Job Description

Posting number: 2026-08470

Department: Health Care Authority

Division: COM

Job classification: COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANT 4

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Communications

Summary

H.R. 1 Communications Consultant 4 - Project

This project position is funded through June 30th, 2027.

This is a full-time, remote optional position. Employees will be asked to attend in-person meetings or events based on business needs.

All HCA employees are required to be Washington state residents upon their first day of employment.

The Opportunity

Under the direction of the Apple Health Communications Manager, this position manages, plans, coordinates, and implements outreach, communications, and marketing for Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) program clients and stakeholders impacted by the House Resolution One (H.R. 1) bill.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Develop, plan, and organize comprehensive H.R. 1-related strategic communications for the statewide Apple Health (Medicaid) program with a focus on external stakeholder and client communications.
• Provide strategic oversight and governance for the development and lifecycle management of Apple Health H.R. 1 communications assets and marketing—including forms, infographics, publications, fact sheets, FAQs, and client correspondence—by establishing content standards, prioritization frameworks, and quality controls to ensure alignment with program goals, regulatory requirements, and the information needs of external stakeholders and clients.
• Provide strategic content for Apple Health Granicus Communications bulletins, announcements, blog posts, social media, text messaging, robo calls, video, press releases, publications, web content, talking points, and more.
• Foster and maintain relationships with the five Apple Health managed care plan communication leads through participation in regular meetings, management of communication and marketing guidelines, and regular content review.
• Direct reviews of managed care plan web pages and publications related to H.R. 1 content to ensure alignment with HCA Apple Health brand guide, style guide, and managed care marketing and information guidelines.
• Manage Apple Health H.R. 1-related statewide communications/outreach plan.
• Manage Apple Health H.R. 1-related program publication processes.

Why You’ll Love This Role:

This high-impact role empowers you to lead statewide communication and outreach strategies that guide vulnerable Washington residents through crucial changes to their Apple Health (Medicaid) coverage. You will shape vital messaging, partner with key state agencies and community leaders, and spearhead data-driven campaigns that ensure equitable access and minimize coverage loss during important legislative transitions.

What You Bring:

A strategic communication leader and compassionate advocate who thrives at the intersection of public policy, health care equity, and data-driven outreach. You excel at translating complex health regulations into accessible, empathetic messaging that resonates with diverse communities, specifically vulnerable populations across Washington state. A natural collaborator, you are adept at building strong, unified networks with state agencies and grassroots community leaders to amplify critical updates.

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 ability to successfully perform writing, editing, and planning at an advanced level in communications, journalism, or related community information/relations positions.
• Demonstrated ability to plan strategically, identify communications needs, and develop goals and comprehensive work plans for achieving those goals.
• Clearly communicate complex technical information verbally and in writing to a non-technical audience, including the application of plain language principles to legally precise documents.
• Knowledge of methods of determining needs for public information and education; methods and techniques of evaluating effectiveness of public relations programs; state government and departmental organization, programs, and functions.
• Excellent writing and proof-reading skills.
• Demonstrated curiosity about and enthusiasm for telling an organization’s story to internal and external audiences.

Required Competencies:

• Equity lens – All HCA employees are required to consider equity in their decisions, processes, and day-to-day work, including how their work may affect the people and communities we serve.
• The ability to take action to learn and grow – You take action to learn and grow by seeking new perspectives, learning from experiences, and using what you’ve learned to continuously improve how you work and serve others.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others – You take action to meet the needs of others by listening, understanding different perspectives, and responding with care, respect, and solutions that support the people of the communities we serve.

Preferred Qualifications

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

• Experience with Apple Health (Medicaid) programs or related public-sector, government, or health services programs.
• Experience in advising top management officials on communications and outreach strategies for programs.
• Experience in selecting effective methods and techniques of disseminating a variety of information.
• Knowledge of other state health care programs, commercial health care insurance, and current health care issues.
• Understanding of health equity principles and how to apply them to communications strategies.
• Experience working with government agencies, health care providers, health care insurers, and/or public/private health care stakeholders/customers.
• Demonstrated ability to use social media and video tools to communicate with multiple audiences.
• Knowledge of human-centered design principles and tactics.
• Ability to work independently and in groups.
• Accreditation in public relations.
• 8 years of demonstrated professional experience in communications, journalism, or related community information/relations positions that include writing, editing, and planning.

OR

• A bachelor’s degree in communications or journalism AND four (4) years of work experience in communications or journalism.

About the Communications Division

The Communications Division provides strategic leadership and operational support for external and internal communications on agency business and strategic initiatives for HCA.

Supplemental information

The Washington State Health Care Authority:

Better Health. Better Care. A Healthier Washington.

At HCA, we work to ensure people across Washington have the opportunity to be as healthy as possible. As the State’s largest health care purchaser and behavioral health authority, HCA serves nearly 3 million Washington residents through Apple Health (Medicaid), Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) and School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) programs, and behavioral health services. Through this work, HCA purchases and coordinated care coverage, supports behavioral health prevention, treatment, crisis response, and recovery and helps strengthen access to high -quality care across 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 remote 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.

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.
• Three (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, you must 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.

echnical 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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