Job Description

Posting number: 2026-08247

Department: Health Care Authority

Division: COM

Job classification: COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANT 4

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Communications

Summary

Communications Consultant 4 – Project

This project position is funded through October 30th, 2030.

This recruitment is open to Washington State residents only.

The Opportunity

This Communications Consultant 4 (CC4) functions as a senior-level communications consultant responsible for developing, implementing, and coordinating strategic communications that support SPI’s policy and health system transformation work. The position exercises a high degree of professional judgment and independence in planning, producing, and advising on communications for complex, high-visibility initiatives with statewide impact.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Develop and implement comprehensive communications strategies that identify audiences, messaging, channels, risks, timelines, and success measures.
• Plan and produce high-quality communication products – including fact sheets, web content, presentations, talking points, press materials, and stakeholder updates – that meet federal grant requirements and support program goals.
• Translate complex policy and delivery-system concepts into clear, accessible materials tailored for rural providers, partners, and community audiences.
• Ensure all communications align with federal requirements, including CMS guidance, branding standards, accessibility expectations, and required disclaimers.
• Develop and implement communications plans aligned with legislative, policy, and operational priorities.
• Advise leadership and program staff and leadership on audiences, key messages, channels, timing, and purpose (5 Ws).
• Build and maintain relationships with HCA leadership, grant providers, contractors, COM team members, and other HCA staff.
• Serve as backup to the Policy Communications team, including Office of Tribal Affairs, Medicaid Transformation Project, and Legislative Affairs communications.

Why You’ll Love This Role:

As a Senior Communications Consultant, you will act as a trusted advisor to SPI leadership, enjoying a high degree of autonomy to shape the narrative of critical, federally funded Rural Health Transformation efforts and complex health system policies. This role offers the perfect blend of high-visibility leadership and creative storytelling, allowing you to translate complex policy into clear, accessible campaigns that champion equitable healthcare for rural communities, tribal partners, and the legislature.

What You Bring:

If you are an expert communicator looking to lead digital content strategy across different platforms, mitigate high-stakes public risk, and collaborate with executive-level teams, this position offers the platform, purpose, and professional independence to take your career to the next level.

Required Qualifications

Experience may have been gained through paid or unpaid activities. Please ensure any relevant experience defined below is outlined in your cover letter, resume, and application.

• Demonstrated understanding and skills in federal funded health transformation initiatives such as Medicaid waiver programs or Rural Health Transformation efforts, or other federally funded programs with significant public or political visibility, including demonstrated ability to apply communications guidance, brand standards, and compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to develop innovative and effective communication strategies.
• Excellent writing and editing skills, including the ability to digest and translate complex information into clear, plain-language communications.
• Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize workload and to complete work on time and in a fast-moving environment.
• Demonstrated ability to apply a health equity lens when reviewing and developing communications.
• Strong collaborative skills, including the ability to communicate editorial changes in a courteous and professional manager.

Preferred Qualifications

While these are not required, having them may help you stand out as an applicant.

• Seven (7) years professional experience in English, journalism, communications, humanities, public relations, or related field that includes writing and editing.
• Bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, communications, humanities, public relations, or related field and three (3) years of writing/editing experience; or equivalent education/experience.
• Experience using enterprise communication tools, including web content management systems (e.g. Drupal), email marketing platforms, and digital content strategies.
• Experience developing digital content for diverse audiences, such as rural communities, policymakers, and health system partners.
• Experience working with or for local, state, or federal government or in multi-agency environments, including coordination with executive leadership or high-profile environments.

About the Communications Division (COM)

The Communications Division (COM) provides external and internal communications support for HCA. Reporting to the Policy Communications Manager, the position provides strategic communications support to the Strategy, Policy, and Innovation division (SPI), with the role dedicated to federally funded Rural Health Transformation initiatives. SPI leads HCA’s health transformation work, focusing on value-based, whole-person care and coordinating the agency’s legislative activities to advance statewide health priorities.

The Washington State Health Care Authority:

Better Health. Better Care. A Healthier Washington

At HCA, we work to ensure people across Washington have access to high-quality health care. As the state’s largest health care purchaser, we serve nearly 3 million Washington residents through Apple Health (Medicaid), public and school employee benefits, and behavioral health programs. Together we’re building a stronger Washington.

More than a benefits package:

We want our employees to have the support, flexibility, and benefits they need to do their best work and build a career that works for their life. As a Washington State HCA employee, you’ll have access to a comprehensive benefits package that supports your health, financial well-being, and work-life balance. Our benefits are designed to support you today while helping you plan for the future. Learn more about why HCA by visiting the Voices of HCA and the "Who we are" section of our website.

Your total compensation is more than your paycheck:

• Remote work and flexible schedules
• Medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and 12 paid holidays
• Paid Family and Medical Leave (PMFL)
• Retirement options to plan for the future
• Training and professional development opportunities
• Employee wellness programs
• Learn more about Washington State Employee Benefits

Working Conditions:

Work Location and Schedule:

This is a full-time 40-hour-per-week HYBRID position. You will report to the HCA office located in Olympia, WA for in-person work. Our standard business hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with alternative work schedules considered based on business needs. When working in-person, you will work in a shared space, open office environment. In this role you’ll regularly collaborate with colleagues, Agency leaders, state and federal partners, and other external partners or customers. Occasional travel may be required for meetings, training, or other business needs. All employees are required to report to our Olympia office on their first and final day of employment.

Supplemental information

Our commitment to an inclusive workplace

The Health Care Authority is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a workplace where employees are respected, included, and supported in bringing their experiences, perspectives, and ideas to work.

Our commitment to inclusion is reflected in how we work together and serve the people of Washington. HCA also supports five voluntary employee led Employee Resources Groups (ERGs), which create opportunities for connection, community, learning, and professional growth.

Application Directions:

To be considered, you must complete the online application in full and submit all required materials. Incomplete applications or applications missing required materials will not be considered. When completing your application, please include the following required materials:

• Cover letter: describing your qualifications for this specific position
• Resume: that details your applicable experience and education.
• 3 Professional References: References must be entered directly into the designated references section of your application. We require 3 professional references including at least one current or recent supervisor.

We encourage you to apply

If you meet the required qualifications for this position; we want to hear from you. Desired qualifications describe additional experience, knowledge or skills that may be helpful in the role, but they are not required to be considered for the position. We welcome applicants with different backgrounds, experiences, identities, and perspectives.

Veterans

We value the experience and skill veterans bring to the workforce and encourage veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses to apply. Eligible veterans may qualify for veterans’ preference in accordance with Washington State Law. If you are claiming veterans’ preference, be sure to attach your applicable DD-214 documentation to your application. Please redact your social security number, date of birth, and any other sensitive information before uploading and attaching the document.

Need accommodations or have questions?: If you have questions, need assistance with the application process, require an accommodation, or would like to request this posting in an alternative format, please contact Angelic Matthews, Human Resources Consultant – Recruiter at HCAjobs@hca.wa.gov and reference the recruitment title and job number in the subject line.

Technical Support: Reach out to NEOGOV directly at 1-855-524-5627 for technical support and login issues.

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.

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