Job Details
Deputy Chief Communications Officer (WMS3/COM)
2026-02-04 State of Washington all cities,AK
Description:
Required qualifications:
Qualifying candidates will meet one of the following criteria options:
Option 1:
Bachelor's degree in English, public relations, communications, journalism, or related field and seven (7) years of the required experience below
Option 2:
Associate's degree in English, public relations, communications, journalism, or related field and nine (9) years of the required experience below
Option 3:
Eleven (11) years of the required experience below
The required experience includes all of the following:
Only candidates who reflect the required 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:
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:
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 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) ###-#### or
The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is an All applicants with a in the United States are encouraged to apply.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
to receive a list of new job postings at HCA.
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 (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 (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 , 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
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
01
I acknowledge that this opportunity will require some travel and in-person site visits.
02
Please select the highest level of education that you have completed:
03
Which of the following best describes your professional experience working in public relations, communications, or media?
04
Which of the following best describes your professional experience with supervising staff?
05
If you indicated you have the communications experience noted in the above questions, please explain how, where, and when you gained this knowledge and supervisory experience (must be reflected in the work experience of your application). Do not state "see resume" or copy and paste that material. If you answered no, please type N/A in the text box below.
06
Do you have the ability to take action to learn and grow?
07
Do you have the ability to take action to meet the needs of others?
08
Will you require sponsorship for an employment-related immigration benefit, either now or in the future?
09
If hired for this position, do you currently possess required documents to allow you to legally work within the United States? The attached link lists acceptable documents:
10
I acknowledge that I have included at least three references, and that I have uploaded a cover letter and resume in the attachments section of my application.
Required Question
Salary : $99,444.00 - $139,236.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Remote Optional
Job Number: 2026-00695
Department: Health Care Authority
Division: COM
Opening Date: 01/23/2026
Closing Date: 2/8/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Deputy Chief Communications Officer (WMS3/COM)
71064361
As the Deputy Chief Communications Officer, you will help lead a diverse Communications Division in delivering clear, equitable, and accessible messaging in support of the state's health and behavioral health programs. Working closely with the Chief Communications Officer in Olympia, you will support high-profile media relations, internal communications, centralized operations, constituent relations, and engage in risk management, while ensuring agency messaging is accurate, aligned, and easy for the public to understand. It is a vital leadership position for a strategic communicator with supervisory experience who wants to amplify the director's vision and improve health outcomes for Washington residents while balancing on-site collaboration with telework flexibility.
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 Communications Division provides strategic leadership and operational support for external and internal communications on agency business and strategic initiatives for the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA). Functioning as both the state's largest health care purchaser and its behavioral health authority, HCA is a leader in ensuring Washington residents have the opportunity to be as healthy as possible. There are three pillars to 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.
About the position:
The Deputy Chief Communications Officer provides leadership, direction, and supervision for key functions within the Communications Division and assists the Chief Communications Officer (CCO) in developing and executing a strategic, multi-faceted communications program. This role helps ensure effective communications with customers, employees, stakeholders, partners, and media, strengthens HCA's reputation, supports rapid response and issues management, and leverages innovative communication approaches to advance agency goals. Reporting to the CCO, the Deputy CCO serves as a trusted advisor to the CCO and agency leadership on communications strategy and alignment and supports the CCO by enabling strong division-wide leadership and decision-making. Success in this role requires strong judgement and discretion, adaptability, system-level thinking, comfort navigating ambiguity and evolving priorities, consistent presence, and the ability to respond quickly during time-sensitive situations.
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.
Duties
Some of what you will do:
- Supervise and support managers overseeing multiple units within the Communications Division, including internal communications, policy communications, Tribal affairs communications, legislative communications, health equity communications, visual communications, and constituent relations.
- Co-lead with the chief communications officer, HCA's media relations and rapid response efforts for high-visibility or time-sensitive issues; oversee development of talking points and news materials, design and implement media relations training, manage the agency's reporter database; continuously improves the agency's online newsroom; and proactively develop stories that advance HCA's mission.
- Lead the agency plain language program by developing tools, resources, and trainings to support compliance with the governor's plain language directive; provide consultation to leadership and employees on plain language best practices.
- Serve as HCA's representative on cross-agency plain language and other initiatives as assigned.
- Co-leads division training, retreats, and team-building activities to support staff development and alignment with the agency's strategic plan.
- Sponsor division quarterly target reviews and other efforts to apply performance management principles to the division's work.
- Develop innovative communications approaches when precedent is limited or protocols are undeveloped, helping the agency navigate emergency or complex issues.
- Manage contracts and procurement activities for communication services, including project scoping, deliverables, and vendor oversight to ensure project goals and work products meet expectations.
- Research and stay informed of emerging trends in health care and government communications and provide counsel to HCA leadership, partner agencies, and the governor's communications office as appropriate.
- Plan, coordinate, and direct communication projects and resources to support implementation of federal and/or state health care programs, projects, and initiatives as assigned by the CCO.
Required qualifications:
Qualifying candidates will meet one of the following criteria options:
Option 1:
Bachelor's degree in English, public relations, communications, journalism, or related field and seven (7) years of the required experience below
Option 2:
Associate's degree in English, public relations, communications, journalism, or related field and nine (9) years of the required experience below
Option 3:
Eleven (11) years of the required experience below
The required experience includes all of the following:
- Professional public relations, communications, or media experience.
- Supervisory experience with demonstrated knowledge or expertise in strategic and tactical communication efforts, demonstrated experience in management, team building, change management, and organizational agility in pursuit of strategic goals.
- Demonstrated ability to clearly communicate complex technical information verbally and in writing to a non-technical audience, including the application of plain talk principles to legally precise documents.
- Demonstrated ability to work with and advise all levels of staff, including the executive level.
- Experience managing a team of communications professionals.
- Excellent writing and proof-reading skills.
- Demonstrated ability to plan strategically, identify communications needs, and develop goals and comprehensive work plans for achieving those goals.
- Demonstrated experience in making presentations to external audiences on challenging policy concepts.
- The ability to take action to learn and grow.
- The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
- Public relations experience in the health care industry.
- Journalistic background.
- Accreditation in public relations.
- Five years of supervisory experience.
- Experience working with government agencies, health care providers, health care insurers and/or public/private health care stakeholders/customers.
Only candidates who reflect the required 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:
- A cover letter that specifically addresses how you meet the qualifications for this position
- Current resume
- 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
- A clear agency mission that drives our work and is person-centered
- A healthy work/life balance, including alternative/flexible schedules and mobile work options.
- A great total compensation and benefit package
- 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 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) ###-#### or
The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is an All applicants with a in the United States are encouraged to apply.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
to receive a list of new job postings at HCA.
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 (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 (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 , 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
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
01
I acknowledge that this opportunity will require some travel and in-person site visits.
- Yes
- No
02
Please select the highest level of education that you have completed:
- High school graduation or equivalent
- Associate degree
- Bachelor's degree
- Master's degree or higher
- None of the above
03
Which of the following best describes your professional experience working in public relations, communications, or media?
- I do not have this experience
- Less than 1 year
- More than 1 year, but less than 7 years
- More than 7 years, but less than 9 years
- More than 9 years, but less than 11 years
- More than 11 years
04
Which of the following best describes your professional experience with supervising staff?
- I do not have this experience
- Less than 1 year
- More than 1 year, but less than 5 years
- More than 5 years, but less than 7 years
- More than 7 years, but less than 9 years
- More than 9 years, but less than 11 years
- More than 11 years
05
If you indicated you have the communications experience noted in the above questions, please explain how, where, and when you gained this knowledge and supervisory experience (must be reflected in the work experience of your application). Do not state "see resume" or copy and paste that material. If you answered no, please type N/A in the text box below.
06
Do you have the ability to take action to learn and grow?
- Yes
- No
07
Do you have the ability to take action to meet the needs of others?
- Yes
- No
08
Will you require sponsorship for an employment-related immigration benefit, either now or in the future?
- Yes
- No
09
If hired for this position, do you currently possess required documents to allow you to legally work within the United States? The attached link lists acceptable documents:
- Yes
- No
10
I acknowledge that I have included at least three references, and that I have uploaded a cover letter and resume in the attachments section of my application.
- Yes
- No
Required Question