Continuous Improvement - Program Specialist 3

Continuous Improvement - Program Specialist 3

Salary

$59,760.00 - $80,496.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Olympia, WA

Job Type

Agency Internal - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-05399

Department

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Division

Teaching, Learning, & School Improvement

Opening Date

07/02/2026

Closing Date

7/9/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

GENERAL SERVICE

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

School Improvement - Program Specialist 3

(Internal Only - Recruitment)

$59,760 - $80,496 annually

Closes July 09, 2026

The Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) seeks to fill a School Improvement - Program Specialist 3. This full-time permanent position is based in Olympia, Washington. An initial training and onboarding period will require regular in-office attendance. Upon successful completion of the evaluation period, a flexible telework arrangement may be considered. 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 states 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 supports the agency's mission by providing leadership and support to districts and school identified for tiered support under the Washington School Improvement Framework (WSIF) as a member the Continuous School Improvement Team within the Teaching, Learning, and School Improvement division. Under the direction of the Director of School Improvement the Program Specialist maintains the web-based improvement planning tools used by the agency to collect federally mandated district and school improvement plans, facilitates trainings and professional development, supports the Continuous Improvement program through participation in Resource Allocation Reviews, and provides programmatic support and technical assistance around all aspects of state and federal for internal and external partners and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

WebBased Improvement Planning Process and Oversight

• Under the guidance of the Director provides direct support for the development, access, use, implementation, and monitoring of web-based improvement planning tools for internal and external stakeholders, that include guidance documentation, one-pagers, videos, templates, and other support tools.

• Provide technical assistance and facilitate training for internal and external partners on the use of web-based improvement tools.

• Create and publish training tools for internal and external partners including manuals, one-pagers, videos, templates, and other support tools.

• Provide technical assistance to internal and external partners relative to improvement planning.

• Initiate, create, and manage program databases and files for web-based tools for internal and external users across the agency as they relate to school improvement.

• Conducts research, compiles data and draft presentations for division leadership.

• Develop, analyze, and recommend improvement processes to improve accessibility and use of web-based improvement tools for internal and external partners.

• Provides programmatic support for the collection and analysis of all required, System and School Improvement plans, in conjunction with the Director of School Improvement, School Improvement Program Supervisors, and the division's data analysts.

• Provides input and support for the regular utilization of aggregate and disaggregated school improvement plan information to support agency wide collaboration on school improvement plan information.

School Improvement Program Support and Technical Assistance

• Plan for and participate in Resource Allocation Review (RAR) and Federal Program Review in collaboration with CI Director and Program Supervisors, conducting reviews and providing feedback to districts; and collaborating with the federal program review process within the agency to implement the reviews.

• Serves as a School Improvement Team representation for the team and division to plan, participate in the Federal Program Review process and activities inside of the agency and in the field.

• Assists in the coordination, development, implementation, and monitoring of the School Improvement Technical Assistance Network made up of internal and external partners. This network provides direct technical assistance provided to schools identified for tiered support under WSIF and aligns with agency priorities around literacy, math, language acquisition, inclusionary practices, graduation pathways, and implementation of new state learning standards. This position assists and supports the coordination of resource and guidance development and dissemination, professional development, trainings, data collection and analysis, all in alignment with best practices, federal and state policies, agency priorities, and the statewide School Improvement Framework.

• Assists in planning and executing effective school improvement professional learning; utilize professional learning best practices for in-person, virtual, and on-line learning.

• Collect annual data from school districts in the state through District and School Improvement Plans and reports the data to stakeholders as needed in collaboration with division leadership and Program Supervisors.

• Under guidance from the Director, develops, tracks, and monitors CI budget and oversees the use of budget codes on behalf of and in collaboration with the Director and CI team.

• Track, process invoices and payments: verify expenditures and authorize payment of contractors invoices in a timely and accurate manner; resolve contract payment disputes and confer with divisional leadership, contractors, and various OSPI programs concerning contract payments and compliance in support of established School improvement priorities and objectives.

• Act as a liaison and advocate speaks on behalf of program and supervisor when communicating between Improvement staff, division, OSPI, educators, and public entities via phone, email, and in-person inquiries about, school improvement programs.

• Monitors work commitments and coordinates projects using a project management platform (e.g. Microsoft Planner) or technical strategy ensuring deadlines are met for the team;

• Provide technological and programmatic support across the state, including, networking, programmatic resource collection and disbursement, training notices, answering questions about communications, meetings, resources, and program updates, grants, contracts, and RAR

Administrative Support and Other Duties as Assigned

• Reviews and edits presentations and correspondence from rough draft to final using Microsoft Office products or other programs. Perform complex word processing tasks such as merging and sorting, integrating text with graphics, spreadsheet, and data base files, uploading/downloading, and creating footnotes and outlines. Assists with content contribution on k12.wa.us website. Review work products for proper grammar, punctuation, spelling, content coherence, and messaging, Review and ensures documents are ADA compliant.

• Maintain databases and distribution lists for workgroups and committees.

• Prepares, types, edits, and/or sends out emails and correspondence on behalf of School Improvement team. Assures that supervisor is aware of agency processes and procedures related to correspondence.

• Makes all travel and lodging arrangements that follow agency and state policies.

• Leads administrative support to organize meetings, workshops, and conferences. Prepare documentation, such as meeting expense forms, committee/consultant forms, meeting notices, agendas, correspondence, handouts, and meeting minutes.

• Leads administrative support to compile contract paperwork for meeting facilities and speakers, coordinate lodging, meals, and audio-visual needs for all meetings and/or conferences and trainings for the School Improvement program.

• Leads administrative support to maintain and archive files and keep up to date on records management to keep programs in regulation with retention schedule for public disclosure.

• Prepares all purchase requests for the team to be forwarded for approval as needed.

• Keeps up to date on travel and purchasing rules and procedures. Make travel arrangements for supervisors and team, process monthly reimbursement claims, complete travel authorizations, and fill out itineraries for program supervisors.

• Assist as back-up for Public Disclosure, Public Records, Records Retention and Electronic Records Coordinator for Division.

• Collaborate with other agency divisions, including, but not limited to, helping with projects, outreach, and meeting coordination, when needed.

• Serve as OSSI team representative on agency committee(s) or ad hoc groups as directed, requested, or interested.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree required; degree in Education, Policy, or a related field preferred and two years of professional level experience including planning, policy analysis, coordination and/or consultation with a variety of partners and stakeholders. Experience may substitute for education on a year for year basis.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, web-based databases, and experienced internet research.

• Ability to communicate complex concepts, both orally and in writing, in a manner that is understandable, persuasive, and appropriate for the audience.

• Experience drafting, editing, and accurately formatting a variety of documents including correspondence, publications, spreadsheets, bulletins, memorandums, contracts, and reports.

• Must live in the state of Washington

• Occasional in-state travel for meetings or trainings

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Intermediate or advanced proficiency of Zoom, MS Teams, and other online collaboration tools and programs.

• Experience with facilitating virtual and in-person meetings, professional development, and trainings.

• Self-directed, willing to take initiative, demonstrate good judgement, and able work successfully with a wide variety of people.

• Experience collecting, analyzing, and utilizing program-related data to guide, support, and strengthen programmatic practice.

• Experience conducting program evaluations.

• Experience with quantitative and qualitative data tools.

• Knowledge and experience with implementation and improvement science principles.

• Skill in assessing problems, interpreting, and clarifying needs, and developing solutions.

• Skill in developing project and work plans.

Compensation

The annual compensation for the position is $59,760 - $80,496 annually 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 or PDF format:

• A letter of interest specifically addressing the qualifications listed in this announcement.
• A current résumé, and;
• A list of three or more professional references.

NOTE: Your resume and letter of interest must be attached to your application. Please confirm they are attached before you submit.

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."

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. Thats 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.

Read about our benefits:

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

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.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

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.

Updated 01-07-2026

01

Please select the answer that best describes your education and experience.

• I have a bachelors degree or higher in education, policy, or related field, and two years of professional level experience including planning, policy analysis, coordination and/or consultation with a variety of partners and stakeholders
• I have a bachelors degree and two years of professional level experience including planning, policy analysis, coordination and/or consultation with a variety of partners and stakeholders
• I have a combination of education and experience totaling six (6) or more years of professional level experience including planning, policy analysis, coordination and/or consultation with a variety of partners and stakeholders
• None of the above

02

Please describe your proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, web-based databases, and experienced internet research.

• I have basic proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint), can access and navigate web-based databases, and can perform simple internet searches to locate information
• I have working proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, can efficiently enter, retrieve, and update information in web-based databases, and can conduct effective internet research using appropriate search techniques and credible sources.
• I have strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including advanced document, spreadsheet, and presentation features; can manage and analyze information within web-based databases; and can conduct comprehensive internet research by evaluating, synthesizing, and organizing information from multiple reliable sources.
• I have expert proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, leveraging advanced features to improve efficiency and reporting; can optimize workflows and troubleshoot within web-based databases; and can perform complex, strategic internet research using advanced search methodologies, critically evaluate information quality, and provide actionable insights to support organizational decision-making.
• None of the above

03

Please describe your experience drafting, editing, and accurately formatting a variety of documents including correspondence, publications, spreadsheets, bulletins, memorandums, contracts, and reports.

• I have beginner-level experience drafting, editing, and formatting basic documents such as correspondence, memorandums, spreadsheets, and simple reports. I can produce accurate documents using established templates and guidance.
• I have intermediate-level experience independently drafting, editing, and accurately formatting a variety of documents, including correspondence, publications, spreadsheets, bulletins, memorandums, contracts, and reports. I consistently follow organizational standards for quality and formatting.
• I have advanced experience preparing, editing, and formatting complex business documents with a high degree of accuracy. I ensure documents are clear, professional, well-organized, and compliant with organizational policies, while adapting content and formatting for different audiences and purposes.
• I have expert-level experience drafting, editing, reviewing, and producing complex, high-impact documents, including executive correspondence, publications, contracts, and analytical reports. I establish and maintain documentation standards, improve document quality and processes, mentor others on best practices, and consistently deliver polished, error-free work.
• None of the above

04

Please describe your experience proficiency of Zoom, MS Teams, and other online collaboration tools and programs.

• I have basic skills using Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and other online collaboration tools to join meetings and participate using essential features such as mute/unmute, chat, and reactions.
• I have the ability to independently schedule and host meetings, share my screen, manage basic meeting settings, and use collaboration features such as chat, file sharing, and breakout rooms.
• I have strong proficiency using Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and other online collaboration tools to facilitate meetings, collaborate on shared documents, troubleshoot common technical issues, and actively engage participants.
• I have advanced expertise using Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and other online collaboration tools to design engaging virtual experiences, manage complex meetings or webinars, integrate digital collaboration tools into workflows, and mentor others in their effective use.
• None of the above

05

Please describe your experience with facilitating virtual and in-person meetings, professional development, and training.

• I have limited experience participating in or co-facilitating virtual and in-person meetings, professional development sessions, or trainings with guidance from others.
• I have experience facilitating virtual and in-person meetings, professional development sessions, or trainings using prepared materials and established agendas with minimal support.
• I have substantial experience independently planning and facilitating engaging virtual and in-person meetings, professional development sessions, and trainings that meet the needs of participants.
• I have extensive experience designing, facilitating, and evaluating high-impact virtual and in-person meetings, professional development, and training opportunities, while coaching and supporting others to strengthen their facilitation skills.
• None of the above

06

Please describe your experience conducting program evaluations.

• I have limited experience supporting or participating in program evaluations and am familiar with basic evaluation concepts and processes.
• I have experience collecting and organizing evaluation data, using basic evaluation tools, and contributing to program evaluations with minimal guidance.
• I have experience independently planning and conducting program evaluations, analyzing data, and using findings to inform program improvements and decision-making.
• I have extensive experience designing and leading comprehensive program evaluations, interpreting qualitative and quantitative data, communicating findings to stakeholders, and using evaluation results to drive continuous improvement and organizational learning.
• None of the above

07

Are you currently an employee at the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)?

• Yes
• No

08

Did you attach the required documents (cover letter, resume, list of references)?

• Yes
• No

09

How did you hear about this job opportunity?

• Careers.wa.gov
• OSPI Jobs Page
• Linkedin
• Facebook
• OSPI Employee Referral
• Military Outreach Event
• Career Fair
• Other

10

Do you currently have a relative working in our agency?

Required Question

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov