design Awards program, ensuring programmatic and financial success. Participate in the AIA Council of Architectural Component Executives (CACE) and on AIA committees and task forces as appropriate. Membership and Communications
Grow memberships and strengthen relationships with partners, sponsors, and allied organizations. Engage current members through retention, programming, and outreach. Recruit future members and leaders through targeted outreach. Delegate responsibility to staff or board members to ensure effective member communications such as newsletters. Encourage open communication with members and with educational institutions, national AIA, and other AIA components. Governance and Operations
Provide leadership to the organization through the current governance structure and partner with the President. Liaise with the Board and provide timely information for informed decision-making. Supervise and mentor staff to foster teamwork and a productive workplace in line with policies and laws. Develop the budget, manage financial health, monitor administration, identify new revenue sources (particularly non-dues), and work with volunteers to achieve goals and service to members. Washington Architectural Foundation (WAF)
Beyond the chapter roles, for WAF: Mission-focused with clear understanding of WAF’s public outreach purpose; Financial acumen to oversee fundraising, grants, donor development, sponsorships, and fiscal stewardship. Position Requirements
Education and Experience: Bachelor’s Degree with increasing responsibility. Minimum seven years of management-level experience in association management, not-for-profit, government affairs, public administration, or communications. Business administration, organizational management, or architecture/design focus. Exposure to professional societies preferred; CAE or similar designation beneficial. Understanding of membership organizations or familiarity with the architecture profession. Proven ability to maintain continuity in a volunteer membership environment with rotating leadership. History of identifying opportunities benefiting members. Skills, Abilities, and Qualities: Strategic and visionary; drive to implement strategic visions for both organizations. Action-oriented; able to work at macro- and micro-levels to achieve goals. Inclusive; diplomatically build consensus among diverse people and objectives. Collaborative, confident, and patient; authority in a process-oriented environment. Connective; identify and implement revenue-generating practices to strengthen fiscal health. Organized; detail-oriented with strong leadership, delegation, and communication skills. Passionate; committed to excellence and high standards. JEDI: Commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion across the AIA community. Washington, DC: Knowledge of DC is preferred. Willingness to commit to a long-term association and relocate as needed. Supervisory Responsibility
This position is the highest staff level within the organization; the Executive Director serves as the chief executive for AIA Washington DC and the Washington Architectural Foundation. Works Closely With
President, officers, Board of Directors, committees, task forces, and other volunteer leaders Members of AIA Washington DC Leaders and staff of the AIA global and other components All staff members and other strategic partners Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
Full-time exempt position (average of 2,080 hours per year). Monday through Friday; periodic early morning, evening, or weekend work required. Travel within and beyond DC several times per year. Recruiting Compensation Range
Base salary commensurate with education, experience, and skills, plus benefits; anticipated range $140,000–$160,000. _______________________________________________________________________________ Additional Eligibility Qualifications
AIA Washington DC provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or veteran status in accordance with law. Other Duties: The candidate must be willing to undergo a background check including legal, educational, driving, credit, and employment records. This job description does not cover all activities, duties, or responsibilities and may change at any time. AIA Washington DC has engaged The Three Aspens, Ltd. to assist with this executive search. Inquiries and nominations should be directed to Helene Combs Dreiling, FAIA via email at helene@theplumstudio.com. To be considered, applicants must submit a customized letter of interest and resume to Helene Dreiling at helene@theplumstudio.com by 5:00 pm EST on Friday, November 7, 2025.
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