• Job Description

  Req#: 935351

  We are seeking a Communications Officer to join our dynamic Communications & Engagement team. This is a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of strategic communications, storytelling, media engagement, and event strategy, contributing directly to real change in health care across California.

  About the California Health Care Foundation

  CHCF works to improve the health care system so that all Californians have access to the care they need. We focus especially on ensuring the system works for Californians with low incomes and for communities that have historically faced the greatest barriers to care.

  Our efforts are concentrated in four key areas:

  • Making care more affordable. Making care more affordable for all Californians while addressing unsustainable spending across the health care system.
  • Strengthening and diversifying the health workforce. Addressing critical workforce shortages and improving the cultural and language competencies of health professionals.
  • Delivering better care. Improving access and care for people with complex needs, such as those experiencing homelessness or serious mental illness.
  • Making care just. Removing structural barriers that prevent people of color from accessing high-quality care and transforming health care systems to uphold dignity for all.

  
  

  Position Overview

  The Communications Officer plays a pivotal role in supporting the development and execution of comprehensive communications strategies to enhance the Foundation’s programmatic objectives. This position involves collaboration with program teams and

  Communications & Engagement (C&E) staff as a key thought partner, contributing to the advancement of the Foundation’s goals through innovative communication efforts.

  These efforts include communications campaign coordination, message development, storytelling, digital engagement, and media outreach. The Communications Officer also plays a lead role around strategy and implementation for both virtual and in-person events that are driven by the C&E Team.

  This is a full-time, exempt position reporting to the chief communications officer. The role is based in CHCF’s Oakland office and requires in-office presence two days per week, with occasional flexibility for a third day.

  What You’ll Do

  Advance CHCF Goals and Program-Related Work

  • Collaborate across teams. Serve as a thought partner to program staff and Communications & Engagement colleagues to support the development of communications strategies that advance CHCF’s programmatic goals.
  • Contribute to content and campaign efforts. Assist in coordinating communications campaigns and contribute to message development, storytelling, digital engagement, and media outreach that help elevate CHCF’s work.
  • Support communications-focused grantmaking. Help develop and manage grants related to communications and health journalism in collaboration with program staff and the grants management team.

  
  

  Develop and Implement Events Strategy

  • Support a strategic events calendar. Help plan and coordinate a regular cadence of virtual and in-person events that align with CHCF’s priorities and initiatives.
  • Collaborate on content and outreach. Work with Communications & Engagement and program staff to support content development and promotion strategies for events.
  • Contribute to event quality. Help document and refine best practices to ensure events are accessible, engaging, and aligned with CHCF’s brand and goals.
  • Coordinate external partners. Assist in identifying and managing vendors that support C&E-led events, including logistics, production, and technical support.
  • Track performance. Monitor attendance, engagement, and post-event feedback to inform continuous improvement and reporting.

  
  

  Support Audience Development and Outreach

  • Support engagement strategies. Assist in developing and implementing activities to reach and engage priority audiences around CHCF’s mission and programmatic goals.
  • Help expand CHCF’s network. Contribute to identifying and tracking key external stakeholders who can amplify CHCF’s work and messaging.
  • Leverage engagement tools. Use CHCF’s customer relationship management system to support program team outreach and track the effectiveness of engagement efforts.

  
  

  Content Creation and Dissemination

  • Support content development. Assist in creating a range of content—including blog posts, explainers, fact sheets, newsletters, and video scripts—that advances CHCF’s priorities and amplifies program work.
  • Coordinate dissemination efforts. Help implement strategies to share content through CHCF channels and external partners to reach and engage key audiences.
  • Maintain alignment. Contribute to editorial planning to ensure consistency of messaging, tone, and visual identity across platforms.

  
  

  Media Relations

  • Cultivate media relationships. Develop and maintain connections with journalists and media influencers covering health care and related policy issues.
  • Manage media engagement. Field and coordinate responses to media inquiries, pitch stories, and help ensure consistent and strategic messaging in the public domain.
  • Support spokesperson readiness. Assist program staff in preparing for media interactions by drafting talking points, anticipating questions, and providing message guidance.

  
  

  Minimum Qualifications

  • Foundational Education and Experience: A bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Public Health, Public Policy, or a related field, complemented by three to five years of professional experience in a communications-centric role such as public relations, communications consulting, or journalism.
  • Mission-Driven Enthusiasm: A genuine passion for the CHCF's mission, with a preference for candidates possessing knowledge of the healthcare sector, demonstrating a commitment to advancing healthcare initiatives and policies.
  • Strategic Communication Expertise: Demonstrated experience in crafting and implementing communication strategies, alongside proven capabilities in project and client management, showcasing the ability to oversee projects from conception to execution.
  • Analytical and Creative Insight: The ability to analyze complex information and employ creative problem-solving skills in developing communication strategies that effectively convey the foundation's goals and messages to a diverse audience.
  • Adaptability and Resilience: Flexibility in responding to changing priorities and the resilience to maintain high levels of professionalism and effectiveness under pressure, ensuring the continuous advancement of the foundation's objectives.

  
  

  Skills and Competencies

  • Collaborative Project Management: Demonstrated expertise in orchestrating complex projects, effectively coordinating with a broad spectrum of stakeholders including team members, consultants, and external partners to deliver high- quality outcomes.
  • Innovative Communication Strategies: A track record of employing multimedia and other creative methodologies to craft compelling narratives for social change, engaging diverse audiences with impactful messages.
  • Exceptional Event Planning and Execution: Strong experience and demonstrated success developing and organizing both virtual and in-person events that allow for meaningful two-way engagement with audiences.
  • Exceptional Writing and Public Speaking: Outstanding ability to articulate complex technical information and data into clear, audience-tailored content, showcasing superior writing and public speaking skills.
  • Digital Media Savvy: Proficient with the latest social media platforms and digital communication tools, leveraging emerging technologies to enhance outreach and engagement.
  • Strategic Partnership Development: Skilled in forging and nurturing strategic collaborations to amplify the reach and impact of research and initiatives, enhancing promotional efforts.
  • Senior Management Advisory: Competent in advising and supporting senior leadership, providing strategic counsel to executive teams and advisory boards to inform decision-making processes.
  • Organizational and Prioritization Mastery: Exceptional organizational skills with an acute attention to detail, capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously and prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines efficiently.
  • Media and CRM Proficiency: Experience with media databases and customer relationship management tools, enhancing the organization's ability to track engagement and impact.

  
  

  Other Qualifications

  • Continuous learning and collaboration. Demonstrates a genuine curiosity and open-mindedness, paired with humility and a readiness to listen and learn from CHCF’s grantees and partners.
  • Commitment to anti-racism and inclusivity. Exhibits a deep personal and professional dedication to anti-racist principles and actively participates in the organization's diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
  • Constructive feedback dynamics. Possesses the ability to give, receive, and integrate feedback constructively, promoting a culture of open communication and continuous improvement.

  
  

  Salary and Benefits

  The full salary range for this position is $116,928 to $175,392. The starting salary for this role is $138,040 and is not negotiable.

  The foundation provides a generous benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and long-term care insurance; commuter assistance or paid parking; employee assistance and wellness programs; educational assistance; paid time off; and 401(k) retirement benefits.

  
  

  Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

  The California Health Care Foundation is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff and will honor your experiences, perspectives, and unique identity. We believe the power of diversity enriches all of us by exposing us to a range of ways to understand and engage with the world, identify challenges, and to discover, design, and deliver solutions. Read more about CHCF’s diversity, equity, and inclusion vision.

  The California Health Care Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

  Employment offers will be contingent on a background check that is limited in scope and compliant with best practices for Fair Chance Hiring. We welcome formerly incarcerated people to apply for this role.

• About the company

  Based in Oakland, California, the California Health Care Foundation is an independent, nonprofit philanthropy that focuses on improving the health care system for the people of California, especially low-income Californians.

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