Communications Consultant 4 (CC4/COM) - Project

State of Washington

Olympia (WA)

Hybrid

USD 90,000 - 120,000

Full time

6 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Remote work options

Flexible schedules

Comprehensive benefits package

Paid time off

Job summary

State of Washington's Health Care Authority seeks a senior Communications Consultant to lead strategic communications for SPI's rural health transformation initiatives, with statewide impact and high visibility. You will plan and deliver campaigns, advise leadership, and ensure compliance with federal requirements.

The role emphasizes independent judgment, collaboration with COM team and tribal partners, translating complex policy into clear materials for rural providers, policymakers, and the

Qualifications

Experience with federally funded health transformation programs or similar high-visibility public projects.
Excellent writing and editing skills, with ability to simplify complex policy into clear content.
Ability to organize, prioritize, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Demonstrated ability to apply a health equity lens in communications.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement comprehensive communications strategies for statewide initiatives.
Plan and produce materials including fact sheets, web content, talking points, and press materials.
Translate complex policy concepts into clear, accessible content for rural and tribal audiences.
Advise leadership on audiences, messages, channels, timing, and purpose.
Collaborate with HCA leadership, grant providers, contractors, and COM team.

Skills

Federal health policy knowledge

Strategic communications

Writing & editing

Project coordination

Stakeholder engagement

Plain language translation

Education

Bachelor's degree in English/communications

Tools

Drupal CMS

Email marketing platforms

Web content management systems

Job description

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 disclaimer.
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.

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