Public Information Officer (CC5/COM)

Posting number: 2026-06990

Department: Health Care Authority

Division: COM

Job classification: COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANT 5

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Public Relations, Miscellaneous, Web Design, Research, Communications, Community and Social Services, Health Care Support, Insurance

Summary

Public Information Officer (CC5/COM)

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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. 

Examples of duties

Some of what you will do:

• 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.
• 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.
• Manage media inquiries from start to finish, working across HCA and partner agencies to develop accurate, timely, and effective responses.
• 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. 
• Lead proactive media outreach strategies that advance agency priorities, identifying opportunities to increase public understanding of agency programs, initiatives, policy changes, and executive priorities.
• 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.
• 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.
• Prepare and coach agency executives, leaders, and subject matter experts for media interviews, press conferences, public appearances, and other high-profile engagements.