Specialist, Awards Operations

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 Manager of Awards and working closely with additional Governance & Awards teammates, the Specialist of Award Operations plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth and effective operation of AIA’s national awards programs. This position provides critical administrative and logistical support to the Honors & Awards team, enabling the department to manage a growing number of submissions, manage an expanded awards governance structure, maintain a high-quality applicant and juror experience, and uphold the prestige of AIA’s recognition programs.

Working under the direction of the Senior Manager, the Specialist of Award Operations will handle day-to-day operations across multiple awards programs, support digital platform administration, and provide exceptional customer service to applicants, jurors, committee members, task force members, and internal stakeholders.

Job Duties

Award Operations

• Provide timely customer service for all inquiries regarding awards programs, including by phone, triage of associated member support inbox(es), and receipt of requests routed to other AIA staff. Reroute unique inquiries as needed and always provide timely, professional responses.
• Provide administrative support across award programs as needed, including coordinating efforts with another Operations Specialist.
• Provide administrative support to the Senior Manager regarding the management of awards, juries, and other member-led initiatives.
• Draft program correspondences, including webpage copy, applicant notices/reminder emails, juror notices/scoring emails, recipient notices/certificates, etc., as needed.
• Obtain, track, and maintain accurate records of application data, review data, recipient data, and program outcomes data.
• Take accurate, actionable notes or minutes at internal meetings, jury deliberation meetings, and member committee and/or task force meetings.
• Respond to applicant and juror inquiries to troubleshoot submission platform issues.
• Maintain and update application guides, FAQs, and basic program documentation on AIA.org and in OpenWater.
• Track and respond to technical issues or questions related to the digital submission platform (OpenWater).
• Other duties as assigned.

Marketing & communications

• Coordinate with Brand & Operations functions for marketing and communications efforts related to Awards.
• Update Awards web pages and assets including project profiles, calls for entry, FAQs, online submission materials, and announcements.
• Supporting the Senior Manager of Awards to update the digital submission platforms (OpenWater) for awards, as well as providing support for other programs in the digital submission platform.
• Correspond with award recipients to provide direction and coordination for the awards announcement and recognition, including digital asset production, award citations, events, logistics, set-up, equipment, and exhibit materials.

Other Responsibilities

• Submit invoices and contracts for processing, ensuring documentation is complete and meets internal requirements.
• General administrative duties as needed for cross departmental and cross organizational support
• Other duties as assigned

Frequent contacts

AIA Staff
AIA Membership
Jurors
Award applicants and recipients

Committee and Task Force members
Architecture firms/firm marketing departments
Knowledge Community Leadership Groups

Qualifications

• High-volume administrative support experience, ideally in nonprofit, membership association, or customer service environments. Experience in architecture is not required. Familiarity with awards, fellowships, credentialing programs, or grants administration is a plus.
• Proficient customer service orientation with the ability to interact professionally with individuals at all levels, including colleagues, external partners, executives, and board members.
• Demonstrated ability to follow instructions, seek clarification when needed, and work effectively as part of a collaborative team in a fast-paced setting.
• Organized, with experience maintaining accurate records, managing digital and physical file systems, and using scheduling and meeting tools (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams).
• Skilled at balancing multiple priorities simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office tools, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and Calendar. Comfortable managing virtual meetings using Zoom or similar platforms.
• Aptitude and attitude to seek additional technical skills and industry knowledge related to program administration, association governance, award programs, and program administration software.

Supervisory Requirement

None

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
• AIA employees have access to a variety of other programs, including:
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and their family members

• Computer purchase program
• Fitness club discounts
• Prepaid legal services program
• Identity theft protection

Travel Requirements- N/A

Work Location 100% Remote from the AIA Approved States: AR, CT, DE, GA, ID, IL, IA, KS, KY, MA
ME, MI, MN, MT, NC, NH, NM, NY, OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, UT, VT, WI, WY

States outside of DC, MD & VA that are not listed above are not eligible.

All employees are required to attend the quarterly in-person all-staff meetings.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.