Administrative Program Specialist 2 - SFSP and Special Projects Lead Specialist

State of Washington•Thurston County – Olympia, WA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

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. 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: 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. 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.

Requirements

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.
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.

Nice To Haves

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.)

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.