Sr. Manager, Codes and Standards Policy

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.

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 Senior Director, State and Local Affairs, the Senior Manager will manage and support AIA’s priorities in policy and technical areas affecting the architecture profession and the built environment. This includes engagement in building and energy code development, policy implementation at the federal, state, and local levels, and participation in inter-industry initiatives.

The Senior Manager will conduct research, analyze regulatory and policy developments, and collaborate on strategies to advance AIA member interests. This role will serve as the staff liaison for assigned policy issue areas affecting state and local government affairs, with primary engagement in building and energy codes, and represent the AIA on national association boards, commissions, and committees as directed by the Senior Director.

Responsibilities include managing AIA policy programs through issue and program oversight, communications, and coordination with the Government Advocacy Committee, Codes and Standards Committee, Knowledge Communities, other AIA Committees, and the Chapter Network. The Senior Manager will represent the AIA before federal policymakers, agencies, codes development bodies, and public forums, advocating for AIA positions and engaging with stakeholders across the built environment sector.

The role also involves shaping AIA policy and positions through program management, volunteer engagement, research, outreach, education, and strategic communications.

Job Duties:

• Assist the Senior Director in the development and implementation of an operating plan and budget proposal for assigned issues and program areas as directed.
• Assist with the preparation of departmental reports, including maintaining program activity logs for high-priority projects and initiatives.
• Ensure a timely response and follow-up to AIA members and leadership on issues within the Codes & Standards portfolio.

Committee Management

• Serve as the day-to-day staff liaison to the AIA Codes and Standards (C&S) Committee, managing meeting logistics, agendas, action item tracking, and member communications
• Coordinate committee participation in national code development cycles (ICC, ASHRAE, NFPA), including proposal review schedules, testimony preparation, and position documentation
• Implement and track deliverables outlined in the C&S Committee Strategic Plan, including roundtables, continuing education sessions, and code article publications
• Maintain a document and resource library for committee and member use
• Develop and execute a committee member onboarding kit

State and Local Adoption Support

• Develop toolkits, model language, and advocacy resources that enable state and local components to advance code adoption priorities aligned with AIA's climate, resilience, and housing policy goals
• Serve as the codes liaison to the State and Local Affairs team, ensuring that code development outcomes are translated into actionable adoption campaigns for components
• Rebuild and manage the C&S Network, recruiting 2 to 3 engaged code professionals per state component to serve as the field communication infrastructure between the national committee and local advocates

Cross Departmental Integration

• Identify and staff codes liaison connections to relevant GAC subcommittees and Knowledge Communities
• Partner with COTE, the 2030 Commitment, and other knowledge communities to ensure codes work is positioned for climate action
• Coordinate with AIA Communications to maintain an accurate, current, and member-facing codes web presence

Member Education and Advocacy

• Develop and deliver member-facing communications that clearly articulate architects' obligations under building codes
• Coordinate 3 virtual roundtable sessions per year on priority code topics
• Support committee members in publishing annual code articles and delivering at least one continuing education session per year
• Identify opportunities to engage emerging professionals and academic programs on building code literacy

Basic Qualifications:

• Skilled at building and maintaining relationships with members, policymakers, and stakeholders.
• Experience managing or participating in the codes and standards development process.
• Experience in the legislative, policy and federal regulatory process.
• Ability to perform policy and regulatory research and analysis.
• Superior organizational skills.
• Sound judgment and initiative to work independently is a must
• Commitment to produce excellent work and meet required deadlines
• Proficient in drafting and disseminating policy-related communications
• Experience in strategic policy analysis and government relations
• Ready to be a leader in public policy initiatives
• Demonstrate experience analyzing complex subjects quickly, research and providing logical presentation both orally and written.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in federal, state and/or local government, policy, or regulatory affairs.
• Experience working for federal, state, and/or local government policymakers.
• Working knowledge of architecture and the design and construction industry preferred
• Ability to learn new and complicated concepts quickly and convey them to others

• Experience managing issues areas (not limited to): artificial intelligence, building codes, energy efficiency, urban/community design, residential/housing, permitting and zoning, historic preservation, and/or small business.
• Experience working at an accredited standards development organization or code development organization, a plus.
• Non-profit, Trade Association experience.

Bachelor’s degree, preferably in political science, public policy, or related field and a minimum of 5-7 years of relevant experience.

Supervisory - NA

What we offer :

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

• Medical, vision and dental
• 401(k)
• Flexibility
• Paid time off
• Parental Leave
• Flexible spending accounts
• Income protection (Life Insurance Coverage up to 2x salary) & disability plans at no cost.
• Tuition and membership reimbursements
• AIA employees have access to a variety of other programs, including:
  • 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: 10-20%

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

This position will periodically be required to be on-site at the AIA Headquarters in Washington D.C.

Equal opportunity employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities