Tribal Liaison

Tribal Liaison

Salary

$110,000.00 - $120,000.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Olympia, WA

Job Type

Exempt

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-06956

Department

Office of the Insurance Commissioner

Division

Policy Legislative Affairs

Opening Date

08/19/2026

Closing Date

9/19/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary Information

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

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

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:

• Meaningful work: Ensure a healthy insurance market & protect Washington consumers.
• Impactful career: Make a daily difference in the lives of countless Washingtonians.
• Small agency, big opportunities: Gain a holistic understanding of our mission and build strong relationships with colleagues.
• 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

• Comprehensive benefits package: Health, dental, vision, retirement, paid leave (vacation, sick, etc.) and much more!
• Supportive work environment: We value diversity, professional growth, and collaborative atmosphere.
• Wellness programs: Invest in your well-being with on-site resources and initiatives.
• Work-life balance: Flexible schedules with telework opportunities.
• Public service fulfillment: Contribute to a cause that matters and feel the satisfaction of serving the public good.
• Training & Development: Continuously learn and grow with tuition reimbursement, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and other programs.
• Free parking (Tumwater) & Public transportation pass (Thurston County): Save on commuting costs.
• And more! Explore our website for additional benefits: https://www.insurance.wa.gov

Duties

The duties of the position include but are not limited to:

• Serve as the primary liaison between the Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) and Tribal governments, Tribal organizations, Urban Indian Health Programs, the American Indian Health Commission of Washington State, and other organizations serving American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities.
• Advise the Insurance Commissioner and OIC executive leadership on Tribal and AI/AN priorities, emerging issues, and opportunities for meaningful engagement and partnership.
• Build, strengthen, and maintain trusted relationships with Tribal leaders, elected officials, elders, health organizations, and community partners throughout Washington.
• Represent the OIC and, when designated, the Insurance Commissioner at the Centennial Accord, Tribal meetings, conferences, and other significant Tribal and AI/AN events.
• Lead efforts to ensure Tribal and AI/AN perspectives are meaningfully incorporated into OIC policies, programs, initiatives, and business practices.
• Develop and support government-to-government consultation and collaboration processes consistent with state law and OIC policy.
• Identify and elevate insurance issues, barriers, and emerging priorities affecting Tribal and AI/AN communities and recommend strategies and solutions.
• Provide strategic recommendations to the Insurance Commissioner on policy, legislative, and programmatic opportunities affecting Tribal and AI/AN communities.
• Coordinate with the Consumer Protection division to identify trends and opportunities to improve insurance access and outcomes for AI/AN consumers.
• Collaborate with the Health Care Authority, Health Benefit Exchange, Department of Health, other state agencies, federal partners, and Tribal liaisons to advance coordinated solutions for Tribal and AI/AN communities.
• Develop and coordinate training and educational opportunities for OIC staff and insurance industry partners on Tribal relations, AI/AN issues, and applicable state and federal requirements.
• Lead internal briefings, meetings, and training sessions to increase organizational understanding of Tribal and AI/AN priorities.
• Coordinate the development of culturally appropriate consumer education and outreach materials for Tribal and AI/AN communities.
• Monitor relevant state and federal legislation, regulations, policies, and industry developments and identify potential impacts on Tribal and AI/AN communities.
• Participate in relevant NAIC committees, workgroups, and task forces and bring emerging national issues and opportunities back to the OIC.
• Develop and maintain a strategic roadmap for Tribal engagement, including goals, priorities, partnerships, and opportunities for continued improvement.
• Provide timely briefings to OIC leadership on upcoming Tribal events, emerging issues, consultation opportunities, and recommended agency engagement.
• Educate OIC staff and leadership on Tribal protocols and culturally appropriate engagement when entering Tribal spaces and participating in Tribal meetings and events.
• Partner with Tribes and Tribal organizations to identify opportunities to promote OIC resources and services and improve access to insurance information and assistance.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the OIC's mission and commitment to meaningful Tribal engagement.
• Travel may be required for this position.

Contact Us: For inquiries about this position and its full duties, please contact us at Recruitment@oic.wa.gov and add the requisition number 2026-06956 and the job name to the subject line of your email.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• 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.

• Practice of cultural humility and respect for Native traditions.

• Knowledge of Tribal, federal, and state health care systems and barriers to accessing care.

• Ability to facilitate internal and external groups to develop and deepen relationships and enhance partnership.

• Ability to build, maintain and strengthen collaborative partnerships.

• 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.

• Experience working in collaboration with Tribes, Recognized American Indian Organizations, and Urban Indian Health Organizations.

• 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:

• 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.
• Experience or education in health care, insurance policy and/or health care operations.
• Experience or education in property & casualty insurance.
• Strong understanding of the impact of historical and intergenerational trauma on Native communities, while understanding the inherent strengths of Native people.
• Experience working with committees/workgroups and responsibilities of committee coordination.
• 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.
• 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

Supplemental Information

• Wage/salary depends on qualifications or state rules of compensation (if currently a state employee).
• State law (RCW 48.02.090[5]) prohibits employees of the OIC from having any interest, directly or indirectly, in an insurance company other than as a policyholder. This prohibition includes the receipt of renewal commissions. If employment is accepted with this agency, you agree to abide by this state law.
• 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 but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
• The Office of Insurance Commissioner is an equal opportunity employer, does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability. Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the recruitment team at Recruitment@oic.wa.gov. Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at 1-800-676-3777 or www.washingtonrelay.com.
• If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing (log in, password or email issues) or completing your application (error messages), please call toll-free at (855) 524-5627.
• Contact us: For inquiries about this position, please contact us at recruitment@oic.wa.gov.

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

Do you have 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? If yes, please briefly describe your experience.

02

Please briefly describe your knowledge of or experience in Tribal, federal, and state health care systems and barriers to accessing care.

03

Please select all that apply to your professional experience:

• 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.
• Experience or education in health care, insurance policy and/or health care operations.
• Experience or education in property & casualty insurance.
• Experience working with committees/workgroups and responsibilities of committee coordination.
• 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.
• Knowledge of Tribal Public Health Laws, history, and policies.
• Prior professional experience serving as a tribal liaison for a local, state, or federal agency.

04

n accordance with RCW 48.02.090(5), Office of Insurance Commissioner employees are prohibited from having any interest, directly or indirectly, in an insurance company other than as a policy-holder. This prohibition includes the receipt of renewal commissions and employees may not hold a valid insurance license. If you have any interest in an insurance company you must forfeit the license prior to the effective date of your appointment. If hired, do you agree to abide by this law?

• YES
• NO

05

As part of the pre-employment process, are you willing and able to undergo a criminal history background investigation? This would include a criminal records check.

• YES
• NO
• N/A - I am currently an OIC employee

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