Executive Director
AIA Baton Rouge Executive Director | Position Profile
AIA Baton Rouge seeks a qualified candidate for the position of Executive Director. This is a managerial position requiring the services of an individual with experience working with professional volunteer organizations.
About the Organization
Formed in 1949 and based in Baton Rouge, AIA Baton Rouge is a local chapter (“component”) of the American Institute of Architects. With over 300 members, the organization represents the professional interests of architects, associate members, and allied professionals across the area. AIA Baton Rouge expands opportunities for the architecture profession to provide greater influence and impact through education, social responsibility, public awareness, government advocacy, and knowledge sharing.
Position Overview
The AIA Baton Rouge Executive Director shall provide overall management of the operational, financial, membership development, member services, government advocacy, professional education, individual honors, design awards, and committee coordination as established by the Board of Directors within the context of a 9 parish regional nonprofit organization. The Executive Director reports directly to the organization’s President, Executive Committee, and Board of Directors and serves as the primary liaison with both the AIA Louisiana and AIA National. The ED ensures the office is appropriately managed allowing them to carry out the mission and vision of the organization and the goals of the Board of Directors.
This position requires significant leadership skills in planning strategically and collaboratively. It also requires keen business acumen, strong management practices, and attentive customer service. Knowledge of – or special interest in – architecture and/or the built environment is important. Experience in nonprofit membership organizations is critical, but not mandatory. Most importantly, the ED must be an excellent public speaker, listener, and writer to communicate the value of the architect to a broad and diverse community.
Position Description
The Executive Director ensures that the programs, activities, and services of AIA Baton Rouge directly benefit the members and the profession as determined by the Board of Directors. Responsibilities include: facilitating long-range planning; implementing organizational goals and objectives; increasing non-dues revenue opportunities through programs, sponsorships, and collaborative initiatives; acting as liaison to government agencies and identified public groups; assisting in board development and governance; growing the membership of the organization; and providing relevant and timely member services. The following summarizes the Executive Director’s responsibilities within the organization’s four strategic goal areas:
GOAL 1: COMMUNITY OUTREACH
- Serve as spokesperson for the component and promote AIABR through the media, communicate with local and state leaders, and promote the component’s interests with allied organizations and other public
- Grant potential interviews with media outlets, in consultation with and at the direction of the President, to present AIA Baton Rouge’s position on various issues of public interest.
- Ensure such interviews reflect the current positions and policies of AIA Baton Rouge.
- Maintain relationships with accredited architecture programs at local universities, including but not limited to, Louisiana State University.
- Forge meaningful and effective alliances with related professional organizations, sponsors/supporters, and Baton Rouge area
- Monitor activities of various local architect selection committees and facilitate the selection or replacement of such members when necessary.
GOAL 2: MEMBER ENGAGEMENT
- Communicate effectively with members; actively encourage feedback to better the organization and enhance opportunities offered to
- Oversee the execution of signature continuing education.
- Direct the annual design awards
- Encourage and support development of programs and services to meet members’
- Build programs to encourage increased membership by
GOAL 3: COMPONENT CULTURE
- Partner regularly with the President and Executive Committee, serving as their ‘right hand’ on all
- Assist the President, VP and Nominating Committee in appointing capable persons to various committees; advise and offer alternative solutions when committees fail to
- Serve as liaison and consultant to all committees, assisting them in organizing and completing yearly goals and
- Diversify revenue streams by developing non-dues revenue opportunities and/or other income in collaboration with the Board of
- Oversee receipts and disbursements to comply with the annual budget and investment
- Collaborate with the President-elect and Treasurer in the development of the organization’s annual
- Manage said budget and maintain best financial practices within the areas of governance, reporting, compliance, and risk
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree
- History in similar positions is preferred, but not mandatory.
- Business administration, organizational management, or architecture/design-related focus desired.
- Working in association management, non-profit, and/or chapter relations is preferred.
- Exposure to professional societies
- Ability to oversee the strategic use of the organization’s digital tools such as software programs, social media, applications,
- Understanding of membership organizations and/or familiarity with the architecture
- History of proactively recognizing and acting upon opportunities that benefit
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Willingness and ability to commit to a long-term association with AIABR, with compensation tied to demonstrable
- Ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment with attention to
- Skill to interact effectively, efficiently, and professionally with individuals at all levels of the organization: board members, volunteers, partner organizations, stakeholders, sections, and staff team
- Strong written, organizational, communication, and customer service
- Experience in public speaking, lobbying and/or representing issues before legislative/executive branches of government local government.
- Demonstrated knowledge of grant writing and grant
- Knowledge and experience in the state of Louisiana
- Willingness to relocate to Baton Rouge or surrounding metropolitan
- Resourceful nature, innovative spirit, and creative approach are
- Demonstrated leader with positive attitude, organizational dedication, and energetic
- Ability to work independently without the traditional structure of an office environment.
- Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity in the membership and volunteer environments.
Supervisory Responsibility:
This position is at the highest staff level within the organization; as such, the ED operates as the chief executive for AIA Baton Rouge.
Works closely with:
- President, President-elect, officers, Board of Directors, members of committees and task forces, and other volunteer leaders
- Members of AIA Baton Rouge
- Other strategic partners
- On-site and remote guests, visitors, vendors, and suppliers
Competencies Required:
- Database management experience
- Proficiency in data processing, records management, and related software
- Good interpersonal skills, diplomacy, ethical conduct, and
Actual Job Responsibilities
- Report to and work closely with the Board of Directors to seek their involvement in policy decisions, fundraising and to increase the overall visibility of the organization.
- Supervise, collaborate with the Board of Directors and Committees.
- Strategic planning and implementation.
- Planning and operation of annual budget.
- Serve as the AIABR’s primary spokesperson to the organization’s constituents, the media and the general public.
- Establish and maintain relationships with various organizations and utilize those relationships to strategically enhance the AIABR’s Mission.
- Engage in fundraising and developing other revenues.
- Oversee marketing and other communications efforts.
- Oversee organization Board and committee meetings.
- Review and approve contracts for services.
- Other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
This is a full-time position (40.0 hours per week); generally, work hours and days are Monday through Friday. Evening and weekend work can be anticipated from time to time, and travel within and beyond the state should be expected. Work to be remote (independent) but will have the use of the AIALA office, downtown Baton Rouge, as needed for meetings and conferences.
Recruiting Compensation Range & Benefits:
Salary of $50,000 to $65,000 based on knowledge and experience.
End of Year Bonus based on the Financial Health of the Organization
Flexible Hours
14 days of Personal Time Off
Cell Phone & Wifi Hotspot
Laptop Computer
Desktop Printer
Paid Training
Additional Eligibility Requirements:
AIA Baton Rouge provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Other Duties:
Candidate must be willing to undergo a background check including legal, educational, driving, employment records, etc. This position description does not cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.