Description

AIA Chicago’s Local Government Affairs Consultant is a new role created to advocate for our AIA members, support the value of architects as professionals, and promote design excellence and equity in Chicago’s built environment. The consultant will engage with our AIA counterparts at the state and national level and work to deepen relationships with city of Chicago agencies, policy makers, elected officials, and local allied organizations.

Key areas of the Contract Position

Build and cultivate relationships and communication with our AIA counterparts at the state and national levels, government and elected officials, and allied organizations in the City of Chicago to track issues that impact the architecture profession.
In collaboration with AIA Chicago’s Board of Directors Advocacy Committee, assist in mobilizing and engaging chapter members on advocacypriorities, with a key focus on climate action and equity in the built environment.
 

Essential Responsibilities
The Local Government Affairs Consultant reports to AIA Chicago’s Executive Director and works closely with the Board VP of Advocacy and the Sr Director of Member Resources and Advocacy.

Relationship Development and Policy Research (60% of time)

• Participate in regular meetings with key partner organizations including, but not limited to, AIA National and AIA Illinois
• Build relationships with and monitor relevant City of Chicago Departments, committees, internal task force meetings, and community initiatives for topics of interest to AIA Chicago

Communication and Mobilizing Members (40% of time)

• Assist the Board of Directors Advocacy Committee in shaping the annual 2-3 policy issues critical to members and the profession, in relation to the strategic plan.
• Attend the monthly Board of Directors Advocacy Committee meetings, sharing updates and action items.
• As needed, draft policy support or opposition letters for review and approval by the Board
• Write issue position papers for members to use with speaking with their local City Council members (Alderpeople).
• Assist in writing the chapter’s quarterly member updates for the newsletter.
• Prepare an annual report for the Board of Directors summarizing initiatives and advocacy actions

Requirements

Required Skills / Experience / Education

• Demonstrated experience in advocacy organizing, lobbying, coalition engagement and/or grassroots advocacy
  Familiarity with governmental departments in Chicago
• Bachelor’s degree in public affairs, public policy, government affairs, communications, built environment field or relevant field or equivalent lived experience
• Experience with and knowledge of architecture and built environment fields and allied organizations a plus

Compensation
The position in 2026 is scoped at 15 hours per month on a monthly retainer fee of $3,000 to fulfill the spirit and purpose of the contract. Demonstrating growth and impact by the Consultant, the Chapter seeks to scale up the hours over the next three years to 25 hours per month.

To apply
Please submit a current resume and letter of introduction to [email protected], Attn: Jen Masengarb, Assoc AIA, Executive Director and Fred Grier, AIA, Vice President of Advocacy. The letter is an opportunity to share your specific interest in AIA Chicago’s mission in advocating for our architect members, as well as outline your experience in prior similar advocacy work.

Application deadline
Tuesday, June 30, 2026