Sustainability Programs Manager
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.
Function of the position:
This is a professional position on the Knowledge & Practice team reporting to the Director, Sustainable Knowledge and Engagement. The Manager works with two primary and high profile AIA member engagement and commitment programs for sustainable design: the AIA 2030 Commitment and A&D Materials Pledge. The AIA 2030 Commitment is AIA's actionable climate strategy that gives the architecture profession a set of standards and goals for reaching net zero emissions in the built environment. The A&D Materials Pledge is a commitment program for architecture firms to support holistic preference for building products that support human health, social health and equity, ecosystem health, climate health, and a circular economy.
Responsibilities include but not limited to ensuring success for users of AIA's Design Data Exchange (DDx) digital application. Working closely with internal and external stakeholders, the manager will represent the "voice of the member/user" throughout application maintenance and development cycles by organizing user feedback; submitting maintenance items; recommending new features and products; testing new features and enhancements; maintaining accurate help resources; supporting program-related educational and training opportunities; and delivering exceptional hands-on member service. The Manager will develop effective and timely program communications, coordinate outreach to architecture firms and AIA chapters, and support program education and promotion at AIA and industry meetings and events to facilitate expanded member awareness and participation.
Digital application program support (40%)
- Facilitate AIA's 2030 Commitment Design Data Exchange (DDX) ongoing maintenance and future development process by communicating member feedback and data insights with Technology team.
- Identify and prioritize user needs for DDx enhancements and test features to ensure they meet business unit requirements. Recommend new features and products to enhance customer satisfaction, program success toward overall organization goals for member engagement and climate action strategic priorities.
- Manage various member working groups to identify and scope recommendations for application enhancements. Groups include the DDx, education and communications sub-groups of the 2030 Commitment Working Group, and the Materials Pledge Working Group.
- Manage the DDx and A&D Materials Pledge user lists for communications and marketing.
- Manage the DDx and A&D Materials Pledge firm directories on AIA.org.
- Monitor product performance and recommend improvements based on available metrics, usage reports, and user feedback.
Member communications, outreach, support & training (60%)
- Provide exceptional member/user support, through one-on-one support sessions, group open office hours support sessions, inbox management, and user help via email and telephone.
- Provide presentations to recruit new program participants
- Maintain accurate DDx help resources including web-based help pages, videos, and virtual trainings. Diversify offerings based on member/user feedback.
- Lead annual data QA. Track member service requests and ensure timely resolution.
- Respond to internal and external data requests related to sustainability-content areas and goals of the 2030 Commitment and A&D Materials Pledge.
- Analyze climate action program data and metrics and provide visualizations to utilize in reports, presentations, and webpages.
- Leverage DDx data and other climate change adaptation and mitigation programs to develop educational case studies to build member confidence and demonstrate the business case for high-performance design.
- Manage development of annual reports for 2030 Commitment and A&D Materials Pledge.
- Provide day-to-day management for various project consultants or vendors.
- Manage general 2030 Commitment communications, including quarterly newsletter, reporting period push, and annual "By the numbers" report.
- Manage various member stakeholders to identify and scope program communications. Groups include the Communications sub-group of the 2030 Commitment Working Group.
- Engage members to establish metrics that will track the industry's progress around climate action.
Frequent contacts
- AIA members and volunteer groups
- Consultants and vendors
- Allied industry organizations including: mindful Materials, Architecture 2030, US Green Building Council, US Department of Energy, and others.
- Current and potential sponsors
- AIA National and Component staff including Knowledge & Practice, Technology, Marketing and Communication, Component Services,, and Advocacy & Relationships.
Qualifications:
- Knowledge of sustainable design, familiarity with principles for operational energy and carbon reduction, and commitment to climate action and decarbonization of the built environment required.
- Good listener with demonstrated ability to analyze data and member feedback, comfort working with diverse teams and partners.
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex relationship with members/stakeholders.
- Demonstrated skill in project management.
- A team player with a positive, professional, high-energy approach to delivering results and the ability to communicate in a manner to help motivate and generate effective action from all levels of the organization.
- Strong editing, writing, and verbal communications skills
- Familiarity with email marketing systems, data visualization tools, igital publishing tools, and skills with Adobe Creative Suites; and Microsoft Excel..
Bachelor's degree in business, design, environmental science, communications or a related field with four to five years of experience required, of which two years should include project management.
Supervisory Requirements: N/A
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: N/A
Work Location: Remote from the AIA Approved States :
DC, MD, VA, AR, DE, FL, GA*, ID, IL, IA, KS, KY, ME, MI, MN, MT, NH, NM, NY, NC, OK, PA, 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.
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.