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.

Compensation and benefits:

Salary

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.

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 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.

What you’ll be doing:

• 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, events, and publications.
• Plan and coordinate annual regional small city connector meetings, conference sessions, Annual Conference track, and trainings for elected officials and staff.
• Identify and coordinate trainings for elected officials and staff from small cities, including identifying relevant topics, speakers, locations, session/workshop descriptions.
• Develop and maintain resources for small cities such as the Small City Resource Manual and best-practice for addressing small city challenges.
• Identify and coordinate with outside groups and organizations that provide critical resources to small cities.
• Develop outreach programs, methods, and communication tools to convey information to the organization’s small city members.
• Advise internal AWC teams on the unique needs and challenges of small city members.
• Frequent travel to trainings, events, and member consultations/visits and events, overnight stays generally will not exceed 45 nights per year.

Requirements:

• 5 years’ experience in public administration, city clerk, or city finance and budgeting (small city experience preferred). 
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field; Master’s degree preferred; experience may be substituted year-for-year for academic achievement.
• Maintain a Washington State drivers license in good standing. 

What you bring to the team:

• Superior knowledge of small city administration including but not limited to functions of the city clerk, open government laws, and budgeting and finance.
• Experience with program marketing and outreach methods to ensure member exposure to new programs and opportunities.
• Superior knowledge of local government and operations (cities preferred).
• Knowledge of operating structures of municipal governments.
• Knowledge of local budgetary and legislative processes.
• Skilled at project management (scope and budget) and effective negotiation techniques.
• Knowledge of seeking and/or administering grants.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex topics to diverse audiences.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 and the ability to learn new systems quickly.

Working conditions:

Hours worked by exempt employees are often irregular and may begin and end beyond the normal workday when necessary to participate in meetings, meet deadlines, perform duties, and accomplish tasks and goals.

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.   

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.