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Public Programs Manager Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

City of Sammamish

Capital Programs Manager

Sammamish, WA · On-site +1

$143K - $196K/yr

Work with a dedicated and supportive team passionate about public service. Work-Life Balance ... Capital Programs Manager performs highly complex professional, technical, and managerial work ...

King County, WA

Labor Equity Program Supervisor

Seattle, WA · On-site

$123K - $157K/yr

Ideal candidates will have passion for equity and social justice; experience working with public programs; and the ability to lead and engage others. Scope of Job Duties * Manage day-to-day program ...

King County

Labor Equity Program Supervisor

Seattle, WA · On-site

Ideal candidates will have passion for equity and social justice; experience working with public programs; and the ability to lead and engage others. Scope of Job Duties * Manage day-to-day program ...

New

King County

Labor Equity Program Supervisor

Seattle, WA · On-site

$123K - $157K/yr

Ideal candidates will have passion for equity and social justice; experience working with public programs; and the ability to lead and engage others. Scope of Job Duties Manage day-to-day program ...

Meta

Public Policy Manager, Northwest

Seattle, WA · On-site +1

$153K/yr

Public Policy Manager, Northwest Responsibilities: * Identify, monitor and analyze state ... Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note ...

King County

Public Health Nurse - TB Program

Seattle, WA · On-site

$41.82 - $57.13/hr

Public Health Nurse (PHN) provides case management services to patients with active or latent ... Wellness programs * Onsite activity centers * Employee Giving Program * Employee assistance ...

HDR

Highways Program Manager

Seattle, WA · On-site

... other programs and industry best management practices to address WSDOT's needs * Inform program public and agency engagement strategy in consultation with Program Management * Work in close ...

HDR

Highways Program Manager

Seattle, WA · On-site

... other programs and industry best management practices to address WSDOT's needs * Inform program public and agency engagement strategy in consultation with Program Management * Work in close ...

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All JobsPublic Programs JobsPublic Programs Manager JobsPublic Programs Manager Jobs in Seattle, WA

Public Programs Manager information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$11.9K

$52.6K

$65.5K

How much do public programs manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for public programs manager in Seattle, WA is $52,614.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,292.00 and $62,233.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a public programs manager?

Public Programs Managers are professionals responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing educational or community-focused events and initiatives, often within museums, cultural organizations, nonprofits, or government agencies. They coordinate public outreach activities, manage budgets, and collaborate with various stakeholders to ensure programs meet organizational goals and serve the community effectively. Their work involves strategic planning, team leadership, and evaluating program success to enhance audience engagement.

What are some common challenges faced by public programs managers when planning community events?

Public Programs Managers often encounter challenges such as balancing diverse community interests, managing tight budgets, and ensuring logistical details run smoothly. They must coordinate with multiple stakeholders—including vendors, local officials, and partner organizations—to deliver engaging and accessible programs. Flexibility and strong problem-solving skills are crucial, as unforeseen issues like weather changes or last-minute cancellations may arise. Successful managers proactively communicate with their teams and adapt plans to meet both organizational goals and community needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a public programs manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Public Programs Manager, you need expertise in program development, event planning, and community engagement, often supported by a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as public administration, education, or arts management. Familiarity with project management tools, CRM systems, and event management software is typically required. Outstanding communication, organizational, and leadership skills help you effectively collaborate with stakeholders and manage diverse teams. These competencies are vital for delivering impactful public programs that meet organizational goals and serve community needs.

What is the difference between Public Programs Manager vs Community Outreach Coordinator?

AspectPublic Programs ManagerCommunity Outreach Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's degree in public administration, communications, or related field; experience in program managementBachelor's degree; experience in community engagement or outreach
Work EnvironmentOffice-based with fieldwork for community eventsPrimarily community-facing, organizing events and outreach activities
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, non-profits, educational institutionsNon-profits, government, social service organizations
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in public program managementComparing community engagement roles

The Public Programs Manager oversees the planning and execution of public initiatives, often managing teams and budgets. The Community Outreach Coordinator focuses on engaging with communities directly, organizing events, and building relationships. While both roles involve community interaction, the manager has broader program oversight, whereas the coordinator emphasizes grassroots engagement.

What are the most commonly searched types of Public Programs jobs in Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Public Programs jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What are popular job titles related to Public Programs Manager jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Public Programs Manager jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Public Programs Manager jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Public Programs Manager jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Public Programs Manager jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Public Programs Manager job openings:

Public Programs Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Programs Manager job openings in Seattle, WA as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,614 per year, or $25.3 per hour.

Capital Programs Manager

Sammamish, WA • On-site, Remote

City of Sammamish, WA
See more jobs at City of Sammamish, WAexternal

$143K - $196K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Supervises, leads, and develops project engineers, inspectors, and related staff, assigning work and monitoring performance.

  • Leads development, implementation, and monitoring of the Public Works Six-Year Capital Improvement Program, Transportation Improvement Program, and project budgets.

  • Manages the complete project life cycle of high-risk capital projects, including initiation, planning, design, permitting, procurement, construction, and closeout.

Job description

Salary: $143,036.00 - $196,372.00 Annually
Location : City Hall, 801 228th Avenue SE, Sammamish, WA
Job Type: Full-Time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 00297
Department: Public Works
Division: Public Works Admin
Opening Date: 08/24/2026
Closing Date: 9/15/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: Non-represented
The City of Sammamish is a safe, family-friendly suburb in the Seattle area. The community boasts amenities found in a much larger community, all while maintaining its small-town charm. Sammamish has quality neighborhoods, vibrant natural resources, high-quality schools, retail offerings, and an abundance of recreational opportunities.
Description
Are you a strategic capital projects leader who thrives on turning complex ideas into successful, community-serving infrastructure? City of Sammamish is seeking an experienced professional to lead the Capital Projects Division and help shape the delivery of its Public Works Capital Improvement Program.
Why join us?
  • Impactful Work: Help shape city's infrastructure investments and build the foundation for a thriving community.
  • Professional Growth: Access to continuous learning opportunities and career advancement.
  • Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance, FSA, retirement plans, and generous paid time off (vacation and sick).
  • Collaborative Environment: Work with a dedicated and supportive team passionate about public service.
  • Work-Life Balance: Hybrid work schedules and a commitment to your well-being; 14 paid holidays plus a floating holiday.

Capital Programs Manager performs highly complex professional, technical, and managerial work overseeing the City's Capital Projects Division and delivery of the Public Works Capital Improvement Program. Provides full-cycle leadership for municipal capital projects from initiation, feasibility, scoping, budgeting, and funding strategy through design, permitting, procurement, construction, closeout, final acceptance, and post-construction evaluation. Supervises and develops project engineers and inspection staff; establishes consistent project management systems, technical standards, quality controls, and performance measures; and serves as a senior technical expert and second-level reviewer for complex design and construction matters. Applies critical and innovative thinking to improve delivery methods, keep specifications and practices current, meet program milestones, and reduce operational, financial, contractual, safety, and legal risk.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The essential functions listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility.
Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
  • Supervises, leads, and develops project engineers, inspectors, and related professional, technical, contract, temporary, and intern staff; assigns work, establishes expectations, monitors workload and quality, evaluates performance, addresses performance concerns, and provides ongoing coaching and technical consultation.
  • Leads development, implementation, and monitoring of the Public Works Six-Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP), Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), annual work program, and capital project budgets in coordination with department leadership and other City departments.
  • Establishes project charters, scopes, objectives, success criteria, delivery strategies, budgets, schedules, resource plans, stakeholder collaboration plans, and decision-making frameworks before projects advance into design and construction.
  • Plans, prioritizes, and assigns the capital project portfolio; establishes baseline schedules, critical milestones, dependencies, and performance measures; monitors progress and develops recovery strategies when scope, schedule, budget, funding, or quality is at risk.
  • Proactively manages and guides staff on the City's most complex or high-risk capital projects through the complete project life cycle, including initiation, planning, alternatives analysis, design, permitting, right-of-way and utility coordination, procurement, construction, closeout, final acceptance, warranty administration, and lessons learned.
  • Directs design development, technical studies, environmental review, permitting, utility coordination, right-of-way needs, public involvement, and interagency review to maintain project readiness and timely decision-making.
  • Provides an independent, second-level review at key project milestones, technical reports, plans, calculations, cost estimates, schedules, specifications, constructability, value-engineering, bid documents, bid-evaluation, award recommendations, change proposals, payment recommendations, and closeout documentation; verifies that quality-control comments are resolved before work advances.
  • Ensures engineering specifications, standard details, design criteria, construction documents, and inspection requirements remain current and consistent with applicable laws, regulations, codes, City requirements, and recognized industry standards; leads updates when standards, materials, or practices change.
  • Oversees construction administration and inspection activities, including requests for information, submittals, testing, documentation, pay estimates, change orders, schedule review, punch lists, record drawings, contract closeout, and final acceptance; coordinates with appropriate parties regarding site access, traffic control, environmental, safety, and regulatory matters.
  • Establishes and maintains project and program risk-management practices, including risk registers, escalation thresholds, contingency planning, decision logs, documentation standards, and mitigation strategies; coordinates with legal counsel, risk management, insurers, and other subject-matter experts as appropriate to reduce claims, disputes, and City liability.
  • Develops, implements, and continuously improves project management tools, templates, checklists, stage-gate reviews, dashboards, file standards, and closeout procedures that promote consistent, transparent, and auditable project delivery across the team.
  • Monitors changes in construction methods, materials, technology, regulations, and project delivery practices; evaluates applicability, pilots practical improvements, and incorporates effective innovations into City standards and team workflows.
  • Supports grant and external funding efforts by identifying project readiness needs, developing technical narratives, scopes, cost estimates, schedules, benefit information, and supporting documentation, and coordinating post-award compliance, reporting, reimbursement, recordkeeping, and audit requirements.
  • Prepares and presents clear program status reports, forecasts, decision items, and recommendations for department leadership, City Council, Boards and Commissions, the public, partner agencies, and other stakeholders.
  • Coordinates capital project delivery with other City projects, private development, maintenance and operations activities, utilities, permitting authorities, contractors, consultants, funding agencies, and regional partners to resolve conflicts and maintain continuity of service.
  • Provides advanced technical expertise and engineering support for capital improvements, maintenance, emergency response, or construction activities performed by City crews or contractors.
  • Represents the Capital Projects Division on City service teams and interdepartmental initiatives and represents the City and Public Works Department in state, regional, and local planning efforts, value engineering teams, charrettes, public meetings, and other forums; may attend evening or weekend meetings as required.
  • Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with those interacted with during work regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, disability, political affiliation, military service, or diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
  • Directly supervises professional engineering, technical, and inspection staff; may also provide project direction and contract oversight to consultants and contractors and assign work to temporary employees and interns.
  • Participates in employee selection and onboarding; establishes clear performance, conduct, and quality expectations; assigns and reviews work; provides ongoing coaching and feedback; evaluates performance; and addresses performance deficiencies through corrective action and discipline in accordance with established policies and procedures.
  • Promotes employee development and knowledge sharing by identifying training needs, mentoring staff, facilitating peer review, documenting lessons learned, supporting succession planning, and strengthening team capacity in capital project and construction management.
  • Evaluates workloads, staffing capacity, and project priorities; assigns resources and establishes review points, backup coverage, and escalation processes to support timely, consistent, and accountable project delivery.
  • Reviews and improves work methods, procedures, and technical work products; provides guidance on complex issues; promotes quality assurance and consistent standards; and implements continuous improvements in collaboration with management and staff.

Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a closely related field, supplemented by eight (8) years of progressively responsible professional engineering and project management experience in the planning, design, and construction of public infrastructure or other complex capital projects, including demonstrated full-cycle project delivery and at least three (3) years of supervisory or formal lead experience; or an equivalent combination of education, certification, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Employees must be residents of Washington State.
CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES
  • Current Washington State Professional Engineer (PE) license.
  • May be required to possess and maintain a valid Washington State Driver License and the ability to operate a City-owned vehicle in accordance with City policies and safety standards.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Master's degree in civil engineering, construction management, public administration, or a closely related field.
  • Experience delivering municipal or other public-agency capital programs, including transportation, stormwater, utility, facility, or other public infrastructure projects.
  • Experience developing or administering state or federal grant-funded projects and meeting funding-agency compliance, documentation, reimbursement, and audit requirements.
  • Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Construction Manager (CCM), Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA), Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead (CESCL), or other relevant professional certification. Experience with alternative project delivery, value engineering, program controls, construction claims avoidance, and project or asset management systems.
KNOWLEDGE OF
  • Principles and practices of civil engineering, public works construction, and capital program and project management across initiation, planning, design, procurement, construction, closeout, and post-construction evaluation.
  • Portfolio and project controls, including scope definition, cost estimating, budgeting, scheduling, critical-path analysis, forecasting, earned progress, change control, quality management, risk management, and performance reporting.
  • Current construction methods, materials, technologies, inspection practices, and industry standards applicable to municipal infrastructure and facilities projects.
  • Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, codes, accessibility requirements, environmental and permitting requirements, and engineering and construction standards.
  • Preparation, coordination, and quality review of technical studies, engineering plans, calculations, specifications, estimates, bid documents, standard details, and construction records.
  • Public works procurement, consultant selection and contracting, bidding and award, contract administration, change orders, payment review, claims avoidance and resolution, and project closeout.
  • Constructability review, value engineering, alternatives analysis, life-cycle cost considerations, and methods for evaluating technical, financial, operational, community, and legal tradeoffs.
  • Construction inspection and administration processes, including requests for information, submittals, testing, documentation, schedule review, nonconforming work, punch lists, record drawings, and warranty requirements.
  • Capital improvement planning, public budgeting, funding strategies, and grant development and administration, including readiness, compliance, reporting, reimbursement, record retention, and audit requirements.
  • Risk identification and mitigation, documentation practices, dispute resolution, and coordination with legal counsel, risk management, and insurance resources.
  • Leadership, supervision, coaching, change management, and continuous-improvement practices that promote collaboration, accountability, innovation, inclusion, and a high-performing professional workforce.
  • Effective written, verbal, visual, and public communication techniques for working with elected officials, executive leadership, employees, consultants, contractors, agencies, community members, and other stakeholders.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
  • Apply critical, systems, and innovative thinking to ambiguous or com

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