Communications Manager Jobs in Washington

Description

Policy Communications Manager (WMS2/COM)

71050011

The Legislature has also approved a 2% general wage increase for all state employees, effective July 1, 2026.

The Policy Communications Manager is a rare opportunity for a seasoned communications strategist to lead highly-visible work at the center of statewide health system transformation. The position offers direct engagement with executive leadership, oversight of a skilled communications team, and a chance to shape how major health policy initiatives are communicated to the communities they serve.

All HCA employees will apply an equity lens to their work, which may include but is not limited to all analyses of core business and processes.

About the division:

The Policy Communications Manager reports to the HCA Communications Division (COM), which provides strategic leadership, direction, and operational support for external and internal communications on agency business and strategic initiatives for the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA). The Policy Communications Manager serves as a communications expert for the Strategy, Policy, and Innovation (SPI) Division and Office of Tribal Affairs (OTA), Health Equity, and select initiatives and communications efforts at HCA.

About the position:

The Policy Communications Manager is a senior leader responsible for directing strategic communication and stakeholder engagement across the agency’s highest-priority policy areas, including health system transformation, legislative affairs, health equity, and Tribal issues. The position provides expert counsel to executive leadership, manages a team of communications professionals, and serves as a key liaison between policy, leadership, and communications functions. Operating with a high degree of independence, this role shapes how complex policy decisions are communicated to diverse audiences and ensures coordinated, consistent messaging across internal teams, external partners, media, and government agencies.

This position is eligible to telework but is required to report on-site once a week to meet business need. The default assigned work location of all Health Care Authority (HCA) positions – both on-site and telework eligible positions – is within the State of Washington. This position reports to Olympia, WA. Frequency of onsite work will vary based on business and operational needs. All agency employees are required to report on-site in Olympia on their first and last days of employment to pick up and return state-issued equipment, regardless of telework status or location.

Duties

Some of what you will do:

• Serve as a senior advisor to agency leadership including the Chief Communications Officer, Deputy Chief Communications Officer, Chief Policy Officer, Office of Tribal Affairs Administrator, and Health Equity Director on messaging, media strategy, communication approaches, and stakeholder engagement.
• Lead and manage strategic communications and day-to-day delivery of communication tactics for complex, high-visibility initiatives, including major policy initiatives, legislative priorities, federal actions, and statewide transformation efforts.
• Manage media relations for assigned areas, including development of messaging, coordination of responses to inquiries, and preparation of agency leadership for media engagement.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of communications staff; set priorities, ensure accountability, and foster a high-performing, collaborative work environment.
• Identify communication risks, gaps, and emerging issues, and proactively develop, implement, and evaluate comprehensive communication strategies for Policy, Office of Tribal Affairs, Health Equity, Legislative Affairs, and other assigned priority initiatives in environments where precedent may be limited or evolving.
• Oversee the development and execution of integrated communications plans, including messaging, audience segmentation, stakeholder engagement, and multichannel delivery.
• Provide quality assurance and final review of communication products, to ensure accuracy, compliance with agency brand, accessibility, and the application of plain language principles.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships across the agency and with external partners, including other state agencies, serving as a connector and liaison between policy, leadership, and communication functions.
• Develop and oversee the development of leadership and executive communications including speeches, talking points, briefing materials, and presentations.
• Plan, advise, develop, and collaborate with agency leadership, including the Health Equity Director and project teams, to support the implementation and communication of health equity strategies and initiatives.
• Use the full suite of communications tools, including but not limited to print materials, web content, social media, GovDelivery announcements and blog articles, webinars, and visual communications to engage partners, stakeholders, HCA leadership and staff, and consumers in a proactive and strategic way.

Qualifications

Required qualifications:

Qualifying candidates will meet one of the following criteria options:

Option 1:

Bachelor’s degree in English, public relations, communications, journalism, or a related field and five (5) years of the required experience below.

Option 2:

Associate degree in a field identified above, and seven (7) years of the required experience below.

Option 3:

Nine (9) years of the required experience below.

Required experience includes:

• Professional public relations, communications, journalism, or media experience.
• Experience serving as a strategic communications advisor to all levels of an organization, including executive or senior leadership and influencing decision-making on high-visibility issues on sensitive issues, including media strategy and engagement.
• Experience leading, supervising, and developing staff, or operating as a senior individual contributor with significant independent responsibility.
• Experience working with or supporting government agencies, health care systems, health insurers, or other highly regulated organizations.

Required competencies:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and Adobe Acrobat.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver clear, and accurate communications about complex technical or policy-related topics, both verbally and in writing, to diverse audiences, including application of “Plain Language” principles to legally precise content.
• Demonstrated ability to assess communication needs, develop goals, strategies, and comprehensive communication plans, and manage work across multiple channels and priorities.
• Advanced writing and editing skills, with the ability to produce and oversee high-quality content across multiple formats (e.g. web, media, executive materials, stakeholder communications).
• Demonstrated ability to present complex information to internal and external audiences, including staff, stakeholders, partners, and community members.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects at the same time and stay productive in an environment of changing priorities, timelines, expectations, and agency needs.
• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience leading media relations efforts, including managing inquiries, and advising leadership on strategic communications.
• Knowledge of state health care programs, commercial health care insurance, and current health care issues.
• Experience working for or with local, state, federal, or Tribal governments.
• Experience with digital communication tools and platforms, including social media strategy and best practices.
• Experience using a web content management system (e.g., Drupal) and mass email marketing system (e.g., Granicus Communications).
• Experience engaging with diverse communities, including community outreach or partnering with communities on special projects, programs, or efforts.

How to apply:

Only candidates who reflect the minimum qualifications on their NEOGOV profile will be considered. Failure to follow the application instructions below may lead to disqualification. To apply for this position, you will need to complete your profile which includes three professional references and attach in separate files:

• A cover letter that specifically addresses how you meet the qualifications for this position.
• Current resume.

To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:

• Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
• Please black out any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Supplemental Information

About HCA:

Functioning as both the state's largest health care purchaser and its behavioral health authority, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is a leader in ensuring Washington residents have the opportunity to be as healthy as possible.

There are three pillars of our work: Apple Health (Medicaid); the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) and School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) programs; and behavioral health and recovery. Under these pillars, HCA purchases health care, including behavioral health treatment for more than 2.7 million Washington residents and provides behavioral health prevention, crisis, and recovery supports to all Washington residents.

What we have to offer:

• Meaningful work with friendly co-workers who care about those we serve Voices of HCA.
• A clear agency mission that drives our work and is person-centered HCA's Mission, Vision & Values.
• A healthy work/life balance, including alternative/flexible schedules and mobile work options.
• A great total compensation and benefit package WA State Government Benefits.
• A safe, pleasant workplace in a convenient location with restaurants, and shopping nearby.
• And free parking!

Notes:

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment.

HCA is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. HCA has five employee resource groups (ERGs). ERGs are voluntary, employee-led groups whose aim is to foster a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with HCA’s mission. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. Studies have shown women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons of disability are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. Persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are also encouraged to apply. If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your experience relates to them, please contact us at HCAjobs@hca.wa.gov. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact Lisa Fleming at (360) 725-1723 or lisa.fleming@hca.wa.gov.

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is an E-Verify employer. All applicants with a legal right to work in the United States are encouraged to apply.

E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

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More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026