Sr. Director, Climate & Resilience Policy

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 Managing Director of Government Affairs & Public Policy, the Senior Director of Climate and Resilience Policy is a leadership position on AIA’s Government Affairs and Public Policy team. This role is responsible for developing and advancing federal legislative and regulatory solutions that strengthen the architecture profession and position architects as leaders in climate mitigation, adaptation, and resilience.

The Senior Director will design, advocate for, and lobby on federal policies and regulations that:

• Expand market opportunities for architects;
• Support firm growth in size, scope, and profitability;
• Increase federal investment in resilient, sustainable, and high-performance buildings;
• Reduce regulatory barriers to practice; and
• Elevate architects as essential leaders in climate, disaster response, and resilience solutions.

This role involves direct lobbying Members of Congress and their staff, senior Administration officials, and federal agencies to advance AIA’s climate and resilience priorities. The Senior Director will play a central role in shaping federal legislation, influencing rulemaking, and negotiating policy outcomes that impact the practice, business environment, and long-term economic health of architecture firms.

The Senior Director will work closely with architects involved in AIA’s Government Advocacy Committee, the AIA Chapter Network, relevant Knowledge Communities, and congressional and external coalitions. In this role the Senior Director, Climate and Resilience Policy, will coordinate with the Knowledge and Practice Department, particularly the Climate Change and Design Excellence team. The position will also collaborate with Senior Directors of Federal Affairs, Intergovernmental Affairs, and State and Local Affairs to ensure a cohesive advocacy strategy.

Duties and Responsibilities 

Federal Policy Development & Legislative Strategy

Direct Lobbying & Government Engagement

Advancing Business & Market Opportunities for Architects

Member & Volunteer Coordination

Cross Departmental Collaboration

Coalition Building & External Strategy

Management & Performance

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, environmental policy, architecture, planning, or related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in federal advocacy, public policy, or government affairs.
• Demonstrated experience developing legislative and regulatory solutions and directly lobbying Congress and federal agencies.
• Strong understanding of federal legislative and regulatory processes, including appropriations, authorizations, and rulemaking.
• Proven ability to translate strategy into tangible economic or business outcomes.
• Exceptional relationship-building skills with policymakers, coalition partners, and member stakeholders.
• Experience or demonstrated ability to conduct the necessary applied research to support policy proposals and decision-making.
• Strategic thinker with excellent analytical, writing, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to operate independently and lead complex, high-visibility initiatives.
• Working knowledge of architecture, design, construction, or the built environment.
• Experience advancing policies related to building decarbonization, resilience, infrastructure investment, housing, or disaster recovery in the built environment.
• Experience in a nonprofit, trade association, or membership organization representing business or professional interests.
• Advanced degree in public policy, environmental law, urban planning, architecture, or related field.

Supervisory Responsibility: one Senior Manager 

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%

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

 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, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.