Salary: $92,408.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Exempt
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 15611
Department: State Board for Community & Technical Colleges (SBCTC)
Division: Education
Opening Date: 06/08/2026
Closing Date: 6/22/2026 4:59 PM Pacific
DescriptionView the complete description on our Jobs page.
The Student Support Programs Program Administrator (WorkFirst) for Workforce Education is a full-time, federally funded, exempt position. This position is based in Olympia, WA; remote or hybrid work arrangements may be considered.
The WorkFirst program is a compliance-based program with outcome measures linked to WA State's Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, poverty reduction efforts, and support strategies to improve access to education and increase attainment of family-wage employment for low-income students. The position also supports the cross-departmental integration efforts of Student Support Programs within the agency and the college system.
This position is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the WorkFirst program, and requires a balance of fiscal and program experience, comprehension, and skill. Experience with grant and budget management including but not limited to the development of grants and/or fiscal budgets, analyzing fiscal data trends, and reconciling expenditures is necessary. A demonstrated ability to successfully manage budgets, projects, provide clear, timely, and consistent communications, and navigate multiple priorities is required.
Additionally, the position requires the ability to think holistically across multiple programs, foster and cultivate collaborative working relationships, understand and interpret complex policies specific to student support programs, research information, and trouble-shoot technical and programming and fiscal issues.
In-state travel required including some multi-day trips.
Duties - The WorkFirst Program Administrator supports the community and technical colleges (CTCs) and State Board by providing comprehensive program administration of the WorkFirst program and supporting other Student Support Programs and Workforce initiatives and programming. This position is instrumental to the coordination of impactful integration and equity efforts across the agency and CTC system to increase racial, social, and economic equity for students in alignment with the agency's strategic plan, vision, and mission.
Grant and Budget Management
- Provide grant and budget management guidance and assistance to colleges, including expenditure projections, budget revision feedback, and funding reallocation recommendations.
- Support colleges in the implementation and administration of WorkFirst Funding Policies, monthly invoice review, and quarterly expenditure tracking analysis.
- Manage the annual WorkFirst Delivery Agreement application and review process.
- Develop and provide fiscal and program related reports to various stakeholders, colleges, and SBCTC staff to include WorkFirst performance measures, historical budget trends, and expenditures.
- Oversee in collaboration with other Student Support Programs the annual granting and program process for colleges.
- Coordinate the annual development and facilitation of funding survey timeline and quarterly processes with other Student Support Programs Administrators and Fiscal staff.
- Program Administration and Contract Compliance
- Provide daily administration of the WorkFirst program to colleges related to specific programing needs, including contract compliance, policy and process clarifications, requirements, and implementation.
- Support college and SBCTC staff in facilitation of ongoing learning practice exchanges, workshops, and trainings to support compliance and effective program administration.
- Collect data on a routine basis to ensure colleges are meeting compliance with DSHS policies and outcomes.
- Compile, analyze, and provide related reports on WorkFirst performance measures, student enrollment, and program mix data.
- Provide support to the Relationship and Compliance Analyst for program & fiscal monitoring of college's operations and performance to ensure compliance with WorkFirst program policies, procedures, practices and conformance with rules and regulations.
- Represent the State Board and CTC needs at stakeholder meetings/engagements such as WorkFirst Partnership, WA Connection Advisory Committee, eJAS Prioritization, and other poverty reduction groups.
- Technical Support and Assistance to Colleges
- Respond to inquiries from colleges, stakeholders, and students.
- Provide individualized support for colleges as needed.
- Serve as the WorkFirst system expert for eJAS (DSHS case management platform).
- Prepare and provide training and technical assistance to colleges as needed, including state-wide program activities, quarterly meetings, information sessions, and workshops.
- Support efforts to ensure colleges have the resources needed to provide equitable access to education and connect students to support to meet basic needs.
- Support the administration of the Basic Food Employment and Training (BFET) program and other Student Support Programs
- This position may be required to perform additional duties as assigned.
Qualifications - A bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of related experience and/or education.
- Experience in budget and grant management.
- Experience within the Community and Technical College system.
- Demonstrated successful facilitation and collaboration experience with a variety of stakeholders.
- Strong understanding of and commitment to EDI work
- Ability to manage time effectively.
- Strong interpersonal and self-awareness skills.
- Demonstrated experience in interpreting, reviewing, and applying program specific policies, procedures, and regulations.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and web-based applications.
- Experience in providing technical assistance, workshops, and trainings.
- Ability to understand workforce trends related to WorkFirst, BFET, and other Workforce programs.
- Experience working with low-income populations in an educational setting.
Supplemental InformationHOW TO APPLYInterested candidates may apply by submitting the following items:
- Letter of formal application that addresses your interest in the position and ability to perform the responsibilities described in this announcement.
- Detailed résumé of all educational and professional experience that demonstrates how you meet the qualifications.
- List of at least three professional references with contact information. References are typically contacted after interviews.
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job.
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