Tribal Liaison

State of Washington • Thurston County – Olympia, WA

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

This role is within the Policy and Legislative Affairs Division and is based out of our Capitol Campus Office. The Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) is looking for a dynamic, relationship-centered leader to serve as our Tribal Liaison —a highly visible role with the opportunity to influence policy, strengthen partnerships, and create meaningful change for Tribal and AI/AN communities across Washington. As a trusted advisor to the Insurance Commissioner, you’ll bring community perspectives directly into agency decision-making and help shape policies, programs, and strategies that better serve Tribal communities. You’ll build relationships with Tribal leaders and organizations, collaborate with state and federal partners, represent the OIC at Tribal and national gatherings, and help the agency identify and address barriers to insurance access. This is a Civil Service Exempt position.

Requirements

• Five or more years working with tribal governments, either through lived or professional experience that demonstrates:
• Extensive understanding of Tribal government structures and American Indian/Alaska Native community values, systems, and indigenous practices.
• Extensive understanding of Tribal and AI/AN community insurance priorities, strengths, needs, and barriers.
• Practice of cultural humility and respect for Native traditions.
• Knowledge of Tribal, federal, and state health care systems and barriers to accessing care.
• Ability to facilitate internal and external groups to develop and deepen relationships and enhance partnership.
• Ability to build, maintain and strengthen collaborative partnerships.
• Experience in communicating effectively, orally and in writing to public audiences with an emphasis on culturally appropriate communications to Tribes and AI/AN community partners.
• Experience working in collaboration with Tribes, Recognized American Indian Organizations, and Urban Indian Health Organizations.
• Ability to think strategically and build both a current and long-term vision to improve OIC services for Tribes and AI/AN communities.

Nice To Haves

• A bachelor’s degree or higher in Public Health, Health Administration, Natural Resources, Public Administration, Business, Communications, Native American Studies or a related field or a combination of training and experience that provide equivalent background to perform the job responsibilities.
• Degree must be from an accredited institution whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council of Higher Education Accreditation, or a foreign equivalent may be substituted for relevant experience.
• Proof of degree may be required prior to employment.
• If a degree was awarded outside of the United States, candidates must provide a credential evaluation report.
• Experience or education in health care, insurance policy and/or health care operations.
• Experience or education in property & casualty insurance.
• Strong understanding of the impact of historical and intergenerational trauma on Native communities, while understanding the inherent strengths of Native people.
• Experience working with committees/workgroups and responsibilities of committee coordination.
• Experience with Washington Health Care Authority, Health Benefit Exchange, Department of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services, and Indian Health Services policies and programs.
• Knowledge of Tribal Public Health Laws, history, and policies.
• Prior professional experience serving as a tribal liaison for a local, state, or federal agency.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary liaison between the Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) and Tribal governments, Tribal organizations, Urban Indian Health Programs, the American Indian Health Commission of Washington State, and other organizations serving American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities.
• Advise the Insurance Commissioner and OIC executive leadership on Tribal and AI/AN priorities, emerging issues, and opportunities for meaningful engagement and partnership.
• Build, strengthen, and maintain trusted relationships with Tribal leaders, elected officials, elders, health organizations, and community partners throughout Washington.
• Represent the OIC and, when designated, the Insurance Commissioner at the Centennial Accord, Tribal meetings, conferences, and other significant Tribal and AI/AN events.
• Lead efforts to ensure Tribal and AI/AN perspectives are meaningfully incorporated into OIC policies, programs, initiatives, and business practices.
• Develop and support government-to-government consultation and collaboration processes consistent with state law and OIC policy.
• Identify and elevate insurance issues, barriers, and emerging priorities affecting Tribal and AI/AN communities and recommend strategies and solutions.
• Provide strategic recommendations to the Insurance Commissioner on policy, legislative, and programmatic opportunities affecting Tribal and AI/AN communities.
• Coordinate with the Consumer Protection division to identify trends and opportunities to improve insurance access and outcomes for AI/AN consumers.
• Collaborate with the Health Care Authority, Health Benefit Exchange, Department of Health, other state agencies, federal partners, and Tribal liaisons to advance coordinated solutions for Tribal and AI/AN communities.
• Develop and coordinate training and educational opportunities for OIC staff and insurance industry partners on Tribal relations, AI/AN issues, and applicable state and federal requirements.
• Lead internal briefings, meetings, and training sessions to increase organizational understanding of Tribal and AI/AN priorities.
• Coordinate the development of culturally appropriate consumer education and outreach materials for Tribal and AI/AN communities.
• Monitor relevant state and federal legislation, regulations, policies, and industry developments and identify potential impacts on Tribal and AI/AN communities.
• Participate in relevant NAIC committees, workgroups, and task forces and bring emerging national issues and opportunities back to the OIC.
• Develop and maintain a strategic roadmap for Tribal engagement, including goals, priorities, partnerships, and opportunities for continued improvement.
• Provide timely briefings to OIC leadership on upcoming Tribal events, emerging issues, consultation opportunities, and recommended agency engagement.
• Educate OIC staff and leadership on Tribal protocols and culturally appropriate engagement when entering Tribal spaces and participating in Tribal meetings and events.
• Partner with Tribes and Tribal organizations to identify opportunities to promote OIC resources and services and improve access to insurance information and assistance.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the OIC’s mission and commitment to meaningful Tribal engagement.
• Travel may be required for this position.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package: Health, dental, vision, retirement, paid leave (vacation, sick, etc.) and much more!
• Supportive work environment: We value diversity, professional growth, and collaborative atmosphere.
• Wellness programs: Invest in your well-being with on-site resources and initiatives.
• Work-life balance: Flexible schedules with telework opportunities.
• Public service fulfillment: Contribute to a cause that matters and feel the satisfaction of serving the public good.
• Training & Development: Continuously learn and grow with tuition reimbursement, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and other programs.
• Free parking (Tumwater) & Public transportation pass (Thurston County): Save on commuting costs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree