ABOUT THE ASSOCIATION OF WASHINGTON CITIES

Founded in 1933, the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that provides a wide array of services to all 281 cities and towns in Washington State. AWC builds connections between Washington's diverse municipalities while delivering the support needed for them to thrive through data-driven education, nationally recognized pooling programs, and nonpartisan advocacy.

Membership is voluntary, and AWC proudly maintains 100% participation. AWC is a vibrant, fast-paced organization supported by 70 passionate employees with diverse subject-matter expertise. Guided by the belief that strong cities are essential to a great state, AWC works to strengthen local leadership, improve community well-being, and ensure that every city has the resources to succeed.

AWC's high-quality, trusted, cost-effective programs and services have been developed over the years to meet our members' diverse needs. Today, AWC is a thriving and multifaceted organization due to our ability to provide new, innovative, and relevant services. The compounded impact of these programs has increased AWC's overall effectiveness, creating stronger pooling programs and a stronger association.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Director of Member Pooling Programs leads and manages AWC's member pooling programs under the direction of the Chief Executive Officer. These programs include:

• The AWC Employee Benefit Trust (AWC Trust), which provides a broad selection of benefit options and health management programs for more than 280 entities, covering 19,000 employees and 40,000 lives.

• The AWC Risk Management Service Agency (RMSA), which is a member-owned and governed risk management pool for 112 of Washington's cities, towns, and special purpose districts.

• The AWC Workers' Comp Retro Program (Retro), which provides training and tools that empower its 132 members to lower risks for on-the-job injuries.

• The AWC Drug & Alcohol Consortium (D&A Consortium), which helps its 159 members comply with federally mandated U.S. Department of Transportation drug and alcohol testing requirements.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee the AWC Trust, RMSA, Retro, and D&A Consortium to achieve strategic and annual work plan goals and ensure alignment with AWC's organizational strategy.

• Ensure compliance with bylaws, resolutions, policies, procedures, and legal requirements, adopting best practices and modern business standards across all programs.

• Lead and manage a cohesive team of program directors, fostering collaboration to deliver high-quality solutions that address evolving health, risk management, and workplace safety needs for members.

• Be an active, contributing member of AWC's Executive Team, collaborating on developing and implementing organization-wide strategy and making decisions in the best interests of the organization and its member cities.

• Maintain consistent communication with program directors, pooling program staff, and other AWC programs to ensure integration, information sharing, and operational alignment.

• Oversee vendor relationships and contract compliance, ensuring performance standards are met and strategic goals are achieved.

• Oversee premium and benefit renewals with providers, contractors, vendors, and other program partners for each program and in conjunction with the strategic goals of each program.

• In partnership with program directors, develop reports and recommendations for the pooling program boards and advisory committees on rates, coverage, contracts, procedures, service providers, and all other aspects of programs and activities.

• Coordinate with the CEO, Deputy CEO/COO, CFO, and program directors to develop the agendas and meeting materials and information for board meetings and advisory committee meetings.

• Manage financial oversight for each program, including budget preparation, ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency.

• Represent AWC pooling programs before the AWC Board of Directors, legislative bodies, and state and national organizations related to pooling and self-insurance, serving as a visible advocate and industry leader.

• Cultivate partnerships with members, vendors, and the broader pooling community, fostering strong relationships to enhance program value and relevance.

• Maintain effective two-way communications with cities on all aspects of AWC services and on cities' risk management, health care, and workers' comp needs and developments.

• Ensure program operations adhere to security and data privacy policies, protect sensitive information, and contribute to the strategic needs of AWC.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate for the Director of Member Pooling Programs will bring a proven record of leadership, strategic vision, and operational excellence, demonstrating:

• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage effectively with city officials, members, vendors, and partners at local, state, and national levels.

• Strong leadership and supervisory abilities, with experience managing staff with varied subject-matter expertise, fostering collaboration, and ensuring accountability across diverse program areas.

• Proven success in overseeing multiple large-scale programs while balancing long-term strategic objectives with day-to-day operational priorities.

• Extensive knowledge of pooling programs, insurance, and risk management principles, including coverage agreements, underwriting rules, and compliance with applicable laws.

• Expertise in financial oversight, including budgeting, investment monitoring, premium and benefit renewals, and aligning fiscal decisions with program and organizational goals.

• Experience in governance and board relations, including preparing and presenting reports, policy recommendations, and operational updates to boards and committees.

• Ability to evaluate data and technological systems to modernize pool operations.

• Knowledge of legislative and advocacy processes and the ability to influence policy through informed discussion, written comments, and testimony.

• Commitment to understanding and embracing the diversity of our communities, and to providing inclusive and accessible services that are responsive to the needs of our members.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

• 7 years of experience in program administration, preferably benefits, including board and committee relations; and/or 3 years of senior management experience as a city manager or administrator, and/or COO/CAO in a similarly sized business or nonprofit.

• Experience working with and reporting to a board of directors.

• Bachelor's degree in a related field; advanced degree preferred. A combination of education, experience, and proven success in a similar role may substitute.

• Washington State driver's license in good standing.

ABOUT WORKING AT AWC

AWC is a collaborative and mission-driven environment where employees know they are providing valuable services and making a difference for Washington's cities and towns. AWC employees create an environment that embodies the following core values as the guiding principles of employee actions, behaviors, and interactions: collaboration, equity, innovation, integrity, and respect.

This position requires teamwork and relationship building with employees throughout AWC, which will include a substantial number of in-person meetings. AWC operates in a hybrid environment, where employees are generally free to work where they are most productive if conducive to the work and they are meeting results. Employees may need to be present in the office on a regular basis as needed for fostering leadership, maintaining strong team connections, and supporting effective collaboration and decision-making. Leading and managing others in a hybrid environment requires an additional level of skill and engagement to build effective teams, enable full participation of all employees, and ensure employees are getting the tools and interactions they need to be successful.

This is a full-time, exempt position. The 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. The candidate must have the ability to travel extensively within Washington State and nationally to conferences, trainings, events, and meetings, and to attend evening and weekend meetings as necessary. Driving an automobile is necessary and the incumbent may spend prolonged periods in a vehicle.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

AWC offers competitive, executive-level compensation and an exceptional benefits package.

Salary
The full salary range for this position is $165,515-$256,550 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.

Health insurance
AWC pays 100% of the medical premium for employees and 90% of the medical premium for spouse/domestic partner and children 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. The employer match can also be applied toward eligible student loan payments.

Paid leave
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 on enrollment in the medical insurance plans; access to outstanding performance awards and tuition assistance; and staff appreciation events.

Working and living in Washington State
AWC's office is located in Olympia, Washington, just blocks from the State Capitol. Washington is an exceptional place to live, learn, work, and play, providing a full range of thriving cities and towns, diverse landscapes, innovative industries, and cultural experiences.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

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.

All offers of employment are contingent upon 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.