EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS, POTOMAC VALLEY CHAPTER COLLEGE PARK, MD

SUMMARY:

AIA Potomac Valley seeks a seasoned professional with experience in association and nonprofit management to fill its Executive Director role. The ED will be responsible for the smooth and efficient operation of the organization.

The role requires excellent organizational, communication, and people skills; attention to detail; and a high degree of professionalism. The ideal candidate must be able to work independently and must be a self-starter.

CHAPTER BACKGROUND:
AIA Potomac Valley (AIAPV) is a local chapter of the American Institute of Architects founded in 1955, serving Charles, Prince George’s, Montgomery, Frederick, Washington, Garrett, and Allegany Counties. AIAPV is a 501(c)(6) professional association with 700+ Architect and Architectural Associate members. Our mission is making a better environment through leadership in architecture.

AIA Potomac Valley is headquartered on the flagship campus of the University of Maryland in College Park, in LEAFHouse, an award-winning solar structure designed and built by UMD students for the 2007 Solar Decathlon competition. AIA Potomac Valley has an operating budget of approximately $200,000, which comes primarily from member dues, sponsorships and chapter programs. There is one full-time staff position (Executive Director) and one part- time staff position (Member Services Manager).

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief executive officer of AIAPV, recommends and participates in the formulation of new policies, and makes decisions within existing policies as approved by the Board of Directors. This position can be fully remote or hybrid – but the ED will need to periodically visit LEAFHouse to gather mail and perform cursory facilities checks. The ED will also need to attend AIAPV functions, which could be scheduled throughout AIAPV’s seven-county territory. Therefore, applicants should reside within a manageable driving distance of College Park and the rest of AIAPV’s territory.

The ED plans, organizes, directs, and coordinates other staff/consultants, programs and activities of the Chapter to ensure that its goals and objectives are being achieved and member needs are addressed. The ED establishes and maintains both internal and external relationships. Through effective management, leadership, planning, and programming, the ED achieves cost-efficient and productive performance and constructive growth of the association.

The ED also serves as Executive Vice President of the Potomac Valley Architecture Foundation, a 501(c)(3) educational nonprofit focused on sustainability and on scholarships and programs for emerging professionals and students of architecture.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Administrative: The ED must have experience and demonstrated competence in the management and administration of organizations of similar size and/or scope; experience in organizational planning, accounting and financial management, and overseeing personnel; experience working in non-profit management and familiarity with both 501(c)(6) and 503(c)(3) tax structures. Familiarity with QuickBooks, OpenWater, Microsoft Office and association management software is highly desirable.

• Association Staff: The ED is responsible for the employment, direction and management of any AIA Potomac Valley Chapter staff and consultants.
• Consultants/Vendors: The ED routinely works with vendors as sponsors of AIA Potomac Valley programs and activities, and also works with consultants on an as-needed basis.
• Policy Planning and Formulation: The ED significantly participates in the deliberation and development of AIA Potomac Valley Chapter policy. The ED routinely recommends procedures and policies to the Board of Directors, and the AIA Potomac Valley Chapter. The ED keeps the governing structure informed on issues of immediate and future concern to the members and assists in the planning of programs and activities in response.
• Budget: The ED participates with the Treasurer in the preparation of the program plan and budget for the following year. The ED is responsible for ensuring that the AIA Potomac Valley Chapter assets are safeguarded, financial reports and statements are prepared for the Board of Directors, and works with the Treasurer and Finance Committee in monitoring expenditures and investing AIA Potomac Valley Chapter funds.
• Communication/Leadership: The ED must have excellent communications and leadership skills, with the ability to motivate volunteers and staff. The ED must be able to communicate clearly both as a speaker and as a writer and be comfortable communicating to a variety of audiences.
• Events/Programs: The ED plans programs and events related to the Chapter’s work, including: annual golf tournament; annual membership meeting; annual design awards celebration; and ongoing educational and social programs for members. The ED manages AIAPV’s Emerging Professional Awards Program, a mentorship program for selected young architects that runs on an annual cycle.
• Governmental Relations: The ED must have a working knowledge of Potomac Valley counties (Charles, Prince George’s, Montgomery, Frederick, Washington, Garrett, and Allegany counties) and city governments. Experience working with planning, permitting and other agencies in these jurisdictions is highly desirable. The ED may be called upon to personally represent the Chapter at meetings of government agencies, or arrange for members of the chapter to attend and participate in such meetings.
• Media/Public Affairs: The ED should have a working knowledge of the media, public relations, social media channels, and public entities. Strong skills in electronic communication, social media savvy, and current technology are essential.
• Public and Community Outreach: The ED engages in considerable community outreach. The ED may represent the Chapter at community meetings, and keeps the community informed of chapter programs and activities.
• Membership: The ED is the main point of contact for the members of the AIA Potomac Valley Chapter, and often works with members of other local AIA chapters in Maryland and in the Washington metro area.
• Governing Structure: The ED reports to the Board of Directors and interacts with Board members, who are elected and/or appointed from Chapter membership, on a regular basis. As Executive Vice President of the Potomac Valley Architecture Foundation, the ED also reports to and interacts with the PVAF Board of Directors, who are drawn from both the Chapter and the public. The ED plans and manages all Board meetings (which are a mixture of virtual, hybrid, and in-person) and supports Board and Committee work.
• Public: The position may respond to written and verbal inquiries regarding the profession and the AIA Potomac Valley Chapter; acts as a spokesperson for the AIA Potomac Valley Chapter; and gives presentations to interested groups on AIA Potomac Valley Chapter programs and activities.

• Media: The ED responds to questions and inquiries from the media regarding the AIA Potomac Valley Chapter, its programs, its members, and Potomac Valley architectural issues.
• Relations with AIA Components: The ED establishes and maintains relationships with officers and staff at AIA National, and other local components within Maryland and the Metro Washington region. The ED is an ex-officio member of the Council of Architectural Component Executives (CACE), which is comprised of the chief staff executives of all the AIA components in the nation.
• Relations with Allied Organizations: The ED establishes and maintains coalitions and relationships with allied members and organizations, including architecture schools, contractors, engineers, building officials, and other public and private groups concerned with the design and construction industry and the environment.

OTHER:

Supervision Received: The ED should be self-motivated. Supervision is indirect by the Board and will be primarily related to the evaluation of results of carrying out the Board’s policies.

Decision-making Authority: As it concerns the execution of adopted policy, the ED has authority for making independent decisions aligned with the goals and mission of the Chapter, and has discretion concerning AIA Potomac Valley Chapter staff. As it concerns the transaction of business matters, the ED may perform certain duties delegated by the Board of Directors, the Treasurer, and the Secretary. The ED will review budgetary and staffing matters with the Board of Directors.

Travel: Occasional day and overnight travel is required to attend meetings within the region as well as AIA National events.

Evenings and Special Events: Attendance at various evening and occasional weekend programs and special events is required.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

Salary starting range: $75,000
Benefits and Retirement plan to be discussed with candidates. Applications should be addressed to: edjob2024@aiapv.org