Programs & Engagement Manager

AIA Seattle, one of the largest architectural associations in the United States, plays a pivotal role in shaping the built environment through its passionate and engaged community of members. Alongside the Seattle Design Festival, AIA Seattle envisions a culture of design that fosters equitable, resilient, and thriving communities. AIA Seattle’s mission is to champion architects as central figures in creating and sustaining better environments, while the Seattle Design Festival aims to unleash the design thinker in everyone by illuminating urban challenges and sparking actionable solutions. As a 501(c)(6) professional membership organization, AIA Seattle deeply values its member-led structure and harnesses the collective wisdom and leadership of its community to expand its impact locally and nationally.

The role of Programs & Engagement Manager is a full-time position, offering between $31.76 and $38.46 per hour, designed for a dedicated individual who will steer the programmatic efforts of AIA Seattle. The position oversees numerous nationally recognized educational programs, signature design and individual awards events, and committee-led initiatives. The Manager’s responsibility centers on anticipating major ideas and issues that influence design and the built environment and developing learning and engagement opportunities to equip members with the skills and knowledge necessary for creating equitable, resilient, and thriving communities.

Tasks include managing and producing a wide range of educational and awards programs that align with AIA Seattle’s mission, vision, and organizational priorities. The Programs & Engagement Manager collaborates closely with members, volunteers, and partners to foster involvement and expand the organization’s influence. This role ensures all participants clearly understand their roles and can contribute meaningfully to each program’s success.

Moreover, the Manager supervises and supports member committees, strengthening member engagement across a 10-county region. They guide planning processes and provide orientations that help committees align with the organization’s overarching goals while implementing frameworks to promote effective leadership and successful event delivery. Strong relationships with members and committee leaders are vital to fostering a connected and inclusive design community.

Cross-collaboration and leadership form an integral part of this role, with supervision responsibilities over the Programs Coordinator and active participation in organizational strategy and team development. The Manager exemplifies AIA Seattle’s mission and values, managing hiring, performance reviews, onboarding, and professional growth for direct reports. Collaboration with staff ensures alignment with organizational priorities while facilitating a supportive work environment.

Governance duties include providing leadership for steering committees and supporting their goal setting and annual planning in line with organizational strategies. The position demands exceptional organizational skills, ability to manage multiple projects, facilitation skills, and a strong commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.

AIA Seattle offers a competitive salary, full medical coverage with the company paying 100% of employee premiums, life insurance, dental coverage at 50% premium, and a 401(k) plan with up to 4% company match. Employees receive nine paid holidays plus a full week off between December 25th and January 1st, along with paid time off that increases with tenure and additional sick leave. Sixteen hours of paid community service leave is also provided. The work environment supports flexible hybrid work arrangements balancing in-person collaboration and remote work. The organization actively promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism initiatives, encouraging applications from diverse backgrounds to foster an equitable workplace.