Executive Construction Jobs | Director, Sustainability Architect

Director, Sustainability Architect

Employer:	The American Institute of Archictects
Job Location:	Washington , DC
Cash Compensation:
Industry Type:	Related Professions
Job Description:	This is a senior professional position in which the incumbent serves as a subject matter expert on a wide range of issues in the practice of architecture to help effectively guide the AIA’s response to issues and trends likely to impact the profession. Specifically, this position will focus on sustainability and building science/performance. This position will enable the gathering, synthesis, development and delivery of information, research, guidelines, and related body of knowledge to its stakeholders including, but not limited, to AIA members. This position, as subject matter expert, will facilitate the AIA sustainability/building performance initiatives, acting as the staff leader, advocate and key resource support to members, AIA Board and leadership, AIA senior management, and relevant Knowledge Communities (KC’s) such as COTE and others. This position will help facilitate the voice of the AIA in sustainability/building performance as w! ell as take full responsibility, as the senior staff, to be the resource to architects in service to society on the subject of sustainability and carbon neutral design. Other specific subject matter focus may include any/all of the following: sustainable design/green architecture, energy efficiency in building design and construction, building science and forensics, case studies and best practices in information technology, computer aided drafting/illustration, program/project management systems, integrated project delivery, practice tools, basic and applied research, and information regarding the value of design. Job Duties: • Serves as a subject matter expert to identify, guide and facilitate smooth access to information, knowledge and practice tools for architects. • Leads the identification and pursuit of the body of information (data, research, case studies, etc) that frame the subject matter and provide foundation for analysis and recommendations. • Develops and implements that AIA’s multi-year plan on sustainability and building science performance in collaboration with volunteer leaders and AIA staff. • Blends personal and professional knowledge of the practice of architecture into knowledge facilitation and delivery systems within a professional society environment to maximize value to the member. (This includes basic and applied research, Architect Knowledge Resource, book and journal content, conference and seminar content, case studies and best practices, practice tools, contract documents, knowledge leadership, etc.) • Assists with tracking, documenting and disseminating information about emerging issues and trends within the practice of architecture; identifies, locates and selects materials on ‘hot topics’ for distribution. • Contributes significantly to the AIA’s array of data resources, including best practices, published materials, the AIA website, library & archives materials, commercial databases, in-house databases and project materials, including emerging BIM technology. • Continually monitors, measures, and reports on metrics relative to implementation of strategies and tactics and recommend adjustments/improvement. • Serves on special project teams and task forces, utilizing practice knowledge to support and enhance organizational leadership on various initiatives from an architect’s perspective. • Serves as an AIA staff spokesperson on the subject matter to external audiences – components, allied and related organizations, government, media, civic/consumer groups and the like. • Serves as a subject matter resource to AIA communication and member services channels as well as to the AIA board and other AIA leadership volunteers. • Serves as an AIA liaison to select outside organizations and programs as a participant / contributor. • Serves on appropriate AIA teams as subject matter resource/expert to include, but not limited to, research and environmental scanning, government advocacy, higher education and continuing education, public relations and communication. • Collaborates with members and staff and respond to specific inquiries on the above subject areas through formal and informal communication channels. • Performs related duties as assigned or necessary. KSAs and Training and Experience: Considerable knowledge of practice issues in architecture including a grasp of new and emerging issues and topics, building science and forensics, energy efficiency and sustainable design. Outstanding written/oral communication, research, analysis and organizational skills. Ability to coordinate a diverse resource pool, analyze issues and concepts, efficiently and effectively organize and communicate information. Demonstrated experience as a subject-matter expert who provides technical assistance, research and advice to professionals. Demonstrated skills in team building, team problem solving, conflict resolution, system and process development, and basic project management skills. Technical knowledge of various computer programs, and file formats required. Skill in providing superior client services in an association environment. Ability to interface effectively with a wide variety of members to efficiently identify and satisfy their information needs and requirements. Recognition and flexibility in facilitating and supporting leadership engagement and involvement in issues. Licensed Architect with a minimum of five to ten years experience with a passionate knowledge of sustainability and building science performance topics. Advanced degree preferred. Up to 30% travel required. Supervisory Requirements: Supervises 1 full-time equivalent (FTE) program manager.


Company Description:	The AIA, in existence for more than 150 years, works to advance the value of architects and architecture and increase the living standards of people by improving their built environments. The AIA, with a membership of over 83,000, is the largest voice of the architectural community. Educating the public to strengthen the value of architects and the overall role of the profession in the building industry. Using our influence in legislative and regulatory concerns that affect and potentially govern the professional lives of architects. Researching new job markets and new career specializations to ensure architects can meet society's needs now, and in the future. Expanding the architectural knowledge base as changes in the profession occur. *Offering a network for support and information exchange with colleagues and industry professionals across the country and the globe.