Executive Director

AIA Orlando and the Orlando Foundation for Architecture (OFA)

A dynamic, strategic, relationship-driven leader is needed to serve as the shared Executive Director for both organizations.

Overseeing two aligned but distinct non‑profit entities: AIA Orlando, a 501(c)(6) professional membership association, and the Orlando Foundation for Architecture (OFA), a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. The Executive Director is chief staff executive for both entities, reporting to their respective Boards of Directors and working in partnership with the AIA Orlando President and OFA Chair. The position also oversees daily operations of the recently‑opened Orlando Center for Architecture and Design (OCAD).

About the Organizations

AIA Orlando serves architects and allied professionals in Central Florida, advancing design excellence, advocacy, professional development, and community engagement. With over 900 individual members, it is one of the largest chapters in Florida, governed by a twelve‑person board and five‑person executive committee. The staff team of three operates remotely.

The Orlando Foundation for Architecture focuses on public outreach, scholarships, design education, and community impact initiatives, advancing awareness through lectures, exhibitions, grants and programs serving the broader public.

Position Overview

The Executive Director provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and visionary direction for both organizations, balancing strategic planning, board partnership, operational management, fiscal stewardship, membership growth, fundraising, public advocacy and staff leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Both Organizations

Strategic Leadership and Governance

• Serve as chief staff executive for AIA Orlando and OFA, and manager of OCAD.
• Partner with board leadership to develop and implement strategic plans.
• Provide timely, accurate reporting and policy guidance to both boards.
• Support governance best practices and board development.
• Ensure compliance with AIA National and AIA Florida component requirements.

Financial Management and Operations

• Develop and manage annual budgets for both organizations.
• Oversee financial reporting, audits, tax filings (IRS 990), payroll, insurance and contracts.
• Ensure clear financial separation between 501(c)(6) and 501(c)(3) activities.
• Identify long‑term financial sustainability strategies.

Staff Leadership and Culture

• Recruit, supervise, mentor, and evaluate staff.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive and high‑performing workplace culture.
• Align staff capacity with strategic priorities.
• Ensure operational continuity during staff transitions.

External Relations and Communications

• Serve as primary spokesperson for both organizations.
• Represent them with civic leaders, media, universities and allied groups.
• Elevate public awareness of architecture’s role in resilient and sustainable communities.
• Support clear, consistent member and donor communications.

AIA Orlando

Advocacy and Public Policy

• Advance the profession through strategic advocacy efforts.
• Monitor local and regional policy issues affecting architects and the built environment.
• Collaborate with AIA Florida, AIA National and allied organizations.

Membership Growth and Engagement

• Develop and execute membership recruitment, retention and reinstatement strategies.
• Support knowledge communities, committees and leadership development initiatives.
• Foster engagement of emerging professionals and future leaders.

Programs and Revenue Development

• Oversee continuing education, signature events, sponsorship programs and awards.
• Identify and cultivate non‑dues revenue streams and strategic partnerships.
• Ensure programs align with member value and strategic priorities.

Orlando Foundation for Architecture

Fundraising and Development

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy.
• Cultivate individual donors, major gifts, sponsorships, grants and planned giving.
• Support fundraising events and campaigns.
• Drive membership growth and support for the non‑profit.

Community Impact and Public Outreach

• Advance public education initiatives and scholarship programs.
• Strengthen community partnerships and visibility.
• Position the Foundation as a trusted voice in design and the built environment.

Compliance and Stewardship

• Ensure adherence to charitable governance standards and donor intent.
• Oversee grant management and scholarship administration.
• Maintain financial transparency and accountability.

Qualifications

Required Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• Minimum of five years of senior leadership experience in non‑profit or association management.
• Demonstrated experience managing a 501(c)(6) membership organization and/or a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation.
• Proven financial management and budget oversight.
• Experience working closely with volunteer boards.

Preferred Credentials

• Certified Association Executive (CAE) or similar credential.
• Experience within architecture, design, construction or allied professional fields.
• Fundraising and donor cultivation success.
• Experience in advocacy or government relations.

Knowledge, Skills and Attributes

• Strategic thinker with strong business acumen.
• Skilled communicator—public speaking, writing and interpersonal engagement.
• Politically savvy and diplomatically persuasive.
• High emotional intelligence and collaborative leadership style.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Commitment to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Transparent, ethical and accountable leadership approach.

Position Details

• Full‑time, exempt position.
• Evening and occasional weekend work required.
• Regional and national travel expected (AIA Florida and AIA National events).

The Ideal Candidate Is

• A strategic operator who can move seamlessly between governance, finance and community engagement.
• A relationship‑builder who inspires volunteers, members, donors and staff.
• Comfortable balancing the distinct but complementary missions of a 501(c)(6) and 501(c)(3).
• Passionate about the built environment and architecture’s role in shaping resilient communities.

Recruiting Compensation Range

The base salary will be commensurate with education/experience and knowledge/skills/abilities, within the anticipated range of $95,000–$120,000. The compensation package will include competitive benefits.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

AIA Orlando provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

Other Duties

Candidates must be willing to undergo a background check including legal, educational, driving, credit, employment records, etc. This position description does not cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee for this position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

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