What are the responsibilities and job description for the Administrative Program Specialist 2 - SFSP and Special Projects Lead Specialist position at State of Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction?
Description
GENERAL SERVICE
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
Administrative Program Specialist 2 - Child Nutrition Services
SFSP and Special Projects Lead Specialist
$71,136 - $95,676 annually
Closes October 2,2026
The Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) seeks to fill an Administrative Program Specialist 2 - Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and Summer Projects Lead to join the OSPI team. This full-time position is based in Olympia, Washington. This position may be eligible for partial to near full-time telework. Telework is a combination of in-building and off-site days. We encourage interested candidates to visit the OSPI website to gain insight into our agency.
About OSPI and our initiatives
OSPI is the primary agency charged with overseeing public K–12 education in Washington state. Working with the state's 295 public school districts and 7 state-tribal education compact schools, OSPI allocates funding and provides tools, resources, and technical assistance so every student in Washington is provided a high-quality public education.
At OSPI, we recognize that our employees are the key to the success of the agency. We are committed to our work but value the balance with our personal lives. We demonstrate our commitment to employees by providing an environment that stimulates professional growth and values them for their expertise. OSPI is a great place to work and has several initiatives to help create a great working environment, including:
- We support a healthy work/life balance by offering flexible/alternative work schedules and mobile and telework options. (Depending on job duties and work location.)
- We have an Infant at Work Program that is based on long-term values of newborns and infant-parent bonding. Eligible employees who are new parents or legal guardians can bring their infant (six weeks to six months) when returning to work. (Depending on job duties and work location.)
- We value and are actively involved in promoting diversity, equity and inclusion within OSPI by way of cross-divisional, collaborative committee. The focus of the committee includes employee engagement and education; reinforcing OSPI values; and maximizing the value of diversity and identifying strategies for inclusion.
Vision, Mission, and Values
Vision:
All students prepared for post-secondary pathways, careers, and civic engagement.
Mission:
Transform K-12 education to a system that is centered on closing opportunity gaps and is characterized by high expectations for all students and educators. We achieve this by developing equity-based policies and supports that empower educators, families, and communities.
Values:
Ensuring Equity, Collaboration and Service, Achieving Excellence through Continuous Improvement, Focus on the Whole Child
Equity
Each student, family, and community possesses strengths and cultural knowledge that benefits their peers, educators, and schools. Ensuring educational equity:
- Goes beyond equality; it requires education leaders to examine the ways current policies and practices result in disparate outcomes for our students of color, students living in poverty, students receiving special education and English Learner services, students who identify as LGBTQ , and highly mobile student populations.
- Requires education leaders to develop an understanding of historical contexts; engage students, families, and community representatives as partners in decision-making; and actively dismantle systemic barriers, replacing them with policies and practices that ensure all students have access to the instruction and support they need to succeed in our schools.
Position Overview
This position will provide support for the administration of the USDA Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and Special Projects for the Child Nutrition Programs in Washington state. Special Projects currently include the administration of state and federal grants, and Farm to Child Nutrition Program efforts.
Key Responsibilities
- Administrative planning, consulting, advising, and implementing program regulations at the state and local program sponsor levels.
- Assist Program Supervisor in administration of the Program and special projects.
- Conduct program reviews and/or participate in team reviews for sponsors of Child Nutrition Programs.
- Compile review findings, communicate results, monitor corrective action, and calculate fiscal action as applicable.
- Provide technical assistance to sponsors.
- Provide training to sponsors on all areas of program regulations, requirements, and program management.
- Review and approve sponsor program applications.
- Maintain current knowledge of USDA program regulations.
- Develop and deliver training on Summer Food Service Program requirements and program management.
- Coordinate Farm to Child Nutrition initiatives and other special projects.
- Build and maintain partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Support planning, implementation, communication, and evaluation of program activities, outreach efforts, and special initiatives.
Required Qualifications:
Employment at the Administrative Program Specialist 2 level requires:
- A bachelor's degree involving major study in nutrition, education, public or business administration or related field and three (3) years of professional experience in food service or related field.
- Equivalent years of experience (7 or more) may be substituted for a degree.
Employment at the Administrative Program Specialist 1 level, as part of an in-training plan, requires:
- A bachelor's degree involving major study in nutrition, education, public or business administration or related field and one (1) or more years of professional experience in food service or related field.
- Equivalent years of experience (5 or more) may be substituted for a degree
Must hold a valid driver’s license
Travel throughout the state of Washington is a requirement of this position. Staying in motels and working evenings to prepare for exit conferences is a common practice. This position requires the use of a motor vehicle. Use of personal vehicle, motor pool vehicle, rental car, or other modes of transportation is dependent on what is most cost effective.
The selected candidate must maintain residency in the state of Washington to be eligible for this position.
Desired Qualifications:
- Registered Dietitian with the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
- Experience in statewide local procurement or Farm to School/Farm to Child Nutrition initiatives
- Experience directing or managing a school food service operation, or as a sponsor of a USDA Child Nutrition program
- Ability to communicate complex concepts, both orally and in writing, in a manner that is understandable, persuasive, and appropriate for the audience
- Ability to critically analyze problems, data and develop viable solutions
- Ability to prioritize and effectively manage multiple tasks
- Demonstrated ability to maintain strict confidentiality and a high level of integrity as well as the ability to handle sensitive subject matters in a professional and politically neutral manner
- Work independently in a complex environment
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, TEAMS, Outlook, etc.)
Compensation
The annual compensation for the position is $71,136 - $95,676 per year and depends upon experience, educational background and qualifications. Geographic differentials may be applied based on work location of successful candidate. Washington State offers a generous benefit package including health, dental and life insurance, retirement and an optional deferred compensation program. Please visit Health Care Authority for information regarding health benefits and the Department of Retirement Systems for retirement plan information. This is a general service position. This position is not represented by a bargaining unit.
Application Process
Those interested in this position must apply through Careers.wa.gov. Applications must include the following documents in MS Word and PDF format only:
- A letter of interest specifically addressing the qualifications listed in this announcement;
- A current résumé, and;
- A list of three or more professional references.
Please address any questions to:
Sal Salazar, Human Resources
Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
600 Washington Street Southeast Olympia, Washington 98504-7200
360-725-6278: sal.salazar@k12.wa.us
Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may contact the Human Resources Office at (360) 725-6270 or (360) 725-6066, or e-mail hroffice@k12.wa.us.
New Jobs Alert Service
OSPI offers a subscription service, which regularly notifies subscribers of new OSPI employment opportunities on careers.wa.gov. Subscribers are notified via text or email alert. If you are interested in this service, then please subscribe at this location.
OSPI is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from job seekers who will contribute to our diversity. OSPI provides equal access to all programs and services without discrimination based on sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability.?If you would like, please include your name and gender pronouns in your application, to ensure we address you appropriately throughout the application process.Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may contact the human resource consultant listed in “Application Process.”
Salary : $71,136 - $95,676