Sr. Director, Member Education

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

AIA’s members consistently rank education as a critical value of membership. AIAU is AIA’s flagship online learning platform. Since AIAU’s inception in 2014, the product has served more than 50,000 learners, awarding over 45,000 continuing education hours annually through 300+ live online and on-demand courses.

Reporting to the Managing Director, Member Education & Learning (ME&L), the Sr. Director is responsible for directing member education and strategic and operational management of AIA’s online member learning platform—AIAU. The Sr. Director works cross-functionally with other departments, member committees and groups, and AIA chapters and components to successfully deliver learning programs through AIAU. In addition, this position provides expert consulting for other member education programs including Women’s Leadership Summit while leading the curation of session content at the AIA Conference on Architecture. Key responsibilities include positioning AIAU as AIA’s flagship member learning platform, developing AIAU as a significant source of non-dues revenue, and executing plans that achieve the organization’s member learning goals.

Job Duties

• Manage the AIAU program including business and content strategy, financial performance, and customer satisfaction.
• Lead the creation of curricula for AIAU programs while also leveraging opportunities provided by AIA’s key in-person events to enhance the member learning journey.
• Collaborate in partnership with the Marketing & Communications department on strategy development to enhance product visibility and drive increases in revenue.
• Oversee the procurement, design & development, and delivery of AIAU learning products.
• Provide thought leadership and direction on the design and development of member education across the Institute.
• Serve as the point of contact for collaborations with internal AIA teams, interest groups, components, chapters, and collateral organizations looking to research and understand AIA member professional learning needs to develop new courses and curricula aligned with Institute priorities.
• As the product’s Business Owner, work closely with the Technology team to implement product improvements that enhance user experience while facilitating revenue growth.
• As requested by the Human Resources department, provide consultation or expertise on content for the internal professional development of staff.
• Work closely with the Meeting and Events team to assess needs, decide priorities, and design effective Conference on Architecture, meeting, and Events educational programming.
• Coach, mentor, and develop AIAU staff to create a supportive and engaged team environment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience leading and managing learning and development programs, especially online delivery of live and on-demand content.
• Strong business acumen and experience developing and managing program budgets, understanding financial statements, and controlling costs and expenses.
• Ability to exercise a high degree of emotional intelligence and diplomacy while balancing a variety of viewpoints from various stakeholder groups.
• Confidence in leading and coaching others in a collaborative team environment that may include remote employees.
• Demonstrated experience and understanding of current instructional design methodologies and practice as well as proven understanding of adult learning principles.
• Outstanding written/oral communication skills and organizational skills. 
• Experience with online course development tools, technologies, and standards including Articulate 360, Adobe Captivate, and SCORM. 
• Ability to coordinate a diverse resource pool, interact effectively in an individual membership environment, analyze issues and concepts to correctly state a problem, and develop recommended solutions. 
• Experience developing face-to-face as well as online and blended learning solutions.

Bachelor’s degree in education, instructional design, instructional technology or a related field with a minimum of 8 years of experience or a degree in business with direct experience managing training and learning programs and products. An advanced degree is preferred and may be substituted for experience. Association experience and interest in architecture is a plus.

Frequent Contacts

AIA Knowledge & Practice SVP and department members

AIA Technology Department

AIA Senior Leadership Team members

AIA Managing Directors

AIA Knowledge Community members

AIA Components and Chapters

AIA Members

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              Minimal, less than 10% of time.

Supervisory Requirements                  Lead a department of four (4)

Work Location:                                    100% Remote from the AIA Approved States: DC, MD, VA AR, CT, DE, FL, GA, ID, IL, IA, KS, KY, 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 when AIA returns to the newly renovated office at the completion of the renovation in Spring 2025. 

An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability, in accordance with the applicable law.