| Location | Olympia, WA |
| Salary | $83,988–$149,724 Per Year |
Health Equity Director (EMS3/ODD)
Salary
$83,988.00 - $149,724.00 Annually
Location
Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type
Exempt
Remote Employment
Remote Optional
Job Number
2026-08916
Department
Health Care Authority
Division
EXO
Opening Date
10/23/2026
Closing Date
11/8/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Health Equity Director
This is a full-time, exempt, hybrid executive leadership position based in Olympia, WA. Employees may frequently be asked to travel for meetings or events based on business needs.
All HCA employees are required to be Washington state residents upon their first day of employment.
The Opportunity
Lead HCAs work to eliminate health inequities across Washington. The Health Equity Director (EMS3/ODD) is a member of HCAs Executive Leadership Team, reports to the Deputy Director, and serves as a strategic advisor to the HCA Director. In this role, you will set the vision and direction for health equity across Apple Health (Medicaid), behavioral health, and the PEBB and SEBB programs, using strategic purchasing, policy, and authentic partnerships with communities, Tribes, and other agencies to advance equitable access to quality, whole-person care for millions of Washington residents.
Key Responsibilities
Why You'll Love This Role
What You Bring
You are a visionary, collaborative leader with deep expertise in health equity and a genuine commitment to communities experiencing health inequities. You build trust with partners across government, communities, and Tribes, listen actively, and communicate complex ideas clearly and with cultural competency. You navigate the political environment with confidence, bring diverse perspectives together, and motivate people and resources to resolve critical policy issues quickly. You lead with integrity, set clear expectations, and invest in the growth of the people around you. You live the HCA values of:
Required Qualifications
Experience may have been gained through paid or unpaid activities. Please ensure any relevant experience defined below is outlined in your cover letter, resume, and application.
Required Competencies
Preferred Qualifications
While these are not required, having them may help you stand out as an applicant.
About the Health Equity Team
The Health Equity team sits within HCAs Office of the Deputy Director and provides executive leadership and direction for cross-agency efforts in centering equity, antiracism, and community voices in policies, practices, communication, and outcomes. With a focus on community partnerships and health equity strategies, the team supports the agency mission of being powered by the people we serve to improve health across Washington by advancing equitable access to quality, whole-person care.
Supplemental Information
About the Washington State Health Care Authority
Better Health. Better Care. A Healthier Washington.
At HCA, we work to ensure people across Washington have the opportunity to be as healthy as possible. As the State's largest health care purchaser and behavioral health authority, HCA serves nearly 3 million Washington residents through Apple Health (Medicaid), Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) and School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) programs, and behavioral health services. Through this work, HCA purchases and coordinates care coverage, supports behavioral health prevention, treatment, crisis response, and recovery and helps strengthen access to high-quality care across Washington.
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. Learn more about why HCA by visiting the Voices of HCA and the "Who we are" section of our website.
Your total compensation is more than your paycheck:
Work location and schedule: This is a full-time 40-hour-per-week hybrid position. This position is eligible to telework but is frequently required to report onsite to the HCA office located in Olympia, WA to meet business needs. When working in-person, you will work in a shared space, open office environment. In this role you'll regularly collaborate with colleagues, agency leaders, state and federal partners, and other external partners or customers. Frequent 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.
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 Resource Groups (ERGs), which create opportunities for connection, community, learning, and professional growth.
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:
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.
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, you must 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.
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 Lisa Fleming, Human Resource Consultant (Recruiter) at HCAjobs@hca.wa.gov and reference the recruitment title and job number in the subject line.
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
I acknowledge that I have included at least three references, and that I have uploaded a cover letter and resume in the attachments section of my application.
02
I acknowledge that this position will be eligible to telework but is typically required to report on-site 2-3 business days per week to meet business needs (Olympia, WA). I also acknowledge that telework is a privilege and may be revoked at any time.
03
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
04
Will you require sponsorship for an employment-related immigration benefit, either now or in the future?
05
How would you rate your ability to work effectively with one or more populations experiencing health inequities?
06
How would you rate your ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with a broad range of internal and external partners, facilitate cooperative working relations, and work collaboratively with diverse groups?
07
How would you rate your ability to coordinate and motivate diverse resources to quickly resolve critical health policy issues?
08
How would you rate your ability to clearly and effectively communicate complex information or ideas verbally and in writing, using active listening, proper grammar and punctuation, and cultural competency in a manner that fosters open dialogue?
09
How would you describe your expertise in designing health care policy and benefits coverage from an equity lens to minimize or eliminate disparate impacts on low-income and historically marginalized populations?
10
How would you describe your expertise in accurately identifying disparities in program requirements, payment methodologies, and health care coverage that disproportionately impact marginalized and low-income populations and making informed health coverage policy and program development recommendations to mitigate those disparities and improve health equity?
11
How would you describe your experience in effectively managing contractors, staff, and partner relationships, and negotiating and building consensus?
12
How would you describe your experience in successfully managing complex health care related projects involving multi-agency groups and partners?
13
How would you describe your proficiency level in using using research, data, limited resources, and analysis to formulate and advise decision-making, issue resolution, and policy development?
14
How would you describe your proficiency level in using using Microsoft systems and tools, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and data analytic tools?
15
How would you describe your proficiency level in using developing presentations and materials and effectively presenting clear information to diverse external audiences on challenging policy concepts?
16
Select which best describes your level of knowledge with of the local health care industry, public assistance programs, Medicaid, and other federal law affecting low-income and historically marginalized populations:
17
Select which best describes your level of knowledge of HCA programs (Medicaid, PEBB, and SEBB), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and employee and public assistance benefit programs focused on health equity, and the state and federal authorizing environment:
18
How would you rate your ability to conduct research projects requiring the use of data and statistics?
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