AIA Maine is hiring!

AIA Maine is hiring!

AIA Maine, a chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), seeks a highly motivated and energetic executive director (ED) to help direct the organization’s continued growth. This full-time position leads a not-for-profit organization supporting over 250 Maine architects through leadership, advocacy, fellowship, and design excellence. 

This leadership position requires a resourceful, self-motivated individual who is dedicated to the advancement of AIA Maine through strategic planning, collaboration, and communication while reporting to the board of directors. Experience in nonprofit membership organizations is important, as well as being a strong advocate for the architects of Maine.

The AIA has over 98,000 members and over 200 chapters worldwide. AIA Maine is the only Maine chapter and was founded in 1912 when its objective was to unite in fellowship the architects of Maine and to promote the artistic and practical efficiency of the profession. Priorities today include deepening relationships with current AIA members, demonstrating to the public the benefits and values of Maine architects, strengthening its members’ voices in the legislature, and promoting design excellence.

Position Overview

The AIA Maine ED provides leadership and management of the organization while reporting directly to the organization’s president, executive committee, and board of directors. In addition, the ED is the primary liaison between the chapter and AIA National, headquartered in Washington, DC.

Although the position does not require knowledge of architecture or the built environment, a desire to advocate for Maine architects and communicate the value of good design and sustainable practices is important.

Roles and responsibilities include:

Leadership and Management

  • Provide organizational leadership under the president, executive committee, and board of directors

  • Build a sense of belonging for those who have found their way to our organization, ensuring our community is diverse, equitable, and inclusive

  • Provide support to build upon revenue sources and identify and implement new value-added services and sources of revenue

  • Attend board meetings (seven per year, minimum) and events in person, historically around the Portland/Brunswick area

  • Assist and facilitate AIA Maine’s strategic goals and planning

Advocacy and Outreach

  • Monitor municipal legislative and agency proposals

  • Collaborate and partner with allied professional associations and interest groups 

  • Advance the organization’s public policy positions

Program and Services

  • Provide support and coordination for events and programs that support AIA Maine, including annual design awards celebration, day of learning, and annual meeting

  • Maintain records and submit programs for acceptance by AIA CES continuing education

  • Participate in national ED in-person events sponsored by AIA

  • Support individual committees in their endeavors and in-person events

Communications

  • Manage the chapter’s website, newsletters, and other publications

  • Manage the chapter’s social media presence

  • Maintain the chapter’s database, files, and records

Fiscal Stewardship

  • Assist the treasurer and executive committee with the development of an annual budget and oversee its implementation

  • Maintain financial records and assist the treasurer with monthly treasurer reports

  • Attend to the appropriate expenditure of chapter funds as directed by the board

  • Maintain a healthy and sustainable financial position for the organization 

Position Requirements:

Education and Experience

  • Bachelor’s Degree preferred

  • Minimum three years of previous experience working in association management, not-for-profit, government affairs, public administration, public communications, or marketing roles

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Transparent leadership of the highest integrity

  • Ability to interact, advise, and communicate in a timely and respectful manner

  • Excellent communication, leadership, and management skills

  • Experience in fundraising and/or sponsorship development preferred

  • Commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion among membership and partners

Expected Hours of Work

  • This is a full-time position (average of 40 hours per week) with 25 days PTO

  • Work hours/days are Monday through Friday with periodic evening and/or weekend work required for special events or travel

  • Travel within Maine and for annual national events/conventions out of state is required

Compensation and Benefits

  • Base salary is commensurate with education/experience and knowledge/skills/ abilities with additional benefits package; a range of $75,000 to $90,000 is anticipated

  • Stipend for retirement plan and health benefits

  • Reimbursable expenses include travel, laptop computer, and internet

  • Annual bonus is commensurate with chapter’s success and hours worked

Statement of Non-Discrimination

  • AIA Maine is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, or status as a covered veteran, in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws

Other Conditions

  • This position description does not contain a comprehensive list of the activities, duties, or responsibilities that may be required. Applicants must be willing to undergo a background check including legal, educational, driving, credit, employment records, etc.

To apply

  • Qualified applicants interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit a cover letter expressing your interest and resume via email to careers@aiamaine.org

  • Application deadline: Friday, December 20th

  • AIA Maine expects to interview selected applicants after the holidays with the goal of hiring a new ED in the first quarter of 2025

Jeannette Schram