Managing Director, Events
The American Institute of Architects, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Job Summary
Reporting to the Senior Vice President, Sales, Events and Exhibitions, this senior management role within the AIA Sales, Events, and Exhibitions department is responsible for planning and executing AIA’s portfolio of in‑person and digital meetings and events, including the AIA Conference on Architecture & Design with over 12,000 attendees, 600+ exhibitors, and hundreds of education sessions.
Responsibilities
Lead development and execution of AIA’s comprehensive meetings and events strategy, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and innovation.
Provide operational leadership and coaching to a team of event professionals, fostering a high‑performing, inclusive culture.
Manage the annual AIA Conference on Architecture & Design—strategy, budget, attendee journey, and operational oversight—from design to execution.
Collaborate cross‑functionally to design and deliver high‑quality event experiences, establishing seamless logistics, performance metrics, and continuous improvement.
Negotiate and administer event vendor contracts, steering risk and efficiency in partnership with SVP, SEE, legal, and external partners.
Oversee fiscal performance of the conference and events portfolio, forecasting revenue, executing budgets, and reporting results.
Represent AIA at frequent contacts with Senior Leadership, business development, marketing, membership, and volunteer partners.
Qualifications
Advanced knowledge of the events and exposition industry with proven expertise in contract negotiation, meeting planning, exhibit management, and large‑scale conference logistics.
Strong leadership skills—facilitation, team building, collaborative problem‑solving, conflict resolution, volunteer management, and system development.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and event‑management technologies; ability to travel.
Minimum 12 years of progressively responsible meeting‑management experience, including leading a conference with >15,000 attendees.
Preferred Bachelor’s degree; architectural or association experience desirable.
Supervisory Responsibilities Directly supervises 3 reports; total staff 6.
Benefits
Medical, vision, dental
401(k)
Flexibility
Paid time off
Parental leave
Flexible spending accounts
Income protection (life insurance up to 2× salary) and disability plans at no cost
Tuition and membership reimbursements
Additional programs: Employee Assistance Program; SmartBenefits transportation; computer purchase; fitness club discounts; prepaid legal services; identity‑theft protection
Work Location & Travel Hybrid/remote from Washington DC metro area; travel ≈ 5 %.
Equal Opportunity Employer Equal Opportunity Employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
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Responsibilities
Lead development and execution of AIA’s comprehensive meetings and events strategy, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and innovation.
Provide operational leadership and coaching to a team of event professionals, fostering a high‑performing, inclusive culture.
Manage the annual AIA Conference on Architecture & Design—strategy, budget, attendee journey, and operational oversight—from design to execution.
Collaborate cross‑functionally to design and deliver high‑quality event experiences, establishing seamless logistics, performance metrics, and continuous improvement.
Negotiate and administer event vendor contracts, steering risk and efficiency in partnership with SVP, SEE, legal, and external partners.
Oversee fiscal performance of the conference and events portfolio, forecasting revenue, executing budgets, and reporting results.
Represent AIA at frequent contacts with Senior Leadership, business development, marketing, membership, and volunteer partners.
Qualifications
Advanced knowledge of the events and exposition industry with proven expertise in contract negotiation, meeting planning, exhibit management, and large‑scale conference logistics.
Strong leadership skills—facilitation, team building, collaborative problem‑solving, conflict resolution, volunteer management, and system development.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and event‑management technologies; ability to travel.
Minimum 12 years of progressively responsible meeting‑management experience, including leading a conference with >15,000 attendees.
Preferred Bachelor’s degree; architectural or association experience desirable.
Supervisory Responsibilities Directly supervises 3 reports; total staff 6.
Benefits
Medical, vision, dental
401(k)
Flexibility
Paid time off
Parental leave
Flexible spending accounts
Income protection (life insurance up to 2× salary) and disability plans at no cost
Tuition and membership reimbursements
Additional programs: Employee Assistance Program; SmartBenefits transportation; computer purchase; fitness club discounts; prepaid legal services; identity‑theft protection
Work Location & Travel Hybrid/remote from Washington DC metro area; travel ≈ 5 %.
Equal Opportunity Employer Equal Opportunity Employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
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