Executive Director

AIA Memphis seeks an association or non-profit management professional to provide leadership as the next chief staff executive for the not-for-profit 501(c)6 organization. This is a significant managerial position requiring the services of an individual with extensive and successful experience working with volunteer organizations and various personality types.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director of AIA Memphis is responsible for managing operations and directing strategic initiatives for the professional society. The individual is a resource for volunteer leaders and association staff regarding the implementation of best practices, generation of new ideas, identification of non‑dues revenue sources, and effective execution of the Board of Directors’ vision. The AIA Memphis ED is a strong advocate to the broader public for members, the American Institute of Architects, and the profession of architecture.

AIA Memphis’s mission is to promote architecture and the profession; advocate for livable and sustainable communities; and serve as a resource for our members.

The American Institute of Architects (AIA), with over 99,000 members in 200+ chapters around the globe, inspires and empowers architects to improve society and transform the world. Through core values that center on being impactful, transformative, visionary, inclusive, and innovative, the AIA drives positive change through the power of design and focused activism. The AIA is a three-tiered organization operating at the global, state, and local levels.

AIA Memphis is a local chapter/component of the AIA and is independently chartered and incorporated. The national organization is headquartered in Washington, DC and the statewide component, AIA Tennessee, is based in Nashville.

With over 300 individual members, AIA Memphis is the second largest chapter in Tennessee and represents architects, early‑career professionals, and allied collaborators in private practice, business, industry, government, and academia. AIA Memphis offers lectures and continuing education courses; numerous awards programs; specialized, issue‑specific Knowledge Communities; advocacy for architects; daily communications online; and help for consumers looking for an architect. A Board of Directors governs AIA Memphis.

Members volunteer on committees and task forces to develop programs and services. Additional information is available at https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). .

This position requires significant leadership skills in planning strategically and collaboratively. It also requires keen business and financial acumen, strong management practices, and attentive customer service. This person should be a highly motivated, engaged, visionary, and dynamic, to inspire AIA Memphis in pursuing its mission and an even higher level of excellence. Knowledge of – or special interest in – architecture and/or the built environment is important.

Experience in nonprofit membership organizations is critical. Most importantly, the Executive Director must be an excellent public speaker, listener, and writer to communicate the value of the architect to a broad and diverse community.

The Executive Director serves as the hands‑on leader for the component and works with the Board to execute the strategic initiatives of Advocacy, Communication, and Education for the organization. The ED manages the operations of AIA Memphis – providing leadership for the organization and staff, influencing policies, planning programs, supporting initiatives, directing communications, and enhancing outreach – to satisfy member expectations and maintain organizational viability.

Roles and responsibilities include:

• Effectively present information to and respond to questions from volunteer leaders, members, public officials, media, and others.
• Interact with committee members (volunteers) to encourage positive working relationships with the members and / or stakeholders and to identify future leaders of the organization.
• Convene like-minded organizations for mutual benefit.
• Identify opportunities for growth and adaptation of a…