Program Manager

The Association of Washington Cities (AWC) is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Small Cities Program Manager
. This full‑time role is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing a technical assistance program tailored to the needs of small cities and towns in Washington state with populations under 5,000. The incumbent is expected to develop and implement program workplans, negotiate contracts, and oversee program budgets. Serving as the point of contact for elected officials and city staff, the Small Cities Program Manager will conduct field visits and coordinate with external organizations that provide key resources.

The position will work with a wide variety of issues relevant to small cities, including governance, compliance, finance, and operations.

Founded in 1933, AWC is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, which provides a wide array of services to cities and towns in the State of Washington. AWC builds connections between our state’s diverse cities and towns, while providing our members with the support needed to thrive through delivery of data‑driven education, nationally recognized pooling programs, and nonpartisan advocacy. AWC is a vibrant, fast‑paced organization supported by 70 employees who are passionate about serving our members.

We have a diverse team with subject matter expertise in various areas.

AWC welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. We value the unique views, backgrounds, experiences, expertise, and potential of all our employees. We are committed to following our core values of collaboration, equity, innovation, integrity, and respect.

The full salary range for this position is $109,090 - $163,636 annually. The top candidate’s placement within the range will typically fall between the minimum and 25th percentile of the range, depending on education, training, experience, and other conditions consistent with AWC policy. A compensation market analysis is completed every other year. As outlined in policy, AWC employees generally receive an annual adjustment based on market and economic changes, and an increase based on meeting full performance expectations.

AWC pays 100% of the medical premium for employees and 90% of the medical premium for spouse/domestic partner and child(ren) up to age 26. Dental and vision insurance are 100% employer‑paid for employees and eligible dependents.

For every $1 an employee contributes toward their 401(k), AWC matches the contribution with $1.20, up to 10% of the employee’s base salary, subject to IRS thresholds. Employer match can also be applied toward eligible student loan payments.

Employees accrue four hours of paid vacation leave in the first year of employment for every semi‑monthly pay period, with vacation accrual increasing over time; four hours of paid sick leave for every semi‑monthly pay period; 11 paid holidays and two floating holidays each year.

Basic life insurance and disability insurance; employer‑funded Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) ranging from $770 to $1,980 based upon enrollment in the medical insurance plans; access to outstanding performance awards and tuition assistance; and staff appreciation events.

This position is eligible to telework on certain days of the week, subject to approval and as determined by AWC.

Recruitment closes on March 23, 2026, at 5:00 pm.

• Develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive technical assistance and services program for small cities, including supervising contracted technical advisors/consultants who provide these services.
• Develop partnerships and facilitate programs where small cities can access cost‑effective, peer‑to‑peer technical assistance, training, and services.
• Manage program budget, contracts, and vendor relationships, including negotiating scopes of work and monitoring expenditures.
• Serve as staff lead for the Small City Advisory Committee, including agenda and content development, coordination with co‑chairs, and identify potential new members.
• Identify emerging issues impacting the organization’s small city members and coordinate responses through trainings,…