Director of Government Affairs (EMS 3)

Director of Government Affairs (EMS 3)

Salary

$106,932.00 - $149,724.00 Annually

Location

Multiple Locations Statewide, WA

Job Type

Exempt

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-07663

Department

Health Care Authority

Division

SPI

Opening Date

09/15/2026

Closing Date

9/28/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Director of Government Affairs

This is a remote-hybrid position with onsite work required during legislative session and as needed to support other business operations.

This recruitment is open to Washington State residents only.

The Opportunity

As the Director of Government Affairs, you will lead the Agency's legislative and government affairs strategy and serve as a key advisor to executive leadership on state and federal health policy. You will evaluate legislation and policy proposals, develop legislative strategies and recommendations, oversee the Agency's legislative analysis and communications, and represent the Agency with legislators, legislative staff, the Governor's Office, congressional offices, state agencies, and other partners.

You will also lead the Agency's Legislative Affairs and Analysis staff and coordinate work across the organization to develop legislative proposals, prepare testimony and reports, respond to federal policy and rulemaking, and carry out legislative directives. This position reports to Chief Policy Officer in the Strategy, Policy and Innovation division. Through this dynamic work, you will help shape how the Agency responds to policy decisions affecting health care and behavioral health services for millions of Washington residents.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Lead the Agency's legislative and government affairs strategy, priorities, processes, and communications.
• Advise the Agency Director and executive leadership on legislative policy, health policy, emerging issues, and recommended courses of action.
• Evaluate state and federal legislation and policy proposals to identify impacts, risks, opportunities, resource needs, and strategic considerations for the Agency.
• Develop legislative and health policy proposals, strategies, bill language, and amendments that advance Agency priorities.
• Represent the Agency with legislators, legislative and congressional staff, the Governor's Office, state agencies, and external organizations on legislative and health policy matters.
• Direct legislative communications and deliverables, including testimony, legislative reports, bill analysis, legislative directives, request legislation, and required lobbying reports.
• Coordinate the Agency's response to federal rules and policy proposals, bringing together Agency leadership and subject matter experts to develop formal comments and recommendations.
• Lead the Legislative Affairs and Analysis team, setting priorities and ensuring the Agency has the analysis, coordination, and information needed to effectively navigate legislative activity.

Why You'll Love This Role:

• You'll work at the intersection of health policy, legislation, government affairs, and executive decision-making on complex issues with statewide significance.
• You'll have the opportunity to lead a team while working across the Agency and with state and federal leaders on rapidly evolving policy issues.
• Your analysis and recommendations will inform decisions about policies and legislation affecting Washington's publicly purchased health care and behavioral health systems.
• You'll help translate legislative and policy decisions into coordinated Agency action that affects health care and behavioral health services available to Washington residents.

What You Bring:

You are a strategic thinker who can quickly make sense of complex health policy and legislative issues and turn that information into clear, practical recommendations. You communicate effectively with executives, policymakers, staff, and external partners and are comfortable representing an organization in high-visibility environments. You bring sound judgment, political awareness, and a collaborative approach to work that often involves competing priorities and perspectives. You approach policy development with cultural humility and an equity lens, considering how decisions may affect Washington communities differently while keeping the Agency's responsibilities and public service mission at the center of your work.

Required Qualifications

Please ensure any relevant experience defined below is outlined in your cover letter, resume, and application.

• Demonstrated ability to effectively navigate government relations and health policy through professional interactions with Legislators, legislative staff, agency representatives, external stakeholders, or congressional members.
• Extensive expertise with the cyclical processes, procedures and protocols of the legislative process and government organization and administrative functions.
• Demonstrated expertise in health care policy and legislative proposals, and the ability to assess impacts and opportunities particularly as they relate to HCA and its role as a health care purchaser.
• Demonstrated expertise and ability to advise executives on policy and legislative issues.
• Demonstrated expertise communicating effectively with agency management, policy makers, and diverse groups of stakeholders, including representing the agency in public meetings and hearings.
• Demonstrated ability to assess situations and make reasonable independent judgements as necessary to solve problems and the skill necessary to review options and recommended positions on public policy and legislative proposals.
• Demonstrated ability to draft bills, amendments and develop health care policy.
• Demonstrated expertise and skill necessary to lead and manage others in the implementation of strategies to achieve both short and long term goals and objectives.

Required Competencies:

• Equity Lens - All HCA employees are required to consider equity in their decisions, processes, and day-to-day work, including how their work may affect the people and communities we serve.
• The ability to take action to learn and grow - You take action to learn and grow by seeking new perspectives, learning from experiences, and using what you've learned to continuously improve how you work and serve others.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others - You take action to meet the needs of others by listening, understanding different perspectives, and responding with care, respect, and solutions that support the people of the communities we serve.

Preferred Qualifications

While these are not required, having them may help you stand out as an applicant.

• Master's degree in health services administration, Health Planning, Public Health, Public Administration, Business Administration, Political Science or equivalent, or degree in Law, and five (5) years of experience in the areas described above.
• Bachelor's degree in a field identified above, and seven (7) years of experience in the areas described above.
• Demonstrated experience with Medicaid, Behavioral Health programs, or commercial health insurance options and the health care delivery systems.
• Knowledge of state and federal legislative and budget processes and relevant state and federal laws impacting HCA programs.
• Knowledge of research methodologies and project development.
• Familiarity with statutory authority, administrative operations, and organizational structure of HCA and HCA programs.

What to expect:

This is a full-time 40-hour-per-week position based at our Olympia office. Our standard business hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with alternative work schedules considered based on business needs. (Legislative session hours exceed this schedule.) You'll work in an office surrounded by shared space, open office environment and regularly collaborate with colleagues, Agency leaders, state and federal partners, and other external partners. Occasional travel may be required for meetings, training, or other business needs. All employees are required to report to our Olympia office on their first and final day of employment.

About the Strategy, Policy, and Innovation (SPI) Division

The Strategy, Policy, and Innovation (SPI) Division helps shape the future of health care in Washington. In addition to coordinating Legislative Affairs, SPI leads and coordinates the Agency's work on health policy, affordability, health system transformation, and innovative approaches to improving how health care is delivered and paid for. The division brings together policy, data, research, and partnerships to develop and implement strategies that improve access, quality, equity, and health outcomes for people across Washington.

The Washington State Health Care Authority:

Better Health. Better Care. A Healthier Washington

At HCA, we work to ensure people across Washington have access to high-quality health care. As the state's largest health care purchaser, we serve nearly 3 million Washington residents through Apple Health (Medicaid), public and school employee benefits, and behavioral health programs. Together we're building a stronger Washington. Learn more about HCA by visiting the Voices of HCA and the "Who we are" section of our website.

More than a benefits package:

We want our employees to have the support, flexibility, and benefits they need to do their best work and build a career that works for their life. As a Washington State HCA employee, you'll have access to a comprehensive benefits package that supports your health, financial well-being, and work-life balance. Our benefits are designed to support you today while helping you plan for the future.

Your total compensation is more than your paycheck! We offer:

• Remote work and flexible schedules
• Medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and 12 paid holidays
• Paid Family and Medical Leave (PMFL)
• Retirement options to plan for the future
• Training and professional development opportunities
• Employee wellness programs
• Learn more about Washington State Employee Benefits

Supplemental Information

Our commitment to an inclusive workplace

The Health Care Authority is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a workplace where employees are respected, included, and supported in bringing their experiences, perspectives, and ideas to work. Our commitment to inclusion is reflected in how we work together and serve the people of Washington. HCA also supports five voluntary employee-led Employee Resources Groups (ERGs), which create opportunities for connection, community, learning, and professional growth.

We encourage you to apply

If you meet the required qualifications for this position, we want to hear from you. Desired qualifications describe additional experience, knowledge or skills that may be helpful in the role, but they are not required to be considered for the position. We welcome applicants with different backgrounds, experiences, identities, and perspectives

Application Directions:

To be considered, you must complete the online application in full and submit all required materials. Incomplete applications or applications missing required materials will not be considered. When completing your application, please include the following required materials:

• Cover letter: describing your qualifications for this specific position
• Resume: that details your applicable experience and education.
• 3 Professional References: References must be entered directly into the designated references section of your application. We require 3 professional references including at least one current or recent supervisor.

Veterans

We value the experience and skill veterans bring to the workforce and encourage veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses to apply. Eligible veterans may qualify for veterans' preference in accordance with Washington State Law. If you are claiming veterans' preference, be sure to attach your applicable DD-214 documentation to your application. Please redact your social security number, date of birth, and any other sensitive information before uploading and attaching the document.

Background Check: A criminal background check is required after an offer has been extended and before employment. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you from consideration.

Bargaining Unit: This position is not represented by a union and is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

Need accommodations or have questions?: If you have questions, need assistance with the application process, require an accommodation, or would like to request this posting in an alternative format, please contact Jake Nelko, Lead Recruiter (HRC 3), at HCAJobs@hca.wa.gov and reference the recruitment title and job number in the subject.

Technical Support: Reach out to NEOGOV directly at 1-855-524-5627 for technical support and login issues.

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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More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. Thats why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

01

If hired for this position, do you currently possess required documents to allow you to legally work within the United States? The attached link lists acceptable documents: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

• Yes
• No

02

Will you require sponsorship for an employment-related immigration benefit, either now or in the future?

• Yes
• No

03

How would you rate your ability to effectively navigate government relations and health policy through professional Interactions with Legislators, legislative staff, agency representatives, external stakeholders, or congressional members?

• a. None: I do not have the ability to perform this task.
• b. Basic Familiarity: I have limited ability to perform this task. I can complete limited or basic aspects of the work with close guidance and would need additional support to perform more complex or unfamiliar assignments successfully.
• c. Able and Capable: I have the ability to successfully perform this task in a variety of routine and moderately complex work situations with minimal guidance.
• d. Advanced Ability: I have a high level of ability and can successfully perform this task in routine, complex, or unfamiliar situations. I can adapt my approach to address challenging circumstances, solve difficult problems, and serve as a resource to others when needed.

04

How would you describe your expertise with the cyclical processes, procedures and protocols of the legislative process and government organization and administrative functions?

• a. None: I have little or no knowledge or experience in this area.
• b. Basic Understanding: I have foundational knowledge and some experience in this area.
• c. Expertise: I have substantial knowledge and experience and can effectively apply my expertise in this area.
• d. Advanced Expertise: I have advanced, specialized knowledge and extensive experience and can apply my expertise in complex situations and serve as a resource to others.

05

How would you describe your expertise in health care policy and legislative proposals, including assessing Impacts and opportunities particularly as they relate to HCA and its role as a health care purchaser?

• a. None: I have little or no knowledge or experience in this area.
• b. Basic Understanding: I have foundational knowledge and some experience in this area.
• c. Expertise: I have substantial knowledge and experience and can effectively apply my expertise in this area.
• d. Advanced Expertise: I have advanced, specialized knowledge and extensive experience and can apply my expertise in complex situations and serve as a resource to others.

06

How would you describe your expertise advising executives on policy and legislative Issues?

• a. None: I have little or no knowledge or experience in this area.
• b. Basic Understanding: I have foundational knowledge and some experience in this area.
• c. Expertise: I have substantial knowledge and experience and can effectively apply my expertise in this area.
• d. Advanced Expertise: I have advanced, specialized knowledge and extensive experience and can apply my expertise in complex situations and serve as a resource to others.

07

How would you describe your expertise communicating effectively with agency management, policy makers, and diverse groups of stakeholders, Including representing the agency in public meetings and hearings?

• a. None: I have little or no knowledge or experience in this area.
• b. Basic Understanding: I have foundational knowledge and some experience in this area.
• c. Expertise: I have substantial knowledge and experience and can effectively apply my expertise in this area.
• d. Advanced Expertise: I have advanced, specialized knowledge and extensive experience and can apply my expertise in complex situations and serve as a resource to others.

08

Select which best describes your ability to assess situations and make reasonable independent judgements as necessary to solve problems and the skill necessary to review options and recommended positions on public policy and legislative proposals.

• a. None: I am unaware or have very little knowledge of this skill.
• b. Basic Awareness: I have limited experience using this skill. I understand the basic concepts and can perform simple tasks with guidance, but I have not developed enough practical experience to apply this skill confidently in most work situations.
• c. Skilled: I have developed practical skill through regular application and am comfortable using this skill to successfully perform a variety of routine and moderately complex work situations with minimal guidance.
• d. Advanced Skill: I have extensive practical skill developed through significant application. I can apply this skill in complex or unfamiliar situations, troubleshoot issues, adapt my approach as needed, and serve as a resource or mentor to others when appropriate.

09

How would you rate your ability to draft bills, amendments and develop health care policy?

• a. None: I do not have the ability to perform this task.
• b. Basic Familiarity: I have limited ability to perform this task. I can complete limited or basic aspects of the work with close guidance and would need additional support to perform more complex or unfamiliar assignments successfully.
• c. Able and Capable: I have the ability to successfully perform this task in a variety of routine and moderately complex work situations with minimal guidance.
• d. Advanced Ability: I have a high level of ability and can successfully perform this task in routine, complex, or unfamiliar situations. I can adapt my approach to address challenging circumstances, solve difficult problems, and serve as a resource to others when needed.

10

How would you describe your expertise leading and managing others in the implementation of strategies to achieve both short and long term goals and objectives?

• a. None: I have little or no knowledge or experience in this area.
• b. Basic Understanding: I have foundational knowledge and some experience in this area.
• c. Expertise: I have substantial knowledge and experience and can effectively apply my expertise in this area.
• d. Advanced Expertise: I have advanced, specialized knowledge and extensive experience and can apply my expertise in complex situations and serve as a resource to others.

11

I have the following combination of education and experience (Select one):

• a. A Master's degree in health services administration, Health Planning, Public Health, Public Administration, Business Administration, Political Science or equivalent, or degree in Law, and five (5) years of experience in the areas described above.
• b. A Bachelor's degree in a field identified above, and seven (7) years of experience in the areas described above.
• c. None of the above

12

How would you describe your experience with Medicald, Behavioral Health programs, or commercial health insurance options and the health care delivery systems?

• a. No Experience: I have little to no experience performing this work and have not applied it as part of my job responsibilities.
• b. Basic Familiarity: I have limited exposure to this work and may have performed related tasks occasionally or as part of a broader role but have not developed substantial hands-on experience.
• c. Experienced: I have substantial, hands-on experience performing the work as a regular part of my job responsibilities and have developed the practical knowledge and skills needed to apply them effectively in a variety of work situations.
• d. Advanced Experience: I have extensive experience leading, directing, improving, or providing strategic oversight for this work, including influencing decisions, mentoring others, or guiding complex or high-impact initiatives.

13

Select which best describes your level of knowledge with state and federal legislative and budget processes and relevant state and federal laws impacting HCA programs.

• a. None: I have little to no knowledge of this subject.
• b. Basic Awareness: I have a limited understanding of this subject and would need additional guidance to apply it in most work situations.
• c. Knowledgeable: I have a solid understanding of this subject's key concepts and principles and can effectively apply that knowledge in a variety of typical work situations.
• d. Advanced Knowledge: I have a comprehensive understanding of this subject and can apply that knowledge to complex, challenging, or unfamiliar situations. I can analyze issues, make informed decisions, solve problems, and serve as a resource to others when appropriate.

14

Select which best describes your level of knowledge with research methodologies and project development?

• a. None: I have little to no knowledge of this subject.
• b. Basic Awareness: I have a limited understanding of this subject and would need additional guidance to apply it in most work situations.
• c. Knowledgeable: I have a solid understanding of this subject's key concepts and principles and can effectively apply that knowledge in a variety of typical work situations
• d. Advanced Knowledge: I have a comprehensive understanding of this subject and can apply that knowledge to complex, challenging, or unfamiliar situations. I can analyze issues, make informed decisions, solve problems, and serve as a resource to others when appropriate

15

Select which best describes your level of familiarity with statutory authority, administrative operations, and organizational structure of HCA and HCA programs?

• a. None: I have little to no knowledge or familiarity with this subject.
• b. Basic Awareness: I have limited exposure to this subject and have only a basic understanding of its concepts or terminology.
• c. Familiar: I have been exposed to this subject and understand its concepts, terminology, and purpose well enough to discuss it and recognize how it is applied in typical work situations, although I have limited depth of understanding.
• d. Advanced Familiarity: I have broad exposure to this subject and a strong understanding of its concepts, terminology, and practical application across a variety of typical work situations.

Required Question

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov