Senior Advocate Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

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 Senior Director for Federal Affairs, the Senior Manager will assist with research and direct lobbying to support AIA’s federal legislative agenda. In this role, the manager will represent the AIA before Congress, the Executive Branch, and other organizations regarding federal issues impacting the practice of architecture and the built environment.

This position is responsible for ensuring AIA lobbying and engagement on AIA’s issue priorities that support its Strategic Plan and help manage the Government Advocacy Committee (GAC).

Job Duties

Federal Advocacy

Advance AIA’s federal lobbying and advocacy efforts in support of the organization’s policy priorities by:

Policy

Develop, advance, and communicate AIA’s federal policy agenda through research, analysis, and strategic engagement by:

• Monitoring, analyzing, and interpreting federal legislation, regulations, and administrative actions affecting the architecture profession and the built environment.
• Drafting proposed federal legislation, regulatory comments, policy statements, and formal responses that advance AIA’s federal policy objectives.
• Coordinating engagement with the AIA Board Government Advocacy Committee (GAC), under the direction of the Senior Director, including convening monthly meetings and ensuring committee feedback is reflected in AIA policy positions and public statements.
• Ensuring alignment and consistency of AIA federal policy positions across platforms, publications, and advocacy materials.
• Collaborating with the Senior Director, and relevant GAPP staff to integrate AIA federal priorities into engagement with external political and policy organizations, including the National Governors Association and the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
• Anticipate emerging federal policy trends and proactively recommend updates to AIA’s policy agenda.

Political Action Committee (ArchiPAC):

Support and coordinate AIA’s federal political giving strategy in compliance with applicable laws by:

• Ensuring compliance with all federal lobbying, ethics, and campaign finance laws, including reporting and disclosure requirements.
• Assisting with ArchiPAC fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and solicitation efforts.
• Representing AIA at ArchiPAC-supported events and coordinating participation by federal affairs staff and external lobbyists at political fundraising events.
• Provide strategic analysis and recommendations on political contributions based on legislative priorities and advocacy goals.
• Support education and outreach to AIA members and leadership regarding the purpose and impact of ArchiPAC.

Internal and External Communication

Coordinate federal affairs communications to inform, engage, and align AIA leadership, members, and external partners by:

• Briefing AIA leadership on federal legislative, regulatory, and political developments in collaboration with relevant GAPP staff.
• Working with GAPP communications and policy staff to develop content for internal and external audiences on federal issues, including oversight of federal policy web content and related digital resources.
• Representing AIA at conferences, meetings, and events by speaking on issues related to AIA’s federal policy and advocacy agenda.
• Coordinating, as needed, partnership agreements and collaborative engagements between AIA and federal agencies in collaboration with relevant AIA staff.
• Draft recurring federal affairs updates or briefing products for AIA components and member leaders in coordination with communications focused GAPP staff.
• Coordinate crisis or rapid-response communications related to federal policy developments.
• Support message alignment between federal advocacy, policy positions, and broader AIA communications strategies.

Frequent Contacts:

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in political science or a related field required; J.D. or M.A. preferred. A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience is required, with preference given to candidates who have served as federal legislative staff or as executive branch political appointees. Experience with political campaigns, federal, state, or local lobbying, and policy portfolios that include tax, housing, climate and resiliency, federal procurement, the design and construction industry, and equity advocacy is desirable but not required.

Supervisory requirements None
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
• Parental Leave
• 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 metro area only (DC, MD, VA)

This position will periodically be required to be on-site at the AIA Headquarters in Washington D.C.

Equal opportunity employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities