Strategic Communications Analyst

Association of Washington Cities (AWC) is recruiting a full-time Strategic Communications Analyst 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:

This position develops, coordinates, and implements a variety of content and projects designed to raise visibility of the pivotal role of cities and towns, further organizational advocacy, and education efforts, and collect and share data on city issues and trends. The position manages projects, edits a quarterly magazine, develops reports, finds city case studies, and streamlines technical content through various formats to support advocacy efforts, educate and inform city officials, and persuade decision-makers.

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 $84,026 to $126,038 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

This position may be able to telework one or two days a week during certain times of the year, or for certain time periods, subject to approval and as determined by AWC.

Recruitment closes on July 22, 2025, at 9:00 am.

What you’ll be doing

• Develop and maintain working knowledge of city current events, trends, and AWC’s advocacy and education role with its members to ensure proper, timely, and coordinated content strategy
• Coordinate with Communications team to develop and implement an annual communications strategy that includes various channels including print, electronic, audio, video, etc.
• Apply understanding of local government practices and challenges to develop publications, magazines, and print/electronic resources for members
• Manage magazine/content, creative process and outside contributors and partners as necessary
• Coordinate a cross-functional team to produce the annual production of the State of the Cities report to include project managing the timeline, content creation, data collection, drafting, editing, graphics deliberation, publication, and communication with members
• Manage and provide support for projects related to updating various surveys, reports, and publications
• Produce general information about cities and their value to the state, using electronic, graphic, and print resources, coordinate with others as necessary
• Write reports, fact sheets, and technical information for print and web publications as well as educational content
• Plan, write, and manage content for recurring electronic newsletters and website, ensuring alignment with organizational messaging, advocacy, and member interests
• Serve as backup to the Communications Director for media inquiries
• Develop organized inventory of city case studies, stories, and qualitative data to share with members and to support development of other internal communications
• Identify experts to design, produce, and deliver/execute content plans as needed
• Develop education content and coordinate training opportunities, as assigned, which may include print/electronic resources, webinars, or stand-alone workshops
• Deliver presentations and speak at training and education events
• Assist members to effectively share AWC messaging and provide templates with concise messages and tools
• Incumbent may travel to trainings and events; overnight stays generally will not exceed 15 nights per year

Requirements:

• 5 years demonstrated work experience to include project management, writing/editing, content creation and familiarity with Washington local government, the state legislature, or intergovernmental relations. City-specific knowledge is a plus
• Bachelor’s degree in political science, public administration, communications, or a related field required. Master’s degree a plus
• Must possess a Washington State driver’s license in good standing

What you bring to the team:

• Ability to operate in a collaborative environment that encourages and supports competency, dedication, creativity, innovation, and efficiency
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams to deliver complex projects
• Ability to condense technical research and complex messages into concise statements
• Superior writing, editing and oral communications skills; must be detail-oriented and accurate; demonstrated ability to convey complex subject matter in a clear and understandable style
• Strong planning and organizational skills, demonstrated ability to manage converging priorities to deliver high-quality products under tight deadlines
• Creativity and willingness to experiment with new ideas and approaches to projects
• Strong interpersonal skills, including communicating effectively under pressure and with diverse audiences
• Ability to work in a team environment, managing projects, collaborating closely, and assisting team members as needed
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft 365 office products and have the ability to learn and use a wide variety of proprietary software
• Ability to make effective decisions and to act independently in managing and coordinating assigned duties
• Possess strong public speaking skills
• Ability to model the organization’s 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
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactive management of personal bias
• Protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data, assets, and services through understanding of and adherence to all security and data privacy policies and practices
• Knowledge of local government operations or the Washington state legislative process is a plus

Working conditions:

The incumbent may work irregular and may begin and end work beyond the normal workday when necessary. Work performed primarily in an office setting and at assigned locations across Washington state. Sedentary in nature, prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. 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 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 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.