Communications Consultant 4 (CC4/COM) - Project

Communications Consultant 4 (CC4/COM) - Project

Salary

$64,512.00 - $86,688.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Olympia, WA

Job Type

Project (limited duration)

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-08247

Department

Health Care Authority

Division

COM

Opening Date

10/01/2026

Closing Date

10/15/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary Information

The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

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 disclaimers.
• 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.

Your total compensation is more than your paycheck:

• Remote work and flexible schedules
• Medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and 12 paid holidays
• Paid Family and Medical Leave (PMFL)
• Retirement options to plan for the future
• Training and professional development opportunities
• Employee wellness programs
• Learn more about Washington State Employee Benefits

Working Conditions:

Work Location and Schedule:

This is a full-time 40-hour-per-week HYBRID position. You will report to the HCA office located in Olympia, WA for in-person work. Our standard business hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with alternative work schedules considered based on business needs. When working in-person, you will work in a shared space, open office environment. In this role you'll regularly collaborate with colleagues, Agency leaders, state and federal partners, and other external partners or customers. Occasional travel may be required for meetings, training, or other business needs. All employees are required to report to our Olympia office on their first and final day of employment.

Supplemental Information

Our commitment to an inclusive workplace

The Health Care Authority is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a workplace where employees are respected, included, and supported in bringing their experiences, perspectives, and ideas to work.

Our commitment to inclusion is reflected in how we work together and serve the people of Washington. HCA also supports five voluntary employee led Employee Resources Groups (ERGs), which create opportunities for connection, community, learning, and professional growth.

Application Directions:

To be considered, you must complete the online application in full and submit all required materials. Incomplete applications or applications missing required materials will not be considered. When completing your application, please include the following required materials:

• Cover letter: describing your qualifications for this specific position
• Resume: that details your applicable experience and education.
• 3 Professional References: References must be entered directly into the designated references section of your application. We require 3 professional references including at least one current or recent supervisor.

We encourage you to apply

If you meet the required qualifications for this position; we want to hear from you. Desired qualifications describe additional experience, knowledge or skills that may be helpful in the role, but they are not required to be considered for the position. We welcome applicants with different backgrounds, experiences, identities, and perspectives.

Veterans

We value the experience and skill veterans bring to the workforce and encourage veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses to apply. Eligible veterans may qualify for veterans' preference in accordance with Washington State Law. If you are claiming veterans' preference, be sure to attach your applicable DD-214 documentation to your application. Please redact your social security number, date of birth, and any other sensitive information before uploading and attaching the document.

Need accommodations or have questions?: If you have questions, need assistance with the application process, require an accommodation, or would like to request this posting in an alternative format, please contact Angelic Matthews, Human Resources Consultant - Recruiter at HCAjobs@hca.wa.gov and reference the recruitment title and job number in the subject line.

Technical Support: Reach out to NEOGOV directly at 1-855-524-5627 for technical support and login issues.

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.

Subscribe to HCA Job Alerts

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. Thats 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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-58-175, 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

Parental Leave

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. I also acknowledge that telework is a privilege and may be revoked at any time.

• Yes
• No

02

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: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

• Yes
• No

03

Will you require sponsorship for an employment-related immigration benefit, either now or in the future?

• Yes
• No

04

How would you rate your 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?

• a. None: I do not have the ability to perform this task.
• b. Basic Familiarity: I have limited ability to perform this task. I can complete limited or basic aspects of the work with close guidance and would need additional support to perform more complex or unfamiliar assignments successfully.
• c. Able and Capable: I have the ability to successfully perform this task in a variety of routine and moderately complex work situations with minimal guidance.
• d. Advanced Ability: I have a high level of ability and can successfully perform this task in routine, complex, or unfamiliar situations. I can adapt my approach to address challenging circumstances, solve difficult problems, and serve as a resource to others when needed.

05

How would you rate your demonstrated ability to develop innovative and effective communication strategies?

• a. None: I do not have the ability to perform this task.
• b. Basic Familiarity: I have limited ability to perform this task. I can complete limited or basic aspects of the work with close guidance and would need additional support to perform more complex or unfamiliar assignments successfully.
• c. Able and Capable: I have the ability to successfully perform this task in a variety of routine and moderately complex work situations with minimal guidance.
• d. Advanced Ability: I have a high level of ability and can successfully perform this task in routine, complex, or unfamiliar situations. I can adapt my approach to address challenging circumstances, solve difficult problems, and serve as a resource to others when needed.

06

How would you rate your writing and editing skills, including the ability to digest and translate complex information into clear, plain-language communications?

• a. None: I do not have the ability to perform this task.
• b. Basic Familiarity: I have limited ability to perform this task. I can complete limited or basic aspects of the work with close guidance and would need additional support to perform more complex or unfamiliar assignments successfully.
• c. Able and Capable: I have the ability to successfully perform this task in a variety of routine and moderately complex work situations with minimal guidance.
• d. Advanced Ability: I have a high level of ability and can successfully perform this task in routine, complex, or unfamiliar situations. I can adapt my approach to address challenging circumstances, solve difficult problems, and serve as a resource to others when needed.

07

How would you rate your demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize workload and to complete work on time and in a fast-moving environment?

• a. None: I do not have the ability to perform this task.
• b. Basic Familiarity: I have limited ability to perform this task. I can complete limited or basic aspects of the work with close guidance and would need additional support to perform more complex or unfamiliar assignments successfully.
• c. Able and Capable: I have the ability to successfully perform this task in a variety of routine and moderately complex work situations with minimal guidance.
• d. Advanced Ability: I have a high level of ability and can successfully perform this task in routine, complex, or unfamiliar situations. I can adapt my approach to address challenging circumstances, solve difficult problems, and serve as a resource to others when needed.

08

How would you rate your demonstrated ability to apply a health equity lens when reviewing and developing communications?

• a. None: I do not have the ability to perform this task.
• b. Basic Familiarity: I have limited ability to perform this task. I can complete limited or basic aspects of the work with close guidance and would need additional support to perform more complex or unfamiliar assignments successfully.
• c. Able and Capable: I have the ability to successfully perform this task in a variety of routine and moderately complex work situations with minimal guidance.
• d. Advanced Ability: I have a high level of ability and can successfully perform this task in routine, complex, or unfamiliar situations. I can adapt my approach to address challenging circumstances, solve difficult problems, and serve as a resource to others when needed.

09

How would you rate your collaborative skills, including the ability to communicate editorial changes in a courteous and professional manager?

• a. None: I do not have the ability to perform this task.
• b. Basic Familiarity: I have limited ability to perform this task. I can complete limited or basic aspects of the work with close guidance and would need additional support to perform more complex or unfamiliar assignments successfully.
• c. Able and Capable: I have the ability to successfully perform this task in a variety of routine and moderately complex work situations with minimal guidance.
• d. Advanced Ability: I have a high level of ability and can successfully perform this task in routine, complex, or unfamiliar situations. I can adapt my approach to address challenging circumstances, solve difficult problems, and serve as a resource to others when needed.

10

Please select the preferred qualifications you possess from the 5 below:

• Seven (7) years of 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.

Required Question

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov