Hybrid Public Information and Media Relations Lead

State of Washington; Olympia (WA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Meaningful work

Agency mission

Work-life balance

Competitive benefits

Job summary

State of Washington’s Health Care Authority seeks an experienced Public Information Officer to lead media relations and provide strategic communications counsel. The role advises executive leadership on messaging, crisis communications, and reputational risk, while crafting proactive media strategies to inform Washington residents about health care programs.

The position is based in Olympia with hybrid flexibility and reports to the Chief Communications Officer, offering a dynamic,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, English, or a related field
• Associate degree in communications, public relations, journalism, English, or a related field
• Eight (8) years of professional experience in communications, public information, public relations, media relations, journalism, or a closely related field.

Responsibilities

• Serve as HCA’s lead Public Information Officer and primary point of contact for local, state, and national media.
• Provide strategic communications counsel to agency executives on high-profile issues involving media relations and crisis communications.
• Manage media inquiries end-to-end, coordinating across agency partners to develop accurate responses.
• Develop and implement proactive media relations strategies to advance agency priorities.
• Identify and pitch stories reflecting diverse communities and health equity.
• Write executive and public-facing communications: press releases, talking points, statements, and op-eds.
• Prepare leaders for media interviews and public appearances; coach for high-profile engagements.
• Plan and coordinate press conferences and media events with agency leadership and partners.

Skills

Media relations

Spokesperson

Written communication

Verbal communication

Interpersonal skills

Crisis communications

Judgment

Plain language

Accessibility

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications/public relations/journalism/English

Associate degree in communications/public relations/journalism/English

Job description

State of Washington’s Health Care Authority seeks an experienced Public Information Officer to lead media relations and provide strategic communications counsel. The role advises executive leadership on messaging, crisis communications, and reputational risk, while crafting proactive media strategies to inform Washington residents about health care programs.

The position is based in Olympia with hybrid flexibility and reports to the Chief Communications Officer, offering a dynamic,