COTE Call for new Leaders- open May 15 - June 16!

Starts:  May 15, 2023 05:00 PM (ET)
Ends:  Jun 16, 2023 05:00 PM (ET)
Associated with  Committee on the Environment

2024 Call for Applications to join COTE (Committee on the Environment) Leadership Group

Information and Expectations

The AIA Knowledge Communities (KC’s) are volunteer member-led special interest groups of the AIA national organization. They help members to connect with others who share the same passions and commitment - and develop projects that advance the profession and the collective work of the AIA.

COTE Overview

The Committee on the Environment (COTE®) is an American Institute of Architects Knowledge Community working for architects, allied professionals, and the public to achieve climate action and climate justice through design. We believe that design excellence is the foundation of a healthy, sustainable, and equitable future. Our work promotes design strategies that empower all AIA members to realize the best social and environmental outcomes with the clients and the communities they serve.

Members of the Leadership Group work on behalf of AIA COTE implementing projects and programs that uphold its goals:

  • COTE expands its partnerships, actively listen, and act collectively.
  • COTE helps architects transform their practices for climate action and climate justice.
  • COTE elevates stories about people, buildings, and positive change. 
  • COTE promotes policies that advance the AIA’s mission and ours.
  • COTE connects and empowers the COTE community and allies.

Open Positions in the COTE Leadership Group:

We encourage all AIA members to participate by applying to serve on the national Leadership Group (LG) or by serving on a project subcommittee. LG members serve a term of three years, and those who hold the chair position serve a term of four years. All applications will be considered. Past participation in the COTE Network, or COTE programs is not a requirement for a position in the Leadership Group but is welcome.

The COTE LG is typically comprised of eight to twelve members who serve for three years in staggered terms. We are currently seeking statements of qualifications, interest, and availability from individuals seeking to serve on a leadership group at the national level. We encourage applications from members who are new to volunteer leadership positions, and are prioritizing candidates with experience in and passion for:

·         Climate action with a focus on social and ecological impacts and carbon literacy

·         Climate justice with a focus on implementation and civic leadership

·         Materials and supply chain ethics

·         Design excellence and sustainability

·         Policymaking and advocacy

Who we are looking for

The composition of the COTE LG in any given time frame should represent or enhance the diversity of the overall AIA membership. All candidates should potentially be able to serve the KC as Chair in their third year on the LG, demonstrating the experience and leadership skills to establish and execute strategic initiatives on behalf of the KC and its membership.

Leadership Group member expectations:

  • Participate in one-hour, monthly calls that provide general updates across the Leadership Group, and deep dives into relevant subjects and ongoing workstreams.
  • Lead or participate in working groups in any given season, volunteering 3 – 5 additional hours per month. These include groups that focus on initiatives such as:
    • flagship programs (the COTE Top Ten Awards and the COTE Top Ten for Students Competition),
    • on-going work (such as advocacy, communications, and events),
    • issue-based work driven by key priorities (such as enriching all COTE activities with the focus on climate action and climate justice and carbon literacy); as well as
    • efforts to interact with other AIA groups and outside-of-AIA groups around key mission-aligned topics.

We typically meet at least once in person and hold at least one virtual planning sessions; timing for these can vary. Expenses for travel are reimbursed. There is an opportunity to attend the annual AIA Knowledge Leadership Assembly (virtually or in person), and subject matter focused meetings of AIA groups and leaders; these are partially reimbursed. May be virtual in 2024. (KLA provides an opportunity for knowledge community leaders, the Board Knowledge Committee, and AIA staff to network, share knowledge and best practices, and build coalitions.)  

Qualifications statements:

  • Letter of Interest including a vision of what you would like to accomplish during your appointment and any relevant experience with the topics prioritized above. Please state your current availability and note any ongoing terms of volunteer service that may overlap with this position.
  • Resume describing:
    • Professional accomplishments including contribution to, and attendance at KC events, subcommittee work, etc.
    • Design experience, awards, publications, speaking events, knowledge sharing; what are the skills that you would bring to the committee that complement the existing leadership.
  • Letter of Commitment from a leader in your firm that demonstrates your firm’s commitment to supporting your involvement and time.

Apply

Submit the above information via
the online form by 5 pm ET on June 16, 2023.

Questions? Please contact Lisa Ferretto at LisaFerretto@aia.org.  

 

The American Institute of Architects actively promotes a diverse profession, including race, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or sexual orientation. COTE strives to be an inclusive Knowledge Community representing diversity of thought, geographic diversity, both traditional and non-traditional practice and as well as providing opportunities for seasoned professionals, associate members, and young architects.