Sr. Manager, Firm Prosperity Programs

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 Sr. Director, Professional Practice Programs, this role leads the advancement of AIA’s business education and practice resources, ensuring programs, tools, and initiatives strengthen firm prosperity, which includes financial performance, profitability, and business health.

This position is responsible for improving access to knowledge, tools and resources that help support successful practices. Responsibilities include overseeing the AIA Business Academy, a five-month executive-level immersive cohort program that combines in-person and virtual learning to deliver strategic management content. The role also leads the newly launching Firm Management Symposium, including managing speakers, and ensuring exceptional member experiences. The position requires project management, understanding of architectural practice issues, and skill in cross-disciplinary collaboration. Ultimately, this role champions the implementation of programs and resources helping architects cultivate sound business practices.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinate across departments to effectively drive content to AIA membership to increase member value
  • Partner with Membership & Component Engagement and AIA Trust to align practice resources with the needs of local and state AIA components.
  • Work closely with the Research team to raise awareness and collaborate on tools that help members leverage the wealth of data available for firm prosperity.
  • Engage cross-functionally with Knowledge & Practice and AIA Trust colleagues to align content themes, avoid duplication, and leverage research to create cohesive, high-value educational resources that address emerging trends in architectural practice.

• Work closely with Marketing & Communications to develop strategic messaging and promotional campaigns that increase visibility, participation, and perceived value of AIA’s business education offerings.

• Collaborate with Sales & Sponsorships to identify and cultivate sponsorship opportunities, building mutually beneficial relationships that expand program reach and enhance member experiences.
• Develop proposals to integrate new tools and resources to help promote firm prosperity.

• Deliver member value centered on the development of practice knowledge, tools, and resources
  • Lead execution of high-impact business tools that address the unique operational challenges of architecture firms of all sizes, from small practices to large, multi-office firms.

• Manage deployment of signature and emerging business education programs (e.g., AIA Business Academy, Firm Management Symposium), and serve as primary point of contact from engagement to delivery, ensuring alignment with association best practices.
• Evaluate and update practice resources continuously by incorporating feedback, monitoring industry metrics, and benchmarking against best practices to ensure AIA offerings remain relevant, actionable, and measurable in driving firm prosperity.

• Volunteer Management: This position will oversee the following member groups and knowledge communities: Small Firm Exchange (SFx), Practice Management Knowledge Community
  • Engage with member groups and communities by contributing programming ideas and utilizing them as a resource to achieve strategic initiatives.
  • Manage and coordinate meetings.
  • Manage and coordinate content and participation in AIA events, publications, and education channels.
  • Provide high levels of customer service.
  • Maintain and enhance relationships with internal member groups.
  • Additionally, assist Sr Director, Professional Practice Programs with limited admin functions for the Large Firm Round Table.

• Direct budget development & project management.
  • Oversee annual and program-specific budgets for business education and practice resource initiatives, ensuring appropriate allocation of funds to maximize member value and program impact.
  • Monitor and track expenses against budget targets, monitoring regular financial reports, identifying variances, and implementing adjustments to maintain fiscal responsibility.
  • Lead end-to-end project management for flagship programs and new initiatives, establishing timelines, milestones, deliverables, and performance metrics to ensure project success.

Qualifications

• Strong critical thinking and planning skills, with the ability to align to organizational goals.
• Communicates effectively across written, verbal, and presentation formats with a range of audiences.
• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to respond to member and stakeholder needs with sound judgment and practical solutions.
• Experience managing projects and workstreams independently, including planning, coordination, and delivery; ability to escalate issues appropriately.
• Strong project management skills, including managing timelines, budgets, and deliverables.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and service-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain confidentiality.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of the architecture profession and familiarity with AIA programs and structure.
• Experience in architecture education and/or firm.
• Experience working in professional societies or trade associations.
• Licensed architect

Bachelor’s degree in architecture, business, or related field, with approximately 5–7 years of relevant experience in program management, project management, or related roles within corporate, professional society, or trade association environments.

Supervisory : None

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: 20% annually

Work Location: Remote from the AIA Approved States : AR, CT, DE, FL, GA, ID, IL, IA, KS, KY, MA, ME, MI, MN, MT, NH, NM, NY, NC, OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, UT, VT, WI, WY

Applicants from states not listed above are ineligible.

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