Director, School Apportionment and Financial Services

State of Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction • Olympia, WA

403d • $129,059 - $144,200

About The Position

The Director of School Apportionment and Financial Services at the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) is responsible for overseeing the implementation of state fiscal policies affecting public education funding across various school districts and education agencies in Washington. This role involves ensuring compliance with state laws, advocating for financial priorities, and maintaining transparency in fiscal decisions while promoting equity and inclusion in education. The position requires strong leadership skills to manage a team and engage with stakeholders to improve student achievement and opportunity.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business or public administration.
• Minimum of five years experience with Washington state school funding formula structure and rules.
• Ability to read, write, and comprehend state budget and bill language.
• Basic understanding of school district accounting principles.
• Successful management experience, including supervising professional staff.
• Ability to lead, coach, and mentor staff to achieve unit cohesion and professionalism.
• Advanced skills in addressing cultural competence, diversity, and equity issues.

Nice To Haves

• Expert knowledge in Excel, including complex formulas to analyze data across multiple sheets.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite tools such as Word and PowerPoint.
• Ability to organize complex work with competing deadlines.
• Clear written and oral communication skills, able to explain complex concepts in plain language.
• Effective communicator adept at cultivating trust-based relationships with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Maintain direct oversight of the payment of over half of the state general fund budget annually.
• Regularly review and update fiscal policies to ensure alignment with equity and inclusion principles.
• Engage students, families, and community representatives in decision-making processes.
• Ensure transparency in fiscal decisions and establish communication channels between schools and the community.
• Manage and supervise a team of approximately 8 staff on the School Apportionment and Financial Services (SAFS) team.
• Conduct annual employee performance reviews and monitor trial service and probationary employees.
• Grow staff skills through training opportunities, mentorship, and regular feedback.
• Establish a fair, safe, and professional workplace free from discrimination or harassment.
• Recruit and hire quality employees aligned with agency mission and values.
• Collect data from districts for enrollment, staffing, budgeting, and financial reporting.
• Spearhead fiscal analytics and forecasting for the WA school funding program.
• Review and approve official guidance, rule changes, and formal communications from the SAFS team.
• Run cost projections and develop forecasting tools for state and school districts.
• Present new laws, rules, or guidance on K-12 fiscal policies at conferences and webinars.
• Maintain budget-related project models and tools throughout the school year.
• Represent OSPI in various workgroups and meetings, including chairing the School District Accounting Advisory Committee.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan
• Optional deferred compensation program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree