Communications Director

This 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 applicants best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Make a Difference: Protect Consumers & Join Our Dynamic Team!

The Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) seeks 1 qualified individual for the CommunicationsDirector position. These roles are within the Public Affairs Division and are based out of our Tumwater Office.

We are an employer of choice! Heres 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

In this role you will oversee the agencys Communications team and provide direction for the Insurance Commissioner and agency leadership on strategic communications public awareness campaigns and internal communications and employee engagement. The Communications Director reports to the Deputy Insurance Commissioner of Public Affairs and oversees a team of communication specialists and works directly with the elected Insurance Commissioner and agency leadership to tell the story of our agencys consumer protection mission.

This is more than just a jobits a chance to make a difference every day by empowering the public with the information they need to understand their rights and get the insurance coverage they deserve.

The salary range for this position is $110000 - $146784

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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:

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

• Supervise staff who handle the agencys public and internal messaging including the development and implementation of communication strategies including 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 collaborates actively with agency staff and leadership on the development and implementation of communication outreach and engagement strategies that reflect the agencys priorities and strategic plan goals.
• Plan lead organize and manage internal and external communications for the agency through comprehensive strategic communication plans and serves as a spokesperson forthe Insurance Commissioner to state and national news media and national trade publications.
• Advise and serve as 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 agencys work on behalf of the public and the entities we regulate.

Required Education and Experience:

• Nine (9) years of full-time professional experience* working in strategic communications public affairs journalism media relations public relations marketing or related field.
• Two (2) years must include crafting and implementing successful public involvement projects/campaigns.
• Five (5) years must include leading public affairs public relations or communications teams

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

Academic Degree Equivalency Chart

• An advanced degree in communications journalism public affairs or closely related field
• Minimum of five (5) years full-time professional experience in communications work.
• Served as main spokesperson for a business or agency with responsibility for representing the organization to customers and the public.
• Minimum of three (3) years experience working for a government entity including an in-depthunderstanding of the state legislative process the structure of state government and functions of all major state agencies.
• Familiarity with how the programs of other state agencies may interact with the Office of the nsurance Commissioner and experience working under an elected official.

• Wage/salary depends on qualifications or state rules of compensation (if currently a state employee).

• State law (RCW 48.02.0905) 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 applicants suitability and competence to perform in the position.
• If claiming veteran status please send your DD 214 to with IT32026-01153 in the subject line. Please do not attach the DD 214 to your application materials. Please black out personally identifiable data such as social security numbers.
• 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 . Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at 1- or .
• 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 .
• Contact us: For inquiries about this position please contact us at .