Workers' Comp Retro/Drug & Alcohol Program Director

The Association of Washington Cities (AWC) is seeking an experienced and strategic Workers’ Compensation Retro/Drug and Alcohol Program Director to lead two programs serving Washington’s cities: the Workers’ Compensation Retrospective Rating Program (Retro) and the Drug & Alcohol Consortium (D&A). This position plays a critical leadership role in claims management, loss prevention, regulatory compliance, member engagement, and program sustainability, ensuring cities receive high-quality risk management services and support.

Founded in 1933, AWC is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, which provides a wide array of services to Washington’s cities and towns. 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.

The AWC Workers’ Comp Retro Program provides training and tools that empower employers to lower risks for on-the-job injuries. The Retro program’s focus is on injury prevention and safety to reduce our members’ overall workers’ compensation costs and provide the opportunity for refunds.   

About the position:

This role manages the daily operations of the Retro and D&A programs, and provides strategic direction to staff on the team. The individual in this position is responsible for overseeing both claims and loss prevention services within the Retro Program, focusing on retaining current members and developing new membership. Additionally, the program director provides direction and oversight for the D&A Consortium, ensuring that all members adhere to federal regulations.

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 fully paid by AWC 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 (IRS limits apply). 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 February 11, 2026, at 5:00 pm.

What you’ll be doing:

• Provide strategic leadership and day-to-day oversight of the Workers’ Compensation Retro Program and the Drug & Alcohol Consortium.
• Oversee workers’ compensation claims management, ensuring effective use of risk management tools, strong documentation, and proactive communication.
• Lead membership retention and new member development for both programs.
• Develop, monitor, and manage program budgets and financial performance. 
• Develop annual communication and training plans focused on safety culture, claims trends, and regulatory compliance.
• Maintain WorkSafe Employer standards that reflect workers’ comp best practices for basis of awards program. 
• Provide consultative and technical services to participating members of the Retro Program. 
• Provide staff support, participation, and preparation of meeting and meeting materials for the program governance committee and board. 
• Negotiate contracts and oversee performance and deliverables of contracted vendors and consultants for both programs. 
• Serve as liaison to the Washington State Labor and Industries Retro Program. 
• Oversee the program administration, regulatory compliance, and member services of the D&A Consortium, including technical inquiries, communications, and training. 
• Collaborate with fellow Member Pooling Program directors to address evolving risk management, health, and workplace safety needs across MPP member programs.  
• Supervise, mentor, and develop three employees and two indirect employees.
• Incumbent will travel to trainings and events; overnight stays are expected to exceed 20 nights per a year.  

Requirements:

• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience overseeing operations of a workers’ compensation program or related experience. 
• At least 3 years’ experience in a supervisory position or demonstrated ability. 
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field; Master’s degree preferred; experience may be substituted year-for-year for academic achievement. 
• Related designations preferred. 
• Must maintain a valid Washington state driver’s license in good standing. 

What you bring to the team:

•  Extensive knowledge and skill in all aspects of state workers’ compensation law and practices, and workers’ compensation retrospective rating program.
• Knowledge of U.S. Department of Transportation drug and alcohol testing regulations, with particular focus on their applicability to governmental entities. 
• Knowledge of statistical analysis. 
• Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills.  
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 and capacity to learn new systems. 
• Clear understanding of fundamental math, accounting principles, and financial practices.
• Commitment to high quality customer service and DEI principles.
• Ability to manage confidential and time sensitive information.  
• Skilled communicator, skilled in both oral and written communication with internal and external customers.
• Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize multiple diverse work tasks for self and others. 

Working conditions:

This exempt position requires flexibility for occasional extended hours, statewide travel (including 20+ overnights per year), and potential in person meetings. 

This role is primarily office-based, with extended desk and computer work. Duties may include lifting up to 30 pounds, standing or driving for long periods, repetitive hand motions, and walking or working on uneven terrain. Tasks can also involve climbing, kneeling, crawling, and occasional exposure to hazardous materials, loud noises, and varying climates; employees must use proper PPE in potentially hazardous environments. Driving is required and may involve lengthy periods in a vehicle.

To request reasonable accommodations in the application process, please email [email protected].

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.