Tribal Liaison

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 applicants 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 anemployerof choice!Hereswhy:

• 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 Washingtons insurance system.

The Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) is looking for a dynamic relationship-centered leader to serve as our Tribal Liaisona 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 youll bring community perspectives directly into agency decision-making and help shape policies programs and strategies that better serve Tribal communities. Youll 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. Youll have the opportunity to turn conversations into partnerships partnerships into solutions and community priorities into meaningful change.

If youre passionate about Tribal sovereignty cultural humility and building systems that work better for Native communitiesand youre ready to bring your experience perspective and leadership to a role with statewide impactwe 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 Exemptposition. The salary range for this position is $110000- $120000

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:

• 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.
• Advisethe Insurance Commissioner and OIC executive leadership on Tribal and AI/AN priorities emerging issues and opportunities for meaningful engagement and partnership.
• Build strengthen andmaintaintrusted 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 consumereducation and outreach materials for Tribal and AI/AN communities.
• Monitor relevant state and federal legislation regulations policies and industry developments and identifypotential impacts on Tribal and AI/AN communities.
• Participate in relevant NAIC committeesworkgroups 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 culturallyappropriate 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 OICs 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 and add the requisition number and the job name to the subject line of your email.

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 bachelors 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 berequiredprior 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

• 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 necessarilyprecludeemployment but will be considered indeterminingthe applicants 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 . 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 .