DSHS Senior Director of Communications and Governmental Affairs

State of Washington • Olympia, WA

58d

About The Position

Every year, the Department of Social and Health Services touches the lives of more than 2.6 million Washingtonians. At this scale, communication is not just messaging; it is mission-critical. As Senior Director of Communications and Governmental Affairs, you'll have direct access to the Secretary's executive leadership team and the Governor's office, shaping how Washington's largest agency builds trust with the public, employees, and partners. This opportunity is central to advancing customer-centered government, ensuring that every message reflects transparency, inclusion, and the diverse voices of the communities we serve. This is a rare opportunity to: Define the agency's voice at a pivotal moment of transformation. Lead a high-visibility function with direct impact on statewide credibility and trust. Unify communications, innovation, and design under one coordinated vision. Advance customer-centered government in alignment with Executive Order 24-04.

Requirements

• Executive-level communications leadership- demonstrated ability to set strategy and deliver results in a large, complex, or high-visibility organization.
• Crisis and media expertise- proven skill in managing high-stakes issues, shaping narratives, and protecting organizational credibility and trust.
• Change leadership - success unifying diverse functions, leading teams through transition, and sustaining performance and morale.
• Political and stakeholder acumen - experience partnering effectively across executive, legislative, tribal, and community leaders.
• Storytelling and engagement expertise - ability to elevate organizational voice, connect with employees and the public, and make complex work accessible and compelling.
• Customer experience orientation - demonstrated commitment to advancing transparency and customer service that meets diverse communities where they are.

Nice To Haves

• Education: A bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Media Relations, or a related field is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Shift the Narrative: Establish a disciplined, proactive communications strategy that positions DSHS as a trusted, mission-driven voice across Washington.
• Elevate Customer Experience: Demonstrate how communications can highlight measurable improvements in service delivery, transparency, and public trust.
• Unify the Function: Integrate media relations, internal communications, community relations, and visual/innovation strategy into a single, coordinated enterprise-level operation.
• Lead Through Change: Provide steady leadership through structural realignment, clarifying roles and expectations while sustaining performance and morale.
• Shape Collaborative Relationships: Develop and maintain effective, solution-driven partnerships with the Governor's Communications Office, state and legislative leaders, and peer agencies to advance shared priorities.
• Drive Team Performance: Set a clear vision, reinforce accountability, and establish a culture of disciplined execution and innovation

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Industry: Administration of Economic Programs
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees