[Hiring] Public Health Community Engagement Strategist @State of Washington

Role Description

This home-based (remote) position is open to Washington residents and those living in Oregon and Idaho only. This project position is currently funded through November 30, 2027.

As the Public Health Community Engagement Strategist, you will lead statewide community engagement and partnership initiatives that bring community perspectives and lived experience into public health policy, planning, and decision-making. Reporting to the Community Investments and Engagement Manager within the Center for Community Relations and Equity, you will provide strategic leadership for the Health Justice Community Advisory Committee (HJCAC) and Community Collaborative, building meaningful relationships with community leaders, local health jurisdictions, Tribal Nations, state agencies, and cross-sector partners.

You will guide the planning, implementation, and evaluation of these initiatives, creating opportunities for communities disproportionately affected by health inequities to influence public health priorities and strategies. This includes:

• Facilitating community partnerships
• Developing engagement approaches
• Identifying barriers to equitable access
• Translating community feedback into actionable recommendations for agency leadership

You will also lead cross-agency projects that address systemic barriers, improve public health services and information, and strengthen how the agency incorporates community expertise into its work.

Through strategic consultation, project leadership, and collaboration across government and community organizations, you will help ensure public health policies, programs, and resources are informed by the experiences and needs of the people they are intended to serve.

Qualifications

• Experience may have been gained through paid or unpaid activities.
• Must meet one of the options provided and any additional criteria listed.

Requirements

• Option 1: Six (6) years of professional experience leading or coordinating community engagement initiatives, developing equity-focused strategies, building cross-sector partnerships, or implementing projects addressing systemic inequities.
• Option 2: A bachelor's degree or higher in public health, public administration, social sciences, community development, public policy, or a related field, AND two years of experience leading or coordinating community engagement initiatives, developing equity-focused strategies, building cross-sector partnerships, or implementing projects addressing systemic inequities.
• Experience working in public health, state or local government.
• Experience planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating community engagement initiatives or health-related programs and projects.
• Experience leading multiple complex projects involving community partners, competing priorities, and defined deliverables.
• Experience developing and implementing strategies to address systemic inequities or social determinants of health.
• Experience incorporating community input, lived experience, and identified needs into program plans, policies, or initiatives.
• Experience building and maintaining partnerships with community-based organizations, public agencies, or other invested partners.
• Experience planning and facilitating accessible meetings, advisory committees, or collaborative convenings with community partners.
• Experience developing written recommendations, reports, or action plans to inform organizational decisions, policy development, or systems change.
• Experience managing project deliverables, contracts, or agreements, including monitoring progress and ensuring compliance with established requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience advising senior leadership on health equity, community engagement, or policy and systems change.
• Experience developing culturally and linguistically appropriate public health materials, outreach strategies, or communications.
• Experience using qualitative research methods, such as interviews, focus groups, or surveys, to inform program or policy decisions.
• Experience developing training, tools, or resources to strengthen community engagement and equity practices.
• Experience applying trauma-informed or healing-centered approaches to community engagement.
• Proficiency in a language other than English.
• Experience managing contracts, invoices, and/or vendor relationships.

Benefits

• Access to a comprehensive benefits package that supports health, financial well-being, and work-life balance.

What to Expect (Working Conditions)

• Work Setting: This position can be performed fully remotely, with no regular in-person attendance required.
• Schedule: Standard DOH business hours are Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This position has a work schedule of 40 hours per week.
• Travel Requirements: Monthly or quarterly travel may be required to meet with community partners or in-person meetings.
• Tools & Equipment: Standard office furniture and equipment, including a computer and reliable internet access.
• Customer Interactions: Regular engagement with customers in various settings.

Application Directions

• Complete the online application in full and submit all required materials.
• Include a cover letter describing your qualifications for this specific position.
• Attach a resume detailing your applicable experience and education.
• Provide three (3) professional references.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

We regard diversity as the foundation of our strength, recognizing that differing insights and abilities enable us to reflect the unique needs of the communities we serve. DOH is an equal opportunity employer.