Public Information Officer (CC5/COM)
71058477
The Public Information Officer (Communications Consultant 5) is the agency’s primary contact for media, handling incoming press inquiries, developing press releases, and preparing agency leaders for interviews and public appearances. The position advises executive leadership on messaging, reputational risk, and crisis communications while building proactive media strategies that help Washington residents understand and trust the agency’s health care programs. Based in Olympia with hybrid flexibility, this role is ideal for an experienced communications professional who thrives in a fast-paced, high visibility environment.
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).
About the position:
This position reports to the Chief Communications Officer and serves as the agency’s lead Public Information Officer and primary media relations specialist. The position supports the agency’s mission by ensuring Washington residents receive accurate, timely, accessible, and culturally responsive information about health care programs and services. It provides strategic communications counsel to agency leadership and program areas on complex, sensitive, and high-profile issues that may generate public interest or media attention. The position develops and implements proactive and reactive media relations strategies that advance agency priorities, increase public understanding of agency programs and services, strengthen public trust, and protect the agency’s credibility and reputation.
This position is eligible to telework but is frequently required to report onsite to meet business needs. 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. All agency employees are required to report on-site in Olympia on their first and last days of employment to pick up and return state-issued equipment, regardless of telework status or location.
Some of what you will do:
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Serve as HCA’s lead Public Information Officer and primary point of content for local, state, and national news organizations, and as an agency spokesperson, as appropriate.
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Provide strategic communications counsel to agency executives and leaders on complex, sensitive, and high-profile issues involving media relations, public messaging, reputational risk, and crisis communications expertise.
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Manage media inquiries from start to finish, working across HCA and partner agencies to develop accurate, timely, and effective responses.
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Anticipate and proactively identify emerging issues, communications needs, media interest, risks, and opportunities; using sound judgment to develop solutions, recommend strategies, and move work forward independently while keeping communications leadership informed of significant developments and decisions.
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Lead proactive media outreach strategies that advance agency priorities, identifying opportunities to increase public understanding of agency programs, initiatives, policy changes, and executive priorities.
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Identify, develop, and pitch compelling stories that reflect diverse communities and lived experience and highlight agency efforts to improve health outcomes, advance health equity, and increase access to care for Washingtonians.
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Write and develop executive and public-facing communications including key messages, talking points, statements, press releases, op-eds, briefings, and other materials that translate complex issues into clear, compelling, and accessible language.
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Prepare and coach agency executives, leaders, and subject matter experts for media interviews, press conferences, public appearances, and other high-profile engagements.
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Plan and coordinate press conferences, media briefings, public announcements, and other media events in partnership with agency leadership, program staff, partner organizations, and media representatives.
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Develop strategic communications plans for major agency initiatives, policy changes, and emerging ussies, working across communications functions to ensure messaging and strategies are coordinated and aligned across channels and audiences. Coordinate closely with the Governor’s Communications Office, partner agencies, and communications colleagues across state government to ensure timely, accurate, and aligned public messaging.
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Lead and support communications during emergencies and crisis response and participate in agency Continuity of Operations (COOP) planning and preparedness.
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Help strengthen HCA’s media relations capabilities by developing protocols, recommending strategies, monitoring media coverage and trends, providing media training, and sharing expertise with communications staff, subject matter experts, and agency leaders.
Required qualifications:
Qualifying candidates will meet one of the following criteria options:
Option 1:
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Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, English, or a related field
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And four (4) years of professional experience in communications, public information, public relations, media relations, journalism, or a closely related field.
Option 2:
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Associate degree in communications, public relations, journalism, English, or a related field
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And six (6) years of professional experience in communications, public information, public relations, media relations, journalism, or a closely related field.
Option 3:
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Eight (8) years of professional experience in communications, public information, public relations, media relations, journalism, or a closely related field.
Required competencies:
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The ability to take action to learn and grow.
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The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
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Previous experience working with the media
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Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
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Demonstrated ability to write and edit a variety of communication products, including press releases, talking points, briefing materials, speeches, reports and public-facing content.
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Ability to serve as a spokesperson and communicate effectively with media, executives, elected officials, stakeholders, and the public.
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Ability to manage multiple projects, competing priorities, and tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
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Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism when handling sensitive or confidential information.
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Knowledge of plain language and accessibility communication practices.
Note: This position application requires a professional writing sample, media publication, or sample portfolio in addition to the attached cover letter and resume.
Preferred qualifications:
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Experience developing and executing both proactive and reactive media strategies, including identifying and pitching earned media opportunities.
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Experience preparing and coaching executives, leaders, or subject matter experts for media interviews, press conferences, and other high-profile engagements.
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Experience planning and coordinating press conferences, media briefings, or other significant media events.
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Experience coordinating communications across multiple programs, organizations, or government entities
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Experience communicating complex health care, Medicaid, public health, health policy, or human services programs to diverse audiences
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Experience analyzing media coverage, communications metrics, and emerging issues to inform communications strategy
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Demonstrated ability to navigate ambiguity, adapt to changing priorities, and develop strategic communication recommendations in rapidly evolving environments.
How to apply:
Only candidates who reflect the minimum 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 in separate files:
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A cover letter that specifically addresses how you meet the qualifications for this position
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Current resume
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A professional writing sample, publication, or sample portfolio demonstrating applicable skills in this field.
To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:
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Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
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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:
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Meaningful work with friendly co-workers who care about those we serve Voices of HCA
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A clear agency mission that drives our work and is person-centered HCA's Mission, Vision & Values
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A healthy work/life balance, including alternative/flexible schedules and mobile work options.
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A great total compensation and benefit package WA State Government Benefits
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A safe, pleasant workplace in a convenient location with restaurants, and shopping nearby.
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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 [email protected] with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact Lisa Fleming at (360) 725-1723 or [email protected]
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.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
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