Leadership Opportunities

AIA Seattle offers a number of leadership opportunities to our members in the form of local and national committee leadership, as well as board service. Most AIA Seattle leadership positions are held for 2-3 years. This planned succession is vital to the chapter as it brings in fresh perspectives, ensures continuity, and fosters sustainable growth.

NOMINATION FORM

Local Leadership Opportunities

Potential Board Members are identified in the first quarter of each year, and contacted in advance of member voting in June. The nominees for leadership are a qualified and talented pool of potential Board Members, and the Member Advancement Committee reviews and vets all nominations to promote inclusion and belonging. We strongly encourage the nomination of women and nonbinary people, people of color, people with disabilities, and veterans. For more information, see the Board Member Role Description.

If you or someone you know would make a great board member, please fill out this form.

Emerging Professional/Student Board Position: AIA Seattle’s nominating committee is also inviting applications for an emerging professional or student as a non-voting participant in the board space for one year of service. This is a paid position to bring diverse perspectives into the Board leadership space.
- For more information, see the Emerging Professional Role description. Please upload a statement of interest and resume here.
See Annual Timeline below for information about the nomination and onboarding process for Board service.

All nominees will be asked to disclose any violations of the AIA Code of Ethics in the last seven years. Please review the AIA Code of Ethics here.

Annual Timeline: The call for board nominations launches in January and closes in February. Incoming board members are approved by the AIA Seattle membership in June, with service terms beginning in September. Check out the current call for Board nominations and what open positions are available!

AIA Seattle Steering Committees serve as advisory groups that guide the mission, vision, values, and imperatives of the organization. Comprised of industry leaders and key stakeholders, these committees work closely with AIA Seattle staff to shape the chapter’s operations and ensure alignment with the needs of the architecture community. Steering Committees are responsible for providing high-level input on programming, advocacy, membership, JEDI imperatives, financial operations, and more. Their work is essential to maintaining AIA Seattle’s role as a leader in promoting design excellence, sustainability, and equity within the built environment. Participation in a Steering Committee is by invitation, reflecting the importance of diverse perspectives and expertise in driving the chapter’s mission forward. Nominate yourself or another member for steering committee leadership HERE.

Annual Timeline: The call for steering committee member nominations launches in May and closes in June. Incoming steering committee members are approved by the steering committee’s current members, with service terms beginning in September.

AIA Seattle has over a dozen local member committees, providing engagement opportunities through monthly meetings, year-round educational and networking programs, project tours, and more. Member committees are open to all. We encourage you to explore our varying committee spaces that align towards your professional and personal passions. If you are interested in becoming a chair/co-chair of a committee, please connect with that specific committee via the contact information displayed on their committee page. Chairs play a crucial role in leading and coordinating the activities of the committee – including facilitating monthly meetings, organizing committee-led programs and events, and connecting with AIA Seattle staff and steering committees.

Diversity in Leadership Fund: AIA Seattle membership is required to be a chair of a committee. However, if paying membership dues is a barrier towards you becoming a committee chair/co-chair, AIA Seattle offers a Diversity in Leadership Fund that supports AIA Seattle’s commitment to diversity in the profession and in leadership, as embodied in the JE:DI Imperative. These funds are available based on resources at the organization at the time of application. To be considered, Co-Chairs can send a confidential communication to the Member Engagement staff and self-identify as being eligible to have AIA Seattle fund their dues.

Annual Timeline: Incoming member committee chairs are appointed by current and/or outgoing chairs, with service terms typically beginning in September.

AIA Seattle plans major in-person, virtual, and series continuing education programs focused on a specific topic based on member needs and AIA Seattle’s Mission, Vision, Values, and Imperatives. The Planning Task Force is an invited group of ~6-8 individuals with demonstrated expertise and interest in the program topic. Planning task force members enjoy collaboration and are active in their professional and community networks. The Planning Task Force meets with designated AIA Seattle staff regularly for 4-5 months (or until program planning is complete) to guide the program’s development. To learn more, visit the Education Programs page, read more about the Role of the Planning Task Force, and/or reach out to Senior Programs Manager, Zoe Guckenheimer.

National Leadership Opportunities

Fellowship is one of the highest national honors the AIA can bestow upon a member. AIA Seattle nominates and supports local members who are submitting for the College of Fellows through the Fellows & Honors Committee. Fellowship decisions are made at the national level by a jury of Fellows. Click here to learn more about becoming an AIA Fellow.

If you are interested in serving on an AIA National membership committee/group, please explore AIA National’s website here. Contact information and ways to get involved are outlined in each member group’s page. For AIA National leadership roles that require a local chapter nomination, please complete this form and specify which AIA National member group(s) you are interested in serving on.

We also encourage our members to apply to volunteer opportunities with AIA National task forces and Knowledge Community leadership groups. The call for nominations launches in Spring, with applications typically due in June. Stay tuned for specific 2024 dates once announced!

More Information

See our current board of directors, committees, and find other ways to get engaged with AIA here.

Diversity in Leadership Fund

AIA Seattle leaders who are from historically-marginalized backgrounds (due to disability, gender identity, class, race/ethnicity, immigration status, sexual orientation, or other factor) have the option to request the chapter cover dues as a new or reinstating membership for the duration of their leadership service (generally two-three years).

Learn more about the Diversity in Leadership Fund and process here.

Leadership Pathways Event

Interested in learning from past and current board members directly? Join the Leadership Pathways with AIA Seattle and Seattle Design Festival virtual program on Thursday, February 5th, 5:30pm to 6:00pm!