Washington State ESD
Chief Communications Officer (EMS3/COM) 70005428
This recruitment is posted continuously and you are encouraged to submit your application materials as soon as possible. The hiring manager reserves the right to close the posting at any time once a selection has been made.
Are you a
dynamic
communicator who is
passionate
about connecting
people to purpose ? The Chief Communications Officer requires a
creative and strategic leader
who knows how to build powerful communication and marketing programs that
inspire trust and engagement . If you are ready to lead agency media relations with
confidence, authority, and heart
as a key member of our executive leadership team and as our chief agency spokesperson, this opportunity is for you.
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 Chief Communications Officer (CCO) provides leadership and strategic direction to the Communications Division comprised of 36 staff, and has responsibility for the agency’s public relations, marketing, branding, and constituent relations services. The CCO leads strategic communications efforts to align with the Health Care Authority’s mission, vision, and goals.
Reporting to the agency Director, the CCO is a member of the agency’s Senior Leadership Team. The CCO serves as a senior-level advisor on strategic and crisis communications to the Director, the Chief of Staff, the Chief Medical Officer, the State Medicaid Director, and other agency leaders. The CCO is responsible for regularly reporting to executives to ensure awareness of key communications opportunities and challenges.
About the position: The Chief Communications Officer is responsible for developing, planning, and implementing comprehensive and innovative communication, marketing, and media strategies for the Health Care Authority. The position serves as the agency’s communications expert, and is responsible for planning, coordinating, and directing all agency internal and external communications activities, including media relations, agency branding, public affairs, graphic design, marketing, social media, employee communications, video production, print services, and constituent relations.
The CCO is the primary emergency point of coordination and collaboration for communications efforts with the Governor, the Governor's press and policy offices, and legislative public information staff.
This position is eligible to telework but is frequently required to report on-site 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. HCA has currently suspended the ability to support out-of-state telework.
Some of what you will do:
Serves as the Chief Advisor to the Director and other executive management staff on public affairs, media relations and internal and external communications, and is the chief liaison with the Governor’s Press Office. Serves as a member of Senior Leadership Team.
Provides leadership, management, and strategic direction to the Communications Division, a team of 36 comprised of strategic communications managers, writers, graphic designers, web content manager, videography and social media strategist, constituent relations, executive level administrative support, and print services center staff. Assures the Communications Division achieves long-term goals, aligning them with the agency mission, vision, and strategic goals.
Sets the strategic direction for agency social media to ensure a robust and well-branded social media strategy across multiple channels.
Manages internal communications policies and strategies to support employee engagement and appropriate information sharing at all levels within the agency. Produces monthly multimedia all-staff meeting and sets vision for agency intranet and employee newsletter.
Ensures data-driven web content strategy. Maintains close working relationship with the agency’s web technology and multimedia services team, which develops the agency’s internal and external internet site, web applications, and SharePoint sites. Directs the creation, maintenance, and administration of content and usability quality control for HCA’s website. Serves as co-sponsor of the agency Web Council.
Establishes and maintains relationships with the media, other state agencies and external stakeholders. Responds to news media inquiries and requests and proactively reaches out to media to share HCA’s story. Advises executive management staff on effective media relations. Releases news to the public and provides presentations on news releases to outside stakeholders; informs the public on behalf of the Director and the agency. Responsible for monitoring the media for issues of importance to HCA.
Required qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Communications, Public Relations or related field, and seven years of proven leadership experience managing teams and overseeing large‑scale communication strategies.
Professional mastery in effective communications; written, verbal, and presentation skills to effectively communicate with internal and external audiences.
Five years of experience in reporting or media and stakeholder relations.
Five years of experience developing, implementing, and measuring strategic communications plans.
Ability to lead a team in a unified direction.
Ability to coach employees at all stages of their career, to remove barriers to team and individual accomplishments, and to recognize and celebrate successes.
Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling: Clear, persuasive communicator across channels.
Understanding of crisis communications principles and how to direct and provide crisis communications response.
Understanding plain talk principles.
Understanding the best practices in social media and web content strategy.
Understanding of change management principles and how to apply them to communications strategies.
Preferred qualifications:
Graduate degree in public administration, communications, public affairs, journalism or related field.
Familiarity with government relations and policy communications.
Media or communications experience within the public sector.
Accreditation in Public Relations (APR)
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.
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.
Tuition reimbursement
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 Rachel Tillman at 360-725-1180 or rachel.tillman@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.
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to receive a list of new job postings at HCA.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Are you a
dynamic
communicator who is
passionate
about connecting
people to purpose ? The Chief Communications Officer requires a
creative and strategic leader
who knows how to build powerful communication and marketing programs that
inspire trust and engagement . If you are ready to lead agency media relations with
confidence, authority, and heart
as a key member of our executive leadership team and as our chief agency spokesperson, this opportunity is for you.
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 Chief Communications Officer (CCO) provides leadership and strategic direction to the Communications Division comprised of 36 staff, and has responsibility for the agency’s public relations, marketing, branding, and constituent relations services. The CCO leads strategic communications efforts to align with the Health Care Authority’s mission, vision, and goals.
Reporting to the agency Director, the CCO is a member of the agency’s Senior Leadership Team. The CCO serves as a senior-level advisor on strategic and crisis communications to the Director, the Chief of Staff, the Chief Medical Officer, the State Medicaid Director, and other agency leaders. The CCO is responsible for regularly reporting to executives to ensure awareness of key communications opportunities and challenges.
About the position: The Chief Communications Officer is responsible for developing, planning, and implementing comprehensive and innovative communication, marketing, and media strategies for the Health Care Authority. The position serves as the agency’s communications expert, and is responsible for planning, coordinating, and directing all agency internal and external communications activities, including media relations, agency branding, public affairs, graphic design, marketing, social media, employee communications, video production, print services, and constituent relations.
The CCO is the primary emergency point of coordination and collaboration for communications efforts with the Governor, the Governor's press and policy offices, and legislative public information staff.
This position is eligible to telework but is frequently required to report on-site 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. HCA has currently suspended the ability to support out-of-state telework.
Some of what you will do:
Serves as the Chief Advisor to the Director and other executive management staff on public affairs, media relations and internal and external communications, and is the chief liaison with the Governor’s Press Office. Serves as a member of Senior Leadership Team.
Provides leadership, management, and strategic direction to the Communications Division, a team of 36 comprised of strategic communications managers, writers, graphic designers, web content manager, videography and social media strategist, constituent relations, executive level administrative support, and print services center staff. Assures the Communications Division achieves long-term goals, aligning them with the agency mission, vision, and strategic goals.
Sets the strategic direction for agency social media to ensure a robust and well-branded social media strategy across multiple channels.
Manages internal communications policies and strategies to support employee engagement and appropriate information sharing at all levels within the agency. Produces monthly multimedia all-staff meeting and sets vision for agency intranet and employee newsletter.
Ensures data-driven web content strategy. Maintains close working relationship with the agency’s web technology and multimedia services team, which develops the agency’s internal and external internet site, web applications, and SharePoint sites. Directs the creation, maintenance, and administration of content and usability quality control for HCA’s website. Serves as co-sponsor of the agency Web Council.
Establishes and maintains relationships with the media, other state agencies and external stakeholders. Responds to news media inquiries and requests and proactively reaches out to media to share HCA’s story. Advises executive management staff on effective media relations. Releases news to the public and provides presentations on news releases to outside stakeholders; informs the public on behalf of the Director and the agency. Responsible for monitoring the media for issues of importance to HCA.
Required qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Communications, Public Relations or related field, and seven years of proven leadership experience managing teams and overseeing large‑scale communication strategies.
Professional mastery in effective communications; written, verbal, and presentation skills to effectively communicate with internal and external audiences.
Five years of experience in reporting or media and stakeholder relations.
Five years of experience developing, implementing, and measuring strategic communications plans.
Ability to lead a team in a unified direction.
Ability to coach employees at all stages of their career, to remove barriers to team and individual accomplishments, and to recognize and celebrate successes.
Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling: Clear, persuasive communicator across channels.
Understanding of crisis communications principles and how to direct and provide crisis communications response.
Understanding plain talk principles.
Understanding the best practices in social media and web content strategy.
Understanding of change management principles and how to apply them to communications strategies.
Preferred qualifications:
Graduate degree in public administration, communications, public affairs, journalism or related field.
Familiarity with government relations and policy communications.
Media or communications experience within the public sector.
Accreditation in Public Relations (APR)
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.
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.
Tuition reimbursement
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 Rachel Tillman at 360-725-1180 or rachel.tillman@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.
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to receive a list of new job postings at HCA.
#J-18808-Ljbffr