Administrative Program Specialist 2 - SFSP and Special Projects Lead Specialist

State of Washington; Olympia (WA); Hybrid; USD 71,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) in Olympia, WA seeks an Administrative Program Specialist 2 to lead Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and Summer Projects for Child Nutrition Programs. This full-time role may offer telework options, combining in-building and remote days, and involves coordinating state and federal grants and Farm to Child Nutrition initiatives.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree in nutrition, education, public or business administration or related

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience in food service or related field.
• Three years of professional experience in food service or related field (for Administrative Program Specialist 2).
• Equivalent years of experience (7+ years) may substitute for a degree.
• Must hold a valid driver’s license.
• Travel throughout the state is required; staying in motels and evenings for exit conferences is common.
• Residence in Washington state is required to be eligible for this position.

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 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 SFSP 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.

Education

Bachelor's degree involving major study in nutrition, education, public or business administration or related field

Seven or more years of professional experience substituted for a degree

Bachelor's degree with one year experience for APS1 level

Job description

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.

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.

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement And Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full‑time and part‑time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Sick Leave

Full‑time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full‑time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part‑time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full‑time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full‑time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full‑time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part‑time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full‑time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump‑sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note:

Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

600 Washington Street Southeast Olympia, Washington 98504-7200

360-725-6278: [e-mail]

Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may contact the Human Resources Office at [phone] or [phone], or e-mail [e-mail].