Project Coordinator Government Relations

Association of Washington Cities (AWC) is recruiting a full-time Project Coordinator to join our Government Relations team. If youre passionate about supporting cities managing impactful programs and collaborating with diverse partners this is your opportunity to make a difference!

Founded in 1933 AWC is a private nonprofit nonpartisan organization which provides a wide array of services to all 281 cities and towns in the State of Washington. AWC builds connections between our states 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. Membership is voluntary and we are proud that AWC maintains 100% participation. 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.

About the position

The Project Coordinator develops manages and implements grant programs and special initiatives for cities oversees the GIS Consortium and represents city interests in collaborative projects. This position works closely with consultants partners and city officials to deliver innovative solutions and resources that address member needs.

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 $84026 - $126038 annually. The top candidates 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 employees base salary subject to IRS thresholds. Employer match can also be applied towards 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 $1980 based upon enrollment in the medical insurance plans; access to outstanding performance awards and tuition assistance; and staff appreciation events.

This position works full-time in the AWC office in Olympia WA during the legislative session and may telework on certain days of the week for the remainder of the year subject to approval and as determined by AWC.

Recruitment closes on December 29 2025 at 9 am.

What youll be doing:

• Identify emerging issues impacting members and develop and coordinate appropriate programs educational events and publications to meet those needs.
• Develop outreach programs methods and communication tools to convey information to the organizations members regarding projects.
• Manage the Alternative Response Team Grant program and other grants as assigned. Management includes coordinating contract development and implementation meeting compliance requirements managing grant applications and awards and awardee contracts and reimbursements.
• Manage the GIS Consortium including member relations and coordination with Consortium services partner including services and marketing and internal administration.
• Seek out and manage grant funding opportunities that provide benefits and have nexus for cities.
• Represent city interests to develop and manage the organizations portion of a variety of projects including work with other associations city county state and federal agencies as required.
• Develop negotiate and manage work program budgets contracts and products/billings for any consultants contractors and public or private clients involved with projects and programs.
• Design develop and manage reports utilizing multiple information databases. Analyze data to ensure information meets user and program needs.
• Visualize and present data in ways that are insightful and easy to understand to assist informed decision-making.
• Serve as program liaison between cities elected officials and staff and appropriate state agencies and/or workgroups involving special projects and other related efforts.
• Assist with Small City Advisory Committee and annual regional small city connector meetings as needed.
• Coordinate with outside groups and organizations that provide critical resources to cities.
• Manage and coordinate research activities like the Tax and User Fee Survey and City Conditions Survey as assigned including managing the work of any temporary research assistant staff.
• Deliver presentations and speak at training events or meetings.
• Collaborate as an effective team member or team leader to plan organize and implement projects workshops/conferences and committee meetings.
• Write and edit articles fact sheets research reports and technical information for print and electronic publications.

Requirements:

• 5 years experience in public administration local government or related field
• Bachelors degree in a related field; Masters degree preferred; experience may be substituted year-for-year for academic achievement

What you bring to the team:

• Superior knowledge of local government and operations (cities preferred).
• Skilled at project management (scope and budget) and effective negotiation techniques.
• Ability to organize and analyze data and make recommendations based on results.
• Ability to market programs and proactively outreach to members to ensure member exposure to programs and opportunities.
• Knowledge of operating structures of Federal State and municipal governments.
• Knowledge of state and local budgetary and legislative processes.
• Ability to plan organize and prioritize multiple diverse work tasks.
• Ability to make effective decisions and to act independently in managing and coordinating assigned duties.
• Ability to juggle competing demands between long-term projects and emergent needs.
• Ability to work as a member of a team and to collaborate on program initiatives.
• Strong written and oral communication skills and the ability to articulate complex information in a form which is comprehensible to a diverse audience.
• Demonstrates creativity and willingness to experiment with new ideas.
• Ability to be flexible and open to changing priorities and managing multiple tasks simultaneously within compressed timeframes.
• Ability to meet deadlines and complete assigned tasks in a timely manner.
• Ability to plan organize and prioritize multiple diverse work tasks for self.
• Ability to model the organizations high standards of quality customer service to all internal and external customers; represent AWC in a positive professional manner while using tact discretion and courtesy.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 office products and have the ability to learn and use a wide variety of proprietary software.

Working conditions:

The incumbent may work irregular hours and may begin and end work beyond the normal workday when necessary. Position requires teamwork and relationship building with staff in other departments which includes a substantial number of in-person meetings. Employees are expected 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.

Work is performed primarily in an office setting and is sedentary in nature with prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Incumbent must be able to lift and carry objects up to 30 pounds at times. Work may involve standing for long periods stooping repetitive motions with hand wrist and fingers. Driving an automobile is necessary incumbent may spend prolonged periods in a vehicle.

To request reasonable accommodations in the application process please email

AWC is looking for people who can help us achieve our mission and vision not just check the boxes. If youre 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.