Communications Director

Recruitment Information

Recruitment will remain open until Feb 26, 2026
. The agency reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time after the initial screening date on Feb 19, 2026
. It is in the applicant’s best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

The Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) seeks one qualified individual for the Communications Director position. Make a difference:
Protect consumers and join our dynamic team. The role is within the Public Affairs Division and is based out of our Tumwater Office.

• 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.

• 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.
• Explore additional benefits on our website: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..gov

The salary range for this position is $110,000 - $146,784.

• Supervise staff who handle the agency’s public and internal messaging, including the development and implementation of communication strategies, such as social media and digital issues campaigns. Also supervises any interns assigned to Public Affairs.
• Oversee communication projects that involve multiple professional staff engaged in both internal and external communication, collaborating actively with agency staff and leadership on the development and implementation of communication, outreach and engagement strategies that reflect the agency’s priorities and strategic plan goals.
• Plan, lead, organize, and manage internal and external communications for the agency through comprehensive strategic communication plans and serve as a spokesperson for the Insurance Commissioner to state and national news media and national trade publications.
• Advise and serve as a consultant to agency leadership (Commissioner and executive staff) on effective communication plans that implement complex projects with public impact.
• Oversee all internal communication efforts, including messaging on strategic plan initiatives, employee engagement, and agency policy changes.
• Develop and oversee production of agency publications and agency branding and style guides.
• Oversee and approve social media and digital strategies, video script development, and other content developed to help explain the agency’s work on behalf of the public and the entities we regulate.

Required Education and Experience

• 9 years of full‑time professional experience working in strategic communications, public affairs, journalism, media relations, public relations, marketing or related field.
• 2 years of experience crafting and implementing successful public involvement projects/campaigns.
• 5 years of experience leading public affairs, public relations or communications teams.

Three (3) years demonstrated experience using a variety of technology and platforms

• Social media platforms with development of analytics and engagement.
• Web content management tools and application of best practices for website design, usability and organization.
• Application of Plain Talk principles and branding in government communication materials.
• In…