Sr. Director, Climate & Resilience Policy

The American Institute of Architects•Washington, DC

just now•Hybrid

About The Position

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 Managing Director of Government Affairs & Public Policy, the Senior Director of Climate and Resilience Policy is a leadership position on AIA’s Government Affairs and Public Policy team. This role is responsible for developing and advancing federal legislative and regulatory solutions that strengthen the architecture profession and position architects as leaders in climate mitigation, adaptation, and resilience. The Senior Director will design, advocate for, and lobby on federal policies and regulations that: Expand market opportunities for architects; Support firm growth in size, scope, and profitability; Increase federal investment in resilient, sustainable, and high-performance buildings; Reduce regulatory barriers to practice; and Elevate architects as essential leaders in climate, disaster response, and resilience solutions. This role involves direct lobbying Members of Congress and their staff, senior Administration officials, and federal agencies to advance AIA’s climate and resilience priorities. The Senior Director will play a central role in shaping federal legislation, influencing rulemaking, and negotiating policy outcomes that impact the practice, business environment, and long-term economic health of architecture firms. The Senior Director will work closely with architects involved in AIA’s Government Advocacy Committee, the AIA Chapter Network, relevant Knowledge Communities, and congressional and external coalitions. In this role the Senior Director, Climate and Resilience Policy, will coordinate with the Knowledge and Practice Department, particularly the Climate Change and Design Excellence team. The position will also collaborate with Senior Directors of Federal Affairs, Intergovernmental Affairs, and State and Local Affairs to ensure a cohesive advocacy strategy.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, environmental policy, architecture, planning, or related field.
Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in federal advocacy, public policy, or government affairs.
Demonstrated experience developing legislative and regulatory solutions and directly lobbying Congress and federal agencies.
Strong understanding of federal legislative and regulatory processes, including appropriations, authorizations, and rulemaking.
Proven ability to translate strategy into tangible economic or business outcomes.
Exceptional relationship-building skills with policymakers, coalition partners, and member stakeholders.
Experience or demonstrated ability to conduct the necessary applied research to support policy proposals and decision-making.
Strategic thinker with excellent analytical, writing, and verbal communication skills.
Ability to operate independently and lead complex, high-visibility initiatives.
Working knowledge of architecture, design, construction, or the built environment.
Experience advancing policies related to building decarbonization, resilience, infrastructure investment, housing, or disaster recovery in the built environment.
Experience in a nonprofit, trade association, or membership organization representing business or professional interests.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in public policy, environmental law, urban planning, architecture, or related field.

Responsibilities

Federal Policy Development & Legislative Strategy
Develop and lead a proactive federal climate and resilience policy agenda that advances the economic and professional interests of architects.
Draft legislative proposals, regulatory comment letters, policy frameworks, and strategic recommendations designed to create new business opportunities and reduce practice barriers for architecture firms.
Identify and pursue federal funding, tax incentives, procurement reforms, and regulatory changes that support firm growth, innovation, and profitability.
Conduct in-depth analysis of proposed legislation, regulations, executive actions, and agency guidance affecting climate, resilience, infrastructure, and the built environment.
Direct Lobbying & Government Engagement
Serve as AIA’s lead climate, disaster response, and resilience policy lobbyist before Congress and the Administration.
Meet directly with Members of Congress, congressional staff, committee staff, and Administration officials to advocate for AIA’s legislative and regulatory priorities.
Develop and execute targeted lobbying strategies to secure favorable policy outcomes, including bill language, report language, appropriations directives, and regulatory revisions.
Represent AIA in high-level meetings, briefings, and negotiations with federal agencies and policymakers.
Advancing Business & Market Opportunities for Architects
Shape federal climate and resilience policy to ensure architects are recognized and positioned as key solution providers.
Advance policies that expand federal investment in building decarbonization, resilient infrastructure, disaster mitigation, and community adaptation—creating expanded design and planning opportunities.
Promote procurement reforms and program design that increase access and competitiveness for architecture firms of all sizes.
Identify regulatory burdens that limit firm growth and advocate for reforms that improve the business environment for architectural practice.
Member & Volunteer Coordination
Serve as primary staff liaison to AIA’s Government Advocacy Committee and relevant Knowledge Communities on climate and resilience issues.
Translate member expertise into actionable federal policy proposals and advocacy strategies.
Equip and prepare member leaders for congressional meetings, testimony, and regulatory engagement.
Coordinate architect participation in federal advocacy campaigns and coalition efforts.
Cross Departmental Collaboration
Work closely with Senior Directors of Federal Affairs; Public Policy; Housing Policy; Global Affairs; Intergovernmental Affairs; and State and Local Affairs to align strategy and maximize advocacy impact.
Ensure climate and resilience policies are integrated across AIA’s broader legislative and regulatory agenda.
Partner with communications and research teams to support policy campaigns and demonstrate the economic value of architects’ contributions to climate solutions.
Coalition Building & External Strategy
Build and lead coalitions that advance shared climate and resilience objectives aligned with architects’ professional and business interests.
Negotiate policy positions with allied organizations and industry stakeholders to strengthen AIA’s influence.
Represent AIA in inter-industry forums and federal advisory processes related to climate and resilience.
Management & Performance
Supervise, mentor, and evaluate one Senior Manager of Climate and Resilience Policy.
Establish measurable advocacy goals and performance metrics tied to legislative wins, regulatory outcomes, and expanded market opportunities.
Manage portfolio planning, budgeting, and reporting responsibilities.

Benefits

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
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