Manager, Climate Action Pledge Programs

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 Director, Climate Action Pledge Programs, the Manager works with two primary award-winning AIA member engagement and commitment programs for sustainable design: the AIA 2030 Commitment, AIA's actionable climate strategy that gives the architecture profession a set of standards & goals for reaching net-zero emissions in the built environment; and Architecture & Design(A&D) Materials Pledge, a commitment program for architecture firms to support holistic preference for building products that support human, social, ecosystem and climate health and a circular economy.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to ensuring success for users of AIA's Design Data Exchange (DDx), an online platform managed by AIA for annual operational and embodied carbon project data reporting; and OpenWater, an online survey platform for Materials Pledge program reporting. The manager will work closely with internal and external stakeholders and 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 also 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.

Job Duties

Digital application program support (40%)

• Assist with 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/survey platform 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.
• Serve as a point of contact to 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 and signatory firm directories for communications and marketing.
• Monitor product performance and recommend improvements based on available metrics, usage reports, and user feedback.

Member communications, outreach, support & training (60%)

• Provide member/user support, through one-on-one support sessions, group open office hours support sessions, inbox management, and user help via email and virtual sessions.
• Provide support to outreach and recruitment of new program participants. This entails maintaining updates of 'why join' Powerpoint presentation and supplemental materials for member and staff presentations at AIA chapter meetings, and annual conferences.
• Maintain accurate DDx help resources including web-based help pages, videos, and virtual trainings. Diversify offerings based on member/user feedback.
• Compile annual data Quality Assurance (QA). Build and maintain user surveys and track member service requests to 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.
• Review climate action program data and metrics and provide visualizations to utilize in reports, presentations, and webpages. Recommend and make data quality improvements as needed.
• Review DDx data and other climate change adaptation and mitigation programs to aid with developing 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 and member education resources, such as AIA's Sustainability Action Plan guidance and Component toolkits
• Serve as a point of contact to various project consultants or vendors.
• Manage general 2030 Commitment communications, and reporting period push with signatory firms.
• Coordinate quarterly newsletter content with other team members.
• Manage various member stakeholders to identify and scope program communications. Groups include the Communications sub-group of the 2030 Commitment Working Group.
• Help establish metrics that will track the industry's progress around climate action and help engage members
• As guided by and along with the Director, Climate Action Pledge Programs, identify and recruit diverse, volunteer leaders for pledge working groups and subgroups to serve AIA diversity efforts, and reach targeted areas of membership, such as emerging professionals, educators, and students.
• Recommend members to the Director, Climate Action Pledge Programs, to serve as subject matter experts for AIA education programs and communications.

Frequent contacts

• AIA members and volunteer groups
• Consultants and vendors
• Allied AEC industry organizations and government agencies
• Current and potential sponsors
• AIA Global Campus and Component staff including Knowledge & Practice, Technology, Marketing and Communications, Component Engagement, and Advocacy

Qualifications:

• Knowledge of and commitment to climate action, sustainable design, and decarbonization of the built environment are strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of and familiarity with principles for operational energy reduction, decarbonization, material health, sustainable and resilient design is ideal but not required.
• Knowledge of tools and processes used by architects to model and quantify high performance design for decarbonization goals is preferred
• Good listener with skills in diplomacy, and comfort working with diverse teams and partners.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze data and member feedback
• Demonstrated experience and ability to engage, manage, and facilitate volunteer members/stakeholders.
• Demonstrated skill in project & time management.
• A team player with a positive approach to delivering results.
• Ability to effectively communicate to initiate effective action from all levels of the organization.
• Proficient editing, writing, and verbal communications skills
• Familiarity with email marketing systems, digital data collection, survey, and data visualization tools, digital publishing tools, and skills with Adobe Creative Suite; and Microsoft Excel and Powerpoint is desired

Bachelor's degree in business, design, environmental science, communications or a related field preferred with four to five years of similar experience required of which two years of project management is preferred.

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: 100% Remote from the AIA Approved States (outside of the DC metro area):

AR, CT, DE, FL, GA, ID, IL, IA, KS, KY, MD, ME, MI, MN, MT, NH,
NM, NY, NC, OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, UT, VA, 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.