Administrative Program Specialist 2 - SFSP and Special Projects Lead Specialist

State of Washington$71K — $95K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in nutrition, education, public/business administration, or related field; 3 years of professional experience in food service or related field.
  • Equivalent experience (7+ years) may substitute for degree.
  • Valid driver’s license is required.
  • Residency in Washington State is necessary.
  • Desirable: Registered Dietitian status and experience in Farm to School initiatives.

Responsibilities

  • Plan, consult, and implement program regulations at state and local levels.
  • Assist in administering the SFSP and special projects.
  • Conduct and participate in program reviews for Child Nutrition Programs.
  • Compile findings, communicate results, and monitor corrective actions.
  • Provide technical assistance and training to sponsors.
  • Review and approve sponsor program applications.
  • Coordinate Farm to Child Nutrition initiatives.

Benefits

  • Generous health, dental and life insurance options.
  • Retirement plan and optional deferred compensation program.
  • Flexible/Hybrid work environment with telework options.
  • Career growth potential within a state government position.
Full Job Description
Salary: $71,136.00 - $95,676.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number:
Department: Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
Division: Child Nutrition Services
Opening Date: 09/18/2026
Closing Date: 10/2/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

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.
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: [email protected]
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 [email protected].
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.

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