Overview
Make an Impact Where It Matters Most
Step into a highly visible leadership role at the epicenter of public health strategy, where communication and health education isn’t just messaging, it’s influence, trust, and action. As the Chief of the Office of Communications and Health Education, you will guide how critical health information reaches communities across Washington, shaping behavior, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring the agency speaks with clarity, credibility, and purpose.
This role sits on the agency’s strategy team and reports to the Chief of Staff, with direct influence on how public health priorities are understood and acted upon statewide. You’ll lead the integration of communications and health education into every corner of the organization, aligning strategy, policy, and execution to drive meaningful outcomes.
What You’ll Do
Set the Vision for Communications and Health Education
Lead and direct the Office of Communications and Health Education, aligning all functions with agency priorities and executive direction.
Develop and sustain a comprehensive, agencywide communications and health promotion strategy, both proactive and reactive.
Ensure messaging reflects evidence-based practices that influence community and individual health behaviors.
Lead High-Impact Communication Functions
Oversee integrated communications and health promotion across media relations, risk communications, strategic storytelling, digital platforms, social media, web, video, and design.
Ensure all communications are timely, accurate, high-quality, and aligned with agency priorities.
Approve high-visibility products and set quality standards.
Drive Strategy, Policy, and Organizational Alignment
Direct communications and health education policy development and ensure compliance with agency standards.
Align communications and health education efforts with broader agency planning and policy initiatives.
Support and advance the agency’s policy agenda through strategic approaches.
Lead People, Resources, and Operations
Manage a large, complex portfolio including budget, personnel, and contracts.
Oversee approximately 80 staff, including direct supervision of 5 leaders.
Direct resource allocation across a $38.4M operating budget to meet strategic priorities.
Champion performance management, continuous improvement, and innovation across the office.
Strengthen Partnerships and External Engagement
Build and maintain relationships across government, healthcare, community organizations, and professional associations.
Navigate complex, high-visibility environments involving elected officials and diverse partners.
Serve as a key advisor and connector between agency leadership and external audiences.
Champion Culture, Equity, and Engagement
Foster a diverse, engaged workforce and inclusive practices.
Ensure messaging reaches and resonates with historically underrepresented communities.
Model leadership grounded in integrity, professionalism, and public service.
About Washington Department of Health
At DOH, we safeguard public health in an ever-evolving world. Through collaboration with local health jurisdictions and state, federal, and private partners, our programs, and services impact every Washingtonian and visitor daily. We're driven by Equity, Innovation, and Engagement, as outlined in our Transformational Plan for the future of Washington health.
