MTP Communications Manager (Cc5/Com) - Project

MTP Communications Manager (CC5/COM)

71105414

This is a project position funded through 30 June 2028.

The Legislature has also approved a 3% general wage increase for all state employees, effective July 1, 2024

Do you thrive in a fast-paced, highly collaborative, and creative environment? Do you enjoy creating and leading multiple communications efforts at the same time? Are you skilled at developing easy-to-understand content and materials about complex rules, programs, or health care policies? Are you eager to work with a team who care about each other and the people of Washington? Then look no further than HCA!

Join our talented Communications (COM) and Medicaid Transformation Project (MTP) teams as the MTP Communications Manager! Lead the development and implementation of extensive, multiple strategic communications plans for MTP, which is a statewide Medicaid waiver program. Engage with diverse audiences, including local, state, Tribal, and federal governments, health care organizations, the Legislature, public, and others. Manage all communications efforts; support the launch of new MTP programs and initiatives; bolster MTP through multiple communications channels like the HCA website, social media, and more; and create compelling and informative content and materials for audiences across the state.

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:

This position reports to the HCA Communications Division (COM), which provides external and internal communications support for the agency. The MTP Communications Manager serves as an expert communications consultant within the Strategy, Policy, and Innovation (SPI) Division at HCA. SPI leads HCA's health transformation work (including MTP), focusing on moving our state toward value-based, whole-person care. SPI also coordinates our agency's legislative activities to advance Washington State's and the Governor's health care priorities.

About the position:

The MTP Communications Manager is a strategic communications advisor and plays a pivotal role in overseeing, developing, and implementing a comprehensive communications strategy for this statewide, high-profile, multi-partner Medicaid waiver program, and all programs and initiatives under MTP. Collaborating closely with the Policy Communications Manager, COM team, HCA leadership, MTP team, key partners, and project stakeholders, the MTP Communications Manager will lead both internal and external communications efforts for MTP and its programs and initiatives.

This position is eligible to telework and is typically not required to report on-site. 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. Frequency of onsite work will vary based on business and operational needs. HCA may choose, but is not required, to support out-of-state telework on a case-by-case basis.

Some of what you will do:

• Oversee, develop, and execute strategic communications and tactical planning for MTP and each MTP program and initiative.

• Work closely with the MTP team, partners, and stakeholders in developing and managing complex communications activities, policies, goals, and objectives, including identifying methods like the who, what, where, when, why, and how of communicating about MTP and each MTP program and initiative. Determine and mitigate communications risks and identify unintended or inequitable consequences.

• Collaborate and build relationships with HCA leadership, MTP leaders and team, MTP partners, and COM colleagues.

• Advise and consult with the Director, HCA leadership, MTP team, and others on communications best practices, techniques, policies, and issues, including audience needs. Influence and participate in decision-making processes.

• Analyze the extent of the key audience's and public's understanding of MTP, and the type of information they need. Evaluate effectiveness of MTP information and activities and recommend changes as needed.

• Represent COM in MTP-specific meetings and gatherings and listen for opportunities to communicate.

• Develop and coordinate agency public information policy and activities with other state agencies, boards/commissions, workgroups, advisory committees, state and federal partners, and stakeholders.

• Write press releases, Dear Tribal Leader Letters (DTLLs), announcements, and alerts and disseminate them to intended and identified audiences.

• Create and disseminate MTP-specific collateral, such as presentations; publications; FAQs; fact sheets; one-pagers; infographics; guidance and instruction materials; talking/key points; speeches; web pages; and blogs/articles.

• Lead the development of new infographics and liaise between COM and subject matter experts.

• In partnership with MTP team, partners, and COM colleagues, create and deploy a media campaign about MTP and its programs and initiatives.

• Review materials and other collateral for clarity, accuracy, layout and presentation, and agency representation. Apply agency brand and style standards as well as accessibility, usability, active voice, and readability (plain language) standards.

• Direct and coordinate the timing of an MTP program or initiative launch with MTP team, partners, and others.

• Track communications deliverables and address issues if and as they arise. Provide expert customer service and connect people to appropriate contacts and resources.

• Own, update, and maintain the MTP website section of hca.wa.gov site.

Required qualifications:

Qualifying candidates will meet one of the following criteria options:

Option 1:

Bachelor's degree involving major study in English, Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, or closely allied field AND

Four years of professional experience in information, journalism, or public relations.

Option 2:

Eight years of professional experience in information, journalism, or public relations

Candidates will also need to have:

At least two years of experience managing progressively complex communications projects can be concurrent with the above-listed experience.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proficient skill in the use of various software, including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Adobe Acrobat.

• Demonstrated ability to:

• Edit reports, presentations, and other materials and content with close attention to detail, accuracy, plain talk, active voice, flow and format, repetition, and inconsistencies.

• Write content and materials that are easy to understand, plain-talked (plain language), have active voice, are accurate, and vetted appropriately with subject matter experts.

• Clearly communicate complex technical information in verbal, written, and other communication forms to a non-technical audience, including the application of plain language to legally precise or technical documents.

• Communicate and interact with managerial, administrative, and professional staff as well as customers, Tribal partners, other partners, stakeholders, and others with respect and cultural humility.

• Share ideas, recommendations, and risks in a collaborative, courteous, and professional manner.

• Plan strategically, identify communications needs, and develop goals and comprehensive communications plans for achieving identified goals, strategies, and tactics.

• Adapt to changing business needs, conditions, and work responsibilities, and adjust work habits and methods as needed to achieve successful solutions and results.

• Work effectively and professionally and produce high-quality work in stressful or time-limited situations.

• Organize and prioritize workload to complete work on time and in a fast-moving environment. Balance and successfully complete multiple projects/tasks with the same deadline.

• Successfully lead, coordinate, and manage large and small projects and groups of people.

• Build strong and trusting relationships across teams, divisions, agencies, organizations, and partners to achieve communications goals.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience in:

• Web publishing, especially Drupal content management system

• Working in local, state, federal, or Tribal government(s)

• Leading statewide or national media campaigns or similar efforts

• Communicating about:

• State or federal health care programs

• Health care policy

• Understanding of:

• Washington's health care delivery system

• Indian health programs

• Apple Health or Medicaid

• Federal Section 1115 Medicaid demonstration waivers or other waivers

• Media relations

How to apply:

Only candidates who reflect the minimum qualifications on their NEOGOV profile will be considered. Failure to follow the application instructions below may lead to disqualification. To apply for this position, you will need to complete your profile which includes three professional references and attach:

• A cover letter that specifically addresses how you meet the qualifications for this position

• Current resume

To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:

• Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter.

• Please black out any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

About HCA:

Functioning as both the state's largest health care purchaser and its behavioral health authority, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is a leader in ensuring Washington residents have the opportunity to be as healthy as possible.

There are three pillars of our work: Apple Health (Medicaid); the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) and School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) programs; and behavioral health and recovery. Under these pillars, HCA purchases health care, including behavioral health treatment for more than 2.7 million Washington residents and provides behavioral health prevention, crisis, and recovery supports to all Washington residents.

What we have to offer:

• Meaningful work with friendly co-workers who care about those we serve Voices of HCA 

• A clear agency mission that drives our work and is person-centered HCA's Mission, Vision & Values

• A healthy work/life balance, including alternative/flexible schedules and mobile work options.

• A great total compensation and benefit package WA State Government Benefits

• A safe, pleasant workplace in a convenient location with restaurants, and shopping nearby.

• Tuition reimbursement

• And free parking!

Notes:

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.

HCA is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. HCA has five employee resource groups (ERGs). ERGs are voluntary, employee-led groups whose aim is to foster a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with HCA's mission. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. Studies have shown women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons of disability are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. Persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are also encouraged to apply. If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your experience relates to them, please contact us at HCAjobs@hca.wa.gov. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact Julie Laney at (253) 375-9668 or julie.laney@hca.wa.gov.

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is an E-Verify employer. All applicants with a legal right to work in the United States are encouraged to apply.

E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

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