WHO WE ARE
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Minnesota, founded in 1892, is the professional association for architects in the state of Minnesota. We bring value to our more than 2,300 members through connection, advocacy, and promoting the value of architects and architecture. We produce a major regional conference; public outreach programs including the Homes by Architects Tour, Lake Superior Design Retreat, and K-12 engagement; publish a digital monthly and annual print journal; lobby on behalf of the profession at the state legislature; and deliver continuing education and professional development for members of all career stages. We foster connection and community within and across generations, supporting architects and designers through every stage of their careers.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Communications & Public Outreach Manager plays a crucial role in delivering high-quality communications and outreach events to AIA Minnesota members and the public, as well as key committees and knowledge communities. The position also supports the daily operations of the AIA Minnesota, three local chapters, and the Minnesota Architectural Foundation (MAF). Reports to the EVP/Executive Director, who will provide work direction and guidance regarding the prioritization of tasks, in collaboration with Directors, ENTER Editor-in-Chief, and Deputy Executive Director.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Communications
- Write copy for member and public communications to be distributed/posted via email, newsletters, and promotional materials
- Manage, develop, post and monitor social media for AIA Minnesota, the local chapters, and the MAF, informed by staff colleagues, members, and collaborators
- Create and implement social media calendars for AIA Minnesota and local chapter events; track social media posts and followers
- Create graphics and prepare photos for a wide variety of organizational communications in Adobe Creative Suite and Canva
- Edit and proof digital and print publications
- Collaborate with and take work direction from various staff colleagues and volunteer leaders
- Coordinate with staff colleagues on sponsor outreach and ensure sponsor benefits are fulfilled
Residential Programming
- Assist in staffing residential architecture committee meetings
- Maintain residential committee and event content on the AIA Minnesota website
- Assist in committee event logistics and event marketing and communications
- Keep various email and mailing lists updated
- Publicize residential awards programs and recipients
- Manage overall timeline and fulfill tasks for the Homes by Architects Tour (HBAT) event
- Develop and post social media content for the HBAT and keep related websites up to date
- Recruit and manage volunteers for HBAT
- Write copy for guidebook and other residential communications
- Set up virtual HBAT tours
- Create and arrange for printing of signage
- Prepare various supplies for HBAT tour homes and to support architecture firms and volunteers
- Staff the tour weekend (typically, the third weekend in September)
- Collaborate with the contracted PR and advertising firm for ad buys and earned media
Lake Superior Design Retreat (LSDR)
- Support the LSDR Committee in planning and implementing this multi-day event, held annually in Duluth, MN
- Assist in gathering speaker bios and photos
- Update website
- Coordinate with staff colleagues on sponsor outreach and ensure sponsor benefits are fulfilled
- Design/update signage and event materials
- Gather and pack supplies
- Create event evaluation; summarize evaluation results for committee
- Take and edit photos and make slide decks
Local chapter and other committee/board/member groups support (AIA Northern MN, other chapters and the MAF as needed)
- Staff board meetings and retreats
- Set up registrations for and publicize chapter events via email and social media
- Coordinate with relevant parties on submitting events for continuing education credit as needed
- Support golf outings and other events (e.g., help with on-site registration, take photos, etc.)
- Update webpages as needed
General Office and Team Support Duties
- Update homepage and other website pages
- Review, format, and publish job board and events calendar submissions
- Answer general office phone calls and voicemails
- Coordinate catering and logistics for events
- Assist with registration / check-in for events
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience providing exceptional service to customers/members and the general public, and in managing multiple projects simultaneously. The ability to listen, understand, and respond warmly, effectively, and efficiently to the needs and requests from staff colleagues, members, collaborators, and the general public is critical.
Required Experience and Skills
- Degree from a four-year college/university in communications, nonprofit management, architecture, or related field
- 2-5 years related work experience
- Proven history of reliability and responsiveness.
- Excellent oral, interpersonal, and written communication skills.
- Ability to switch from one task to another while maintaining a high level of work quality.
- Experience and skill in managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders.
- Proficient in interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills in English
- A strong collaborator, able to work successfully with people of various experience levels and who hold various types of power (e.g., positional, experiential, expert, relational).
- Excellent attention to detail.
- A strong track record as an implementer who thrives on working on a variety of work projects and responsibilities.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively and inclusively with a diverse team or with a diverse range of people.
- Resilience and even temperament in dealing with unexpected challenges.
- Takes direction well and takes responsibility for ensuring requests and expected results are well understood.
- Takes initiative and is proactive in anticipating questions and needs.
- Self-motivated to provide high-quality work; embraces a spirit of continuous improvement.
- Excellent judgment and problem-solving skills.
- Proficient in full Microsoft Office suite (including Excel and PowerPoint)
- Solid graphic design experience and expertise, including with Adobe Suite (including Photoshop and Illustrator)
- Demonstrated ability to work and communicate effectively with people of diverse ethnic, economic, racial, and cultural backgrounds and geographies.
- Strong time management and organizational skills with demonstrated ability to manage tasks, projects, and priorities.
- Adept at working both independently and as part of a team.
Desired Experience/Education
- Work experience with a professional association, trade association, nonprofit, architecture firm, or school of architecture
- Knowledge of architecture
- Experience with volunteer management
- Experience with events management
- Experience with Wordpress and SquareSpace website management tools
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
AIA Minnesota is committed to providing a work environment that is inclusive, respectful, and accessible to all employees. Reasonable accommodations will be made in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws.
SALARY & BENEFITS
$59,000-$63,000 annually. AIA Minnesota offers a competitive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance, an employer match for retirement savings, separated vacation time and sick time (available from the outset), and strong benefits to support leave for the birth/adoption/welcoming of a child. After seven years of employment, staff are eligible to take a restorative or work-related sabbatical.
Applicants are asked to submit a resume and one-page cover letter to info@aia-mn.org. Open until filled.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
AIA Minnesota is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds. AIA Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or any other status protected by law.
