What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director, ArchiPac position at The American Institute of Architects?
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, Federal Affairs, this role is responsible for the development and management of AIA's political action committee, ArchiPAC; directing all PAC donor retention and recognition strategies; PAC and federal lobbying and legal compliance; AIA member to member programs; political fundraising; political disbursements strategy; political events; and other outreach or project oversight as assigned.
Job Duties
- Work with colleagues in Government Affairs and Public Policy to develop and implement a strategic disbursement plan for ArchiPAC contributions to federal candidates and members of Congress, informed by AIA's policy priorities, advocacy agenda, political environment, and opportunities to strengthen relationships with federal policymakers.
- Build and maintain relationships with political operatives, campaign committee leadership, federal candidates and officeholders, campaign staff, and other political influencers across the political spectrum in Washington, DC.
- Develop and execute a comprehensive, proactive fundraising strategy designed to significantly grow ArchiPAC participation, the number of contributors, and total receipts from eligible AIA members.
- Identify, develop, and continuously improve ArchiPAC fundraising channels, including the AIA membership-renewal contribution option, member portal giving opportunities, ArchiPAC.org, email solicitations, direct mail, telephone outreach, peer-to-peer fundraising, conferences, receptions, fundraising events, and other member touchpoints.
- Partner with AIA Membership, Digital, Technology, Brand and Engagement, and other internal teams to improve the member giving experience and integrate ArchiPAC opportunities into appropriate AIA platforms, communications, events, and member journeys.
- Regularly evaluate ArchiPAC fundraising performance, participation rates, donor retention and acquisition, average contribution levels, campaign performance, and other metrics, and recommend strategies to increase participation and revenue.
- Develop and implement contributor cultivation, stewardship, renewal, recognition, and upgrade strategies, including targeted approaches for first-time donors, recurring contributors, leadership-level donors, and other priority member audiences.
- Develop and oversee educational and promotional materials that clearly explain what ArchiPAC is, why voluntary member participation matters, how ArchiPAC supports AIA's federal advocacy goals, and how members can participate.
- Develop compelling ArchiPAC content highlighting supported candidates, political engagement, advocacy successes, member testimonials, donor stories, and examples demonstrating how political engagement strengthens AIA's ability to advance the profession's federal policy priorities.
- Maintain and continuously improve ArchiPAC.org and related digital content to ensure members have clear, current, accessible information about the PAC, its activities, supported candidates, fundraising opportunities, and impact.
- Plan and execute ArchiPAC fundraising and educational events, receptions, conference activations, donor programs, and other engagement opportunities at AIA national meetings and other appropriate venues.
- Develop and expand peer-to-peer fundraising strategies that equip AIA volunteer leaders, donors, firms, and other member advocates with the tools, messages, and resources needed to encourage eligible members to support ArchiPAC.
- Serve as staff liaison to the ArchiPAC Steering Committee and ArchiPAC peer-to-peer fundraising groups, providing strategic guidance, political updates, fundraising performance information, and recommendations for member engagement.
- Provide regular updates and counsel to AIA leadership, Government Affairs and Public Policy leadership, and the ArchiPAC Steering Committee regarding ArchiPAC fundraising, participation, political giving, supported candidates, and relevant developments in the federal political environment.
- Create, develop, implement, and coordinate ArchiPAC political and fundraising strategies, including long-term strategic planning, annual work plans, fundraising goals, performance measures, and budgets.
- Manage ArchiPAC accounting and third-party compliance software, including accurate maintenance of contributor and transaction data, receipts and disbursements, internal reconciliation and reporting, and preparation and filing of required Federal Election Commission reports.
- Serve as ArchiPAC Treasurer and ensure the correctness and timeliness of required federal filings and the compliance of ArchiPAC activities with applicable federal campaign-finance law and AIA policies.
- Remain current on federal campaign-finance laws, regulations, FEC guidance, political fundraising practices, and emerging trends relevant to ArchiPAC, and advise AIA leadership and colleagues regarding federal PAC compliance and best practices.
- Collaborate with AIA's Brand and Engagement team and other communications partners to develop integrated strategies for promoting ArchiPAC through member email, websites, newsletters, print and digital publications, social and video content, events, and other communications channels.
- Direct the development of written communications, videos, web content, fundraising appeals, educational materials, donor communications, testimonials, case studies, and other creative content designed to increase member understanding of and participation in ArchiPAC.
- Partner with AIA state and local components, where appropriate, to promote eligible member participation in ArchiPAC and strengthen engagement with AIA's federal advocacy program. This role does not administer, advise, oversee, or provide compliance support for state or local PACs.
Frequent contacts:
- AIA staff
- AIA State Component staff and leaders
- AIA National leaders and Board members
- AIA Members
- Congressional candidates and staff
- National Party Committee contacts
- Professional fundraisers and volunteers
- ArchiPAC vendors and consultants
- Representatives from other organizations
Qualifications
- Proficient analytical, writing, speaking, organizational and interpersonal skills are essential.
- Ability to balance big-picture strategies, demonstrate attention to detail and manage multiple priorities and responsibilities.
- Sound judgment and initiative to work independently.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Commitment to produce excellent work and resolve complex issues according to deadlines and budgets; creative, flexible, and high energy, including the ability to work non-routine hours.
- Demonstrated success of working in a team environment, coordinating, and communicating with colleagues and others, conveying ideas with tact and diplomacy, and resolving problems collaboratively.
- Experience working with and guiding multiple constituencies, such as national boards and state and local organizations, associations, and volunteers.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Word, Excel, Access, etc.) and experience using PAC/FEC-compliant software.
Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 7 years of professional experience, including 3-5 years of demonstrated success with political action committee development and management, including experience handling all aspects of administration and reporting. The individual must have experience in campaign and legislative processes and command of FEC regulations. Advanced level and demonstrated fundraising experience a must.
Supervisory Requirements: 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
- 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% travel required if working outside of DC, MD, VA area.
Work Location Hybrid/Remote from the Washington DC area (DC, MD, VA) only
Applicants from states not listed above are ineligible.
Equal Opportunity Employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.