The Association of Washington Cities (AWC) is seeking a collaborative, service-oriented full-time Employee Benefits Manager to lead the day-to-day operations of the AWC Employee Benefit Trust (Trust). This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced benefits professional who thrives in a leadership role, enjoys improving processes, and is committed to delivering exceptional customer service to Washington’s cities and towns. 

 Founded in 1933, AWC is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, which provides a wide array of services to Washington’s cities and towns. 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.

The Trust is a member service of the AWC and is Washington’s premier local government benefit pool for cities, towns, and other local governments. The Trust provides a broad selection of benefit insurance options and health management programs for members.

About the position: 

The Employee Benefits Manager oversees the Trust’s benefit operations, supervises a team of four staff, and works closely with the Trust’s administrative vendors, member employers, employees, retirees, and service providers. This position plays a key role in ensuring smooth program operations, staff development, and high quality support to members. 

The position manages strategic plan implementation, leads vendor relationships, guides staff providing technical assistance on benefit eligibility and enrollment, supports compliance with HIPAA privacy and security rules, and prepares materials for governance groups. The Employee Benefits Manager also collaborates closely with internal partners across the organization and provides staffing support for various events. 

Compensation and benefits: 

Salary 

The full salary range for this position is $97,402 to $146,104 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. 

Health insurance 

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. 

Retirement benefits 

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 towards eligible student loan payments. 

Paid leave 

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. 

Additional benefits 

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 for telework subject to approval and as determined by AWC.

Recruitment closes on January 26, 2026, at 5:00 pm. 

What you’ll be doing: 

• Lead and manage daily operations of the Employee Benefit Trust.  
• Supervise, mentor, and develop a team of four benefits staff.  
• Assist in the administration of the medical, dental, vision, life, LTD, EAP, long-term care, and tax favored account programs.  
• Conduct vendor meetings and ensure follow through on tasks and projects.  
• Ensure compliance with HIPAA privacy and security requirements.  
• Prepare materials and present information to governance and advisory groups.  
• Manage annual governance and advisory committee election activities.  
• Write, proof, and advise on Trust related communications.  
• Staff various Trust and AWC events. 
• Collaborate across departments and maintain external professional relationships.  
• Support continuity of operations and lead special projects as assigned. 

Requirements: 

• 5 years’ experience in benefits administration, preferably in the public sector, including local government or with a multi-employer association or non-profit organization.   
• 2 years’ experience in a supervisory position or demonstrated ability.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field; experience may be substituted year-for-year for academic achievement.
• HIPAA privacy training.
• Must maintain a Washington State driver’s license in good standing.

What you bring to the team: 

• Comprehensive understanding of benefit plan components (deductibles, coinsurance, copays, formularies).  
• Knowledge of relevant federal and state health care laws and regulations.  
• Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills.  
• Ability to manage confidential and time sensitive information.  
• Experienced in giving presentations to both large and small audiences. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 and capacity to learn new systems.  
• Clear understanding of fundamental math, accounting principles, and financial practices. 
• Commitment to high quality customer service and DEI principles. 

Working conditions: 

This exempt position requires flexibility for occasional extended hours, statewide travel (including 30+ overnights per year), and potential in person meetings.  

This role is mainly office-based, requiring extended desk and computer work. The position may involve lifting up to 30 pounds, standing, stooping, repetitive hand motions, and driving for extended periods. 

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. 

To request reasonable accommodations in the application process, please email recruiting@awcnet.org.  

AWC is looking for people who can help us achieve our mission and vision, not just check the boxes. If you’re excited about this role and interested in supporting local government, we encourage you to apply. You might just be the right candidate for this role or other roles at AWC! 

All offers of employment are contingent to authorization for employment in the United States, criminal background check, reference checks, and required education/credential verification. Information obtained from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but may be considered.

All AWC employees must work in Washington state, unless explicitly preapproved by the CEO to work in Oregon or Idaho. 

AWC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity on our team. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, gender identity or expression, as required by federal, state, and local laws.