Are you an Associate AIA Member? Are you interested in confronting the issues recent graduates and young professionals face as they navigate the next step in their careers? Would you like to help the National Associates Committee address these issues? Then, you may be just the person we’re looking for.

Every two years, the AIA Region of The Virginias (Virginia and West Virginia) selects an Associate AIA member to represent the Region on the National Associates Committee. Applications are now being accepted for the National Associates Committee 2021 – 2022 Virginias Regional Associate Director.

This is a tremendous opportunity to take on a larger leadership role within the AIA. This rewarding experience will allow you to be actively engaged in shaping the future of the profession and to grow your network with the NAC, YAF, and the AIA both regionally and nationally.

If you think you may be interested, please read on. If you know of an Associate AIA member who may be interested, please forward this information to them.

NAC Purpose

The National Associates Committee (NAC) is dedicated to serving Associate members of the AIA in the advancement of their careers.

NAC Vision

By promoting excellence, providing information and leadership, fostering inclusiveness, and encouraging individual, community, and professional development, the NAC will integrate the growing Associates community of the profession into a strong voice within the Institute. The NAC aspires to be the catalyst for progress within the Institute and the profession:

• We ENGAGE by becoming agents of change

• We INNOVATE by challenging the status quo

• We CONNECT by representing our diverse membership

• We LEAD by example, promoting mentorship, fellowship, licensure, advocacy, and service

The NAC believes its work serves to make AIA membership meaningful to Associates through services that effectively anticipate, meet, and exceed their needs.

NAC Overview

The Regional Associate Director (RAD) works with their counterparts, the YARDs, AIAS Quad Directors, Architect Licensing Advisors, and AIA Regional Representatives. RADs are responsible for gathering information about issues facing Associates within their Regions and disseminating information about

national/regional activities and resources for use at the local level. Of equal importance, RADs serve as a vital link between Associates and the national organization.

RADs are the key to vertical communication, connecting Associate leaders at all levels of the Institute. RADs are also encouraged to work on various issues important to them and their regions through the NAC work groups.

More information about the NAC can be found here:

www.aia.org/cep

RAD Responsibilities

The RAD is the primary connection between local, state and regional AIA components and the National Associates Committee (NAC).

The RAD keeps communication flowing between these groups by:

• Maintaining quarterly communication with all NAC chapters within the designated region.

• Serving as a conduit between local NAC chapters and the AdCom.

• Collecting from and disseminating information to local, state, and regional components.

• Submitting a regional report.

The RAD contributes to the direction and planning of the NAC by:

• Participating in the NAC Annual Meeting.

• Working on various national issues.

• Working on at least one group identified by the NAC annually.

The RAD is a connection at the regional level to other AIA groups by:

• Communicating with COF Regional Representative and Young Architect Regional Director (YARD quarterly about how to work together to support each other’s efforts.

• Suggesting or encouraging young architects for nomination for regional or national awards, positions or committees/subcommittees.

• Attending AIA National Convention, when possible.

• Working within Region of The Virginias to ensure that expectations from regional leadership are clearly defined and met.

• Attendance at regional meetings.

• Applicants are encouraged to discuss the position with their Regional Representative to AIA Strategic Council or the current RAD to fully understand the responsibilities prior to submitting an application.

RAD Commitments

AIA National Commitments (plan for a number of events to be held virtually during pandemic) are as follows:

• NAC & YAF Joint Annual Meeting (Q1)

• NAC Full Committee Conference Calls – 1 hour each TBD estimated quarterly

• NAC Taskforce/Workgroup Conference Calls – 1 hour each/frequency TBD

Region of The Virginias Commitments (plan for a number of events to be held virtually during pandemic) are as follows:

• AIA Virginia’s Architecture Exchange East Conference

• AIA West Virginia’s Expo

• Attendance at Regional Emerging Professional Committee Meetings and Programs

• Regional Reports – written with the assistance of the NAC

Other recommended engagement:

• AIA Grassroots

• AIA Conference on Architecture

NAC Funding

National AIA covers the costs for Regional Associate Director travel, food, and lodging to attend the NAC/YAF Annual Meeting (if in person). In addition, RADs have the opportunity to attend AIA Grassroots and the AIA Convention, but expenses for these events, along with any other costs associated with other travel or conferences, are the responsibility of the RAD.

There are supplemental stipends available from AIA Virginia and AIA West Virginia.

Application Requirements

AIA Membership – Applicant must be an Associate AIA member in good standing within The Region of The Virginias (the State Components AIA West Virginia and AIA Virginia, including AIA Blue Ridge, AIA Central Virginia, AIA Hampton Roads, AIA Northern Virginia, and AIA Richmond) and must not be licensed at the time of submission.

Letter of Interest – From Applicant. Indicate understanding of the position, qualifications/experience, and reasons for seeking election. Limit one-page.

Letter of Nomination – From an AIA local or state component Board Member. Indicate connection between the RAD position and the Nominee’s leadership qualities. Limit one-page.

Letter of Recommendation – From an AIA member. Indicate Nominee’s qualifications for the RAD position. Limit one-page.

Letter of Support – From Employer. A Principal (or Officer) within the candidate’s firm must commit to supporting the candidate in fulfilling the role’s obligations. Limit one-page on company letterhead.

Personal Resume – Indicate education, employment history, organizations, activities, honors, and awards. Limit two pages (It is NOT in the applicant’s best interest to simply submit a firm resume with project experience).

Deadline

Completed applications must be submitted by email as a single PDF to Donna Dunay, FAIA, Region of The Virginias Representative to AIA Strategic Council (ddunay@vt.edu) AND Corey Clayborne, FAIA, Executive Vice President of AIA Virginia NLT Monday, November 30, 2020.

Selection Process

The Region’s nominating committee will prepare nominations to be reviewed and elected by the Board of Directors of the Region in December 2020 and January 2021.