Director of Events, Education, and Engagement

Association of Washington Cities; Olympia (WA); Hybrid; USD 146,000 - 228,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a dynamic Director of Events, Education, and Engagement to lead innovative programming and conferences. This role involves strategic oversight of events and educational initiatives, fostering collaboration among diverse municipal leaders. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in event and project management, demonstrating a commitment to community engagement and professional development. Join a vibrant organization dedicated to supporting local governments and making a meaningful impact across Washington's cities and towns.

Benefits

100% Medical Premium Coverage

90% Medical Premium for Dependents

401k with Employer Matching

Paid Vacation Leave

Paid Sick Leave

Sabbatical Program

Tuition Assistance

Outstanding Performance Awards

Training and Development Opportunities

Staff Events

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in event management and program development.
• Bachelor's degree in relevant field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee annual budget for events and education, ensuring strategic alignment.
• Lead planning and execution of major conferences and events.

Skills

Event Management

Project Management

Program Development

Communication Skills

Analytical Skills

Team Leadership

Local Government Knowledge

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration

Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration

Bachelor's Degree in Political Science

Tools

Microsoft M365 Suite

Database Software

Job description

Association of Washington Cities (AWC) is recruiting a full-time Director of Events, Education, and Engagement to join our dynamic and customer orientated team.

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 state’s diverse cities and towns, while providing our members with the support needed to thrive through delivery of data-driven education, nationally recognized polling 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.

Summary:

Under the CEO's direction and in collaboration with the Executive Team, this position plans and produces AWC's conferences and events, leads educational programs like the Certificate of Municipal Leadership (CML), and provides professional development for municipal officials. The Director also oversees the Center for Quality Communities, fostering knowledge sharing and innovation among Washington’s 281 cities and towns. Part of the Executive Team, the Director supports core values and a positive workplace environment.

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.

What we offer:

• Exceptional benefits – AWC pays 100% of medical premium for employee and 90% of the medical premium for spouse/domestic partner and child(ren) up to age 26; and 100% of dental and vision insurance
• Basic life insurance and disability insurance
• Four hours of paid vacation leave in first year of employment for every semi-monthly pay period, with generous increase in vacation hours earned thereafter
• Four hours of paid sick leave for every semi-monthly pay period
• 11 paid holidays and two floating holidays each year
• 401k with employer matching up to 10% of employee salary or eligible student loan payments
• Opportunity for outstanding performance awards and tuition assistance
• Employer funded HRA ($770 to $1,980 depending on dependents)
• Sabbatical program
• Staff events
• Training and development opportunities
• A workplace where you know you are providing valuable services and making a difference

The salary range for this position is $146,474 to $227,035 annually. The top candidate’s placement within the range will reflect education, training, and experience consistent with AWC policies

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

Recruitment closes on May 12, at 5:00 pm.

What you’ll be doing

• Oversee the development of the AWC annual budget for events, education, and member engagement; ensure resources are used wisely and in keeping with strategic plan and budget.
• Lead a team of staff to develop educational programming to meet our members’ professional development and training needs.
• Lead the planning and execution of AWC’s 5 major conferences. Coordinate with vendors, speakers, and sponsors to ensure the success of these events.
• Lead the planning and execution of other AWC events and identify other opportunities for bringing our members together to support our strategic plan and organizational mission.
• Work collaboratively with the Communications Director to develop strategies that drive participation and engagement in AWC events and educational programs.
• Utilize data to evaluate the success of AWC’s events, educational programming, and engagement efforts, and adjust future programs to best meet the needs of our membership.
• Build relationships with our city and town members to understand their needs and challenges, and develop events, education, and engagement programs to meet those needs and address those challenges.
• Serve as the primary staff lead for various governance groups.
• Facilitate opportunities for peer-to-peer engagement, for city officials to provide technical assistance, training, and education to their peers, and provide opportunities for cities and towns to partner to promote increased efficiencies and effectiveness of municipal services.
• Build strong partnerships with other organizations, governmental agencies, and higher education institutions to meet the needs of AWC’s member cities.
• Supervise four full-time employees, including performance management.
• Frequent overnight travel to trainings and events within Washington State.

Requirements:

• 7 years’ experience of progressively responsible experience with demonstrated success in event management, project management, program development, city management, association management, or a combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Experience working in or with local government is highly desirable
• Excellent organizational skills, including multitasking, time management, and meticulous attention to detail
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in public administration, business administration, hospitality, political science, or other related discipline is desirable
• Must maintain a Washington State driver’s license in good standing

What you bring to the team:

• Ability to effectively supervise a diverse team of staff
• Ability to make effective and independent decisions and coordinate assigned duties of self and others
• Skilled communicator and collaborator with individuals and groups, both internal and external
• Ability to effectively interface with and serve diverse members’ needs
• Superior knowledge of local government governance and operations (cities preferred)
• Strong research and analytical skills
• Extensive working knowledge of the principles and practices utilized in modern communications with the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Knowledge of advocacy and legislative process, and familiarity with city government
• Skilled in information technology systems and database/software operations
• Project management skills with demonstrated ability to multi-task and set priorities within tight timelines and high internal and external customer expectations
• Ability to be flexible to changing priorities and managing multiple tasks simultaneously within compressed timeframes
• A commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactive management of personal bias
• A team player who enjoys working in a demanding position
• Highly proficient in Microsoft M365 Suite and ability to learn and use a variety of proprietary software

Working conditions:

The incumbent may often work irregular hours and may begin and end work beyond the normal workday when necessary. Work is performed primarily in an office setting and sedentary in nature, with prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Incumbent must be able to lift up to and carry 30 pounds at times. Work may also 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 accommodation in the application process, please email [e-mail].

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 degree/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.