Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
DSHS Senior Director of Communications and Governmental Affairs
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, Olympia, Washington, United States, 98502
DSHS Senior Director of Communications and Governmental Affairs
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DSHS Senior Director of Communications and Governmental Affairs
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Washington State Department of Social and Health Services Overview
Every year, the Department of Social and Health Services touches the lives of more than 2.6 million Washingtonians. Communication is mission‑critical. As Senior Director of Communications and Governmental Affairs you will have direct access to the Secretary’s executive leadership team and the Governor’s office, shaping how Washington’s largest agency builds trust with the public, employees, and partners. This role is central to advancing customer‑centered government. Key Responsibilities
Define the agency’s voice at a pivotal moment of transformation. Lead a high‑visibility function with direct impact on statewide credibility and trust. Unify communications, innovation, and design under one coordinated vision. Advance customer‑centered government in alignment with Executive Order 24‑04. First‑Year Focus
Shift the Narrative: Establish a disciplined, proactive communications strategy that positions DSHS as a trusted, mission‑driven voice across Washington. Elevate Customer Experience: Demonstrate how communications can highlight measurable improvements in service delivery, transparency, and public trust. Unify the Function: Integrate media relations, internal communications, community relations, and visual/innovation strategy into a single, coordinated enterprise‑level operation. Lead Through Change: Provide steady leadership through structural realignment, clarifying roles and expectations while sustaining performance and morale. Shape Collaborative Relationships: Develop and maintain effective, solution‑driven partnerships with the Governor’s Communications Office, state and legislative leaders, and peer agencies to advance shared priorities. Drive Team Performance: Set a clear vision, reinforce accountability, and establish a culture of disciplined execution and innovation. Success Metrics
A proactive communications rhythm is embedded and trusted across the agency. DSHS is recognized for consistent, credible storytelling that reinforces its mission and statewide impact. The Governor’s Office and state partners view DSHS as a reliable, collaborative communications partner. Internal and external messaging is aligned under a unified vision. The communications team is accountable, aligned, and delivering at a high level. Leadership Qualities
Provides clarity and composure in high‑stakes situations where credibility and public trust are at risk. Navigates complex political and organizational environments with authority, tact, and sound judgment. Unifies people and functions, setting direction with accountability and purpose. Balances strategic vision with disciplined execution, ensuring that the communications strategy translates into a measurable impact. Exemplifies transparency, integrity, and trust, reinforcing DSHS’s role as a credible statewide leader. Qualifications
Executive‑level communications leadership— demonstrated ability to set strategy and deliver results in a large, complex, or high‑visibility organization. Crisis and media expertise— proven skill in managing high‑stakes issues, shaping narratives, and protecting organizational credibility and trust. Change leadership— success unifying diverse functions, leading teams through transition, and sustaining performance and morale. Political and stakeholder acumen— experience partnering effectively across executive, legislative, tribal, and community leaders. Storytelling and engagement expertise— ability to elevate organizational voice, connect with employees and the public, and make complex work accessible and compelling. Customer experience orientation— demonstrated commitment to advancing transparency and customer service that meets diverse communities where they are. Education: A bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Media Relations, or a related field is preferred. Application Process
Applications will be accepted through December 15 th , 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Please email a resume and cover letter to
tracie.kidd@dshs.wa.gov , highlighting your interest in the role and the competencies and leadership capabilities outlined in this profile. Equal Opportunity Statement
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725‑5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7‑1‑1 or 1‑800‑833‑6384.
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Join to apply for the
DSHS Senior Director of Communications and Governmental Affairs
role at
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services Overview
Every year, the Department of Social and Health Services touches the lives of more than 2.6 million Washingtonians. Communication is mission‑critical. As Senior Director of Communications and Governmental Affairs you will have direct access to the Secretary’s executive leadership team and the Governor’s office, shaping how Washington’s largest agency builds trust with the public, employees, and partners. This role is central to advancing customer‑centered government. Key Responsibilities
Define the agency’s voice at a pivotal moment of transformation. Lead a high‑visibility function with direct impact on statewide credibility and trust. Unify communications, innovation, and design under one coordinated vision. Advance customer‑centered government in alignment with Executive Order 24‑04. First‑Year Focus
Shift the Narrative: Establish a disciplined, proactive communications strategy that positions DSHS as a trusted, mission‑driven voice across Washington. Elevate Customer Experience: Demonstrate how communications can highlight measurable improvements in service delivery, transparency, and public trust. Unify the Function: Integrate media relations, internal communications, community relations, and visual/innovation strategy into a single, coordinated enterprise‑level operation. Lead Through Change: Provide steady leadership through structural realignment, clarifying roles and expectations while sustaining performance and morale. Shape Collaborative Relationships: Develop and maintain effective, solution‑driven partnerships with the Governor’s Communications Office, state and legislative leaders, and peer agencies to advance shared priorities. Drive Team Performance: Set a clear vision, reinforce accountability, and establish a culture of disciplined execution and innovation. Success Metrics
A proactive communications rhythm is embedded and trusted across the agency. DSHS is recognized for consistent, credible storytelling that reinforces its mission and statewide impact. The Governor’s Office and state partners view DSHS as a reliable, collaborative communications partner. Internal and external messaging is aligned under a unified vision. The communications team is accountable, aligned, and delivering at a high level. Leadership Qualities
Provides clarity and composure in high‑stakes situations where credibility and public trust are at risk. Navigates complex political and organizational environments with authority, tact, and sound judgment. Unifies people and functions, setting direction with accountability and purpose. Balances strategic vision with disciplined execution, ensuring that the communications strategy translates into a measurable impact. Exemplifies transparency, integrity, and trust, reinforcing DSHS’s role as a credible statewide leader. Qualifications
Executive‑level communications leadership— demonstrated ability to set strategy and deliver results in a large, complex, or high‑visibility organization. Crisis and media expertise— proven skill in managing high‑stakes issues, shaping narratives, and protecting organizational credibility and trust. Change leadership— success unifying diverse functions, leading teams through transition, and sustaining performance and morale. Political and stakeholder acumen— experience partnering effectively across executive, legislative, tribal, and community leaders. Storytelling and engagement expertise— ability to elevate organizational voice, connect with employees and the public, and make complex work accessible and compelling. Customer experience orientation— demonstrated commitment to advancing transparency and customer service that meets diverse communities where they are. Education: A bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Media Relations, or a related field is preferred. Application Process
Applications will be accepted through December 15 th , 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Please email a resume and cover letter to
tracie.kidd@dshs.wa.gov , highlighting your interest in the role and the competencies and leadership capabilities outlined in this profile. Equal Opportunity Statement
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725‑5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7‑1‑1 or 1‑800‑833‑6384.
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