This recruitment will remain open until September 19, 2026. The agency reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time after the initial screening date on August 26, 2026. It is in the applicant’s best interest to submit materials as soon as possible. Travel may be required for this position.
Make a Difference: Protect Consumers & Join Our Dynamic Team!
The Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) seeks a qualified individual for the Tribal Liaison position. This role is within the Policy and Legislative Affairs Division and is based out of our Capitol Campus Office.
We are an employer of choice! Here’s why:
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Meaningful work: Ensure a healthy insurance market & protect Washington consumers.
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Impactful career: Make a daily difference in the lives of countless Washingtonians.
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Small agency, big opportunities: Gain a holistic understanding of our mission and build strong relationships with colleagues.
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Diversity, equity, and inclusion: OIC is committed to ensuring that all employees enjoy a respectful, safe, and supportive working environment - by fostering the inclusion of people from all backgrounds, cultures, and attributes.
About the Position
Be a voice for Tribal and American Indian/Alaska Native communities at the highest levels of Washington’s insurance system.
The Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) is looking for a dynamic, relationship-centered leader to serve as our Tribal Liaison—a highly visible role with the opportunity to influence policy, strengthen partnerships, and create meaningful change for Tribal and AI/AN communities across Washington.
As a trusted advisor to the Insurance Commissioner, you’ll bring community perspectives directly into agency decision-making and help shape policies, programs, and strategies that better serve Tribal communities. You’ll build relationships with Tribal leaders and organizations, collaborate with state and federal partners, represent the OIC at Tribal and national gatherings, and help the agency identify and address barriers to insurance access.
This is a role for someone who thrives at the intersection of relationships, policy, advocacy, and action. You’ll have the opportunity to turn conversations into partnerships, partnerships into solutions, and community priorities into meaningful change.
If you’re passionate about Tribal sovereignty, cultural humility, and building systems that work better for Native communities—and you’re ready to bring your experience, perspective, and leadership to a role with statewide impact—we want to hear from you.
Join us in building stronger partnerships, advancing meaningful policy, and helping create a more equitable insurance system for Tribal and AI/AN communities.
This is a Civil Service Exempt position. The salary range for this position is $110,000- $120,000
Benefits & Perks
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Comprehensive benefits package: Health, dental, vision, retirement, paid leave (vacation, sick, etc.) and much more!
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Supportive work environment: We value diversity, professional growth, and collaborative atmosphere.
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Wellness programs: Invest in your well-being with on-site resources and initiatives.
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Work-life balance: Flexible schedules with telework opportunities.
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Public service fulfillment: Contribute to a cause that matters and feel the satisfaction of serving the public good.
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Training & Development: Continuously learn and grow with tuition reimbursement, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and other programs.
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Free parking (Tumwater) & Public transportation pass (Thurston County): Save on commuting costs.
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And more! Explore our website for additional benefits: https://www.insurance.wa.gov
Required Qualifications:
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Five or more years working with tribal governments, either through lived or professional experience that demonstrates:
Extensive understanding of Tribal government structures and American Indian/Alaska Native community values, systems, and indigenous practices.
Extensive understanding of Tribal and AI/AN community insurance priorities, strengths, needs, and barriers.
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Practice of cultural humility and respect for Native traditions.
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Knowledge of Tribal, federal, and state health care systems and barriers to accessing care.
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Ability to facilitate internal and external groups to develop and deepen relationships and enhance partnership.
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Ability to build, maintain and strengthen collaborative partnerships.
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Experience in communicating effectively, orally and in writing to public audiences with an emphasis on culturally appropriate communications to Tribes and AI/AN community partners.
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Experience working in collaboration with Tribes, Recognized American Indian Organizations, and Urban Indian Health Organizations.
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Ability to think strategically and build both a current and long-term vision to improve OIC services for Tribes and AI/AN communities.
Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
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A bachelor’s degree* or higher in Public Health, Health Administration, Natural Resources, Public Administration, Business, Communications, Native American Studies or a related field or a combination of training and experience that provide equivalent background to perform the job responsibilities.
- Degree must be from an accredited institution whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council of Higher Education Accreditation, or a foreign equivalent may be substituted for relevant experience. Proof of degree may be required prior to employment. If a degree was awarded outside of the United States, candidates must provide a credential evaluation report.
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Experience or education in health care, insurance policy and/or health care operations.
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Experience or education in property & casualty insurance.
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Strong understanding of the impact of historical and intergenerational trauma on Native communities, while understanding the inherent strengths of Native people.
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Experience working with committees/workgroups and responsibilities of committee coordination.
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Experience with Washington Health Care Authority, Health Benefit Exchange, Department of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services, and Indian Health Services policies and programs.
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Knowledge of Tribal Public Health Laws, history, and policies.
Prior professional experience serving as a tribal liaison for a local, state, or federal agency.
Ready to join us?
Learn more about the OIC by visiting our website. We encourage you to check out our video below and listen to what our employees have to say about working here!
Welcome to the OIC
Submit your application today and take the first step towards a rewarding career at the OIC!
Cover Letter: Required
Resume: Required
