State of Washington
Associate Director Content, Science & Content Integration
State of Washington - Olympia, Washington, United States, 98502
Work at State of Washington
Overview
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Overview
WASHINGTON MANAGEMENT SERVICE
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
Associate Director of Elementary Science and Content Integration
$88,198- $103,762annually
Closes August 06, 2025
The Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) seeks to fill Associate Director of Elementary Science and Content Integration position. This permanent full-time position is based in Olympia, Washington. This permanent full time position may be eligible for partial to near full-time telework. 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 K12 education in Washington state. Working with the state's 295 public school districts and 8 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 The Associate Director of Elementary Science and Content Integration provides leadership, technical assistance, and professional development for elementary science education in Washington state. This role manages the science program, supporting implementation of state learning standards, which are part of K12 graduation requirements. Key responsibilities include developing and executing a work plan aligned with agency goals such as expanding learner-centered options, ensuring access to culturally responsive curriculum, and supporting diverse graduation pathways. The role requires expertise in science standards, evidence-based instructional practices, and professional learning design. The Associate Director will also use data to inform program improvements and maintain clear, consistent communication with stakeholders. Key Responsibilities Program Leadership: The Associate Director of Elementary Science and Content Integrationleads efforts to improve systems that close opportunity gaps, support the agencys antiracist goals, and ensure compliance. They build partnerships across internal and external stakeholders to drive continuous improvement in K12 science education. This role supports statewide science initiatives, develops professional learning aligned to district needs, and promotes effective, inclusive instructional practices. They guide the adoption of standards-aligned, bias-free materials and help build culturally responsive learning environments. The Associate Director also informs state policy, collaborates with key education partners, provides legislative input as needed, and oversees planning and implementation of major projects. Learning Standards
: The Associate Director of Elementary Science and Content Integration oversees the statewide development, revision, and implementation of science learning standards and related supports. This includes leading cross-content collaborations, professional learning, and technical assistance to help districts implement standards effectively. The role builds statewide capacity around curriculum planning, graduation requirements, teacher endorsements, and instructional best practices. It also supports the development and alignment of content standards, instructional materials, and professional learning, ensuring schools are equipped to promote student growth and post-secondary readiness. Collaboration with Secondary Education and other teams ensures vertical alignment, and the Associate Director leads efforts to develop and share science resources with districts and educators. Content Integration: The Associate Director of Elementary Science and Content Integration supports initiatives that advance content integration and interdisciplinary learning across subjects. This includes providing leadership, guidance, professional learning, and technical assistance on effective integration strategies and resources. The role also involves curating and supporting the development of high-quality integrated Open Educational Resources (OER) and helping educators access and implement them. Assessment, Communication, Data Analysis & Reporting: The Associate Director of Elementary Science and Content Integrationserves as a content advisor for science-related assessment systems and education policy, collaborating with partners such as the State Board of Education and PESB. They develop and implement content-related guidance, respond to inquiries, and create resources that support science instruction and assessment. The role involves managing complex initiatives from policy development through implementation, including legislative analysis and budget proposals. They use OSPI data to inform continuous improvement, maintain and update science-related web content and communications, and ensure timely responses to constituents and executive correspondence. The Associate Director also identifies key activities requiring statewide communication and ensures bulletins, memoranda, and reports are completed according to agency timelines. Collaboration and partnership: The Associate Director of Elementary Science and Content Integration builds and maintains partnerships with key national and state education organizations, agencies, and internal OSPI teams to support science education goals. They collaborate on data analysis and reporting to meet state and federal requirements and participate in advisory committees and workgroups tied to legislative priorities. Strong interpersonal skills, such as active listening, collaboration, and consensus-building, are essential to this role. The Associate Director contributes to a professional, inclusive workplace and upholds OSPIs diversity, equity, and antiracist goals by promoting ethical conduct and embedding equity into all aspects of their work, including evaluating and improving systems through an equity lens.
Required Qualifications: The position requires a bachelors degree in science, education, educational administration, or a related field, along with at least four years of K12 experience in science education, as a teacher or in a related educational role. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered. Candidates must demonstrate a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and support for the agencys antiracist goals. Strong judgment, empathy, and the ability to communicate across cultures are essential, as are critical thinking skills for navigating complex issues. The role requires experience in developing curriculum, instructional resources, or professional learning related to science, assessment, or graduation requirements. Candidates should also have knowledge of current best practices in K12 science education, program planning and evaluation, assessment practices, staff development, and familiarity with state laws and the legislative process. Desired Qualifications: A masters degree or higher in science, education, educational administration, or a related field is preferred. Ideal candidates will have experience teaching science at the elementary level, experience with applying content, as well as familiarity with state government operations, laws, and legislative processes. Experience working in diverse school settings is highly valued, along with demonstrated skills in leadership, personnel management, collaborative problem-solving, and conflict resolution. The ability to engage in both long and short-term strategic planning, program development, and data analysis and reporting is also desired. Compensation The annual compensation for the position is$88,198- $103,762per 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 visitHealth Care Authorityfor information regarding health benefits and theDepartment of Retirement Systemsfor retirement plan information. This is a Washington Management Position. This position is not represented by a bargaining unit. Application Process Those interested in this position must apply throughCareers.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 rsum, 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr
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 The Associate Director of Elementary Science and Content Integration provides leadership, technical assistance, and professional development for elementary science education in Washington state. This role manages the science program, supporting implementation of state learning standards, which are part of K12 graduation requirements. Key responsibilities include developing and executing a work plan aligned with agency goals such as expanding learner-centered options, ensuring access to culturally responsive curriculum, and supporting diverse graduation pathways. The role requires expertise in science standards, evidence-based instructional practices, and professional learning design. The Associate Director will also use data to inform program improvements and maintain clear, consistent communication with stakeholders. Key Responsibilities Program Leadership: The Associate Director of Elementary Science and Content Integrationleads efforts to improve systems that close opportunity gaps, support the agencys antiracist goals, and ensure compliance. They build partnerships across internal and external stakeholders to drive continuous improvement in K12 science education. This role supports statewide science initiatives, develops professional learning aligned to district needs, and promotes effective, inclusive instructional practices. They guide the adoption of standards-aligned, bias-free materials and help build culturally responsive learning environments. The Associate Director also informs state policy, collaborates with key education partners, provides legislative input as needed, and oversees planning and implementation of major projects. Learning Standards
: The Associate Director of Elementary Science and Content Integration oversees the statewide development, revision, and implementation of science learning standards and related supports. This includes leading cross-content collaborations, professional learning, and technical assistance to help districts implement standards effectively. The role builds statewide capacity around curriculum planning, graduation requirements, teacher endorsements, and instructional best practices. It also supports the development and alignment of content standards, instructional materials, and professional learning, ensuring schools are equipped to promote student growth and post-secondary readiness. Collaboration with Secondary Education and other teams ensures vertical alignment, and the Associate Director leads efforts to develop and share science resources with districts and educators. Content Integration: The Associate Director of Elementary Science and Content Integration supports initiatives that advance content integration and interdisciplinary learning across subjects. This includes providing leadership, guidance, professional learning, and technical assistance on effective integration strategies and resources. The role also involves curating and supporting the development of high-quality integrated Open Educational Resources (OER) and helping educators access and implement them. Assessment, Communication, Data Analysis & Reporting: The Associate Director of Elementary Science and Content Integrationserves as a content advisor for science-related assessment systems and education policy, collaborating with partners such as the State Board of Education and PESB. They develop and implement content-related guidance, respond to inquiries, and create resources that support science instruction and assessment. The role involves managing complex initiatives from policy development through implementation, including legislative analysis and budget proposals. They use OSPI data to inform continuous improvement, maintain and update science-related web content and communications, and ensure timely responses to constituents and executive correspondence. The Associate Director also identifies key activities requiring statewide communication and ensures bulletins, memoranda, and reports are completed according to agency timelines. Collaboration and partnership: The Associate Director of Elementary Science and Content Integration builds and maintains partnerships with key national and state education organizations, agencies, and internal OSPI teams to support science education goals. They collaborate on data analysis and reporting to meet state and federal requirements and participate in advisory committees and workgroups tied to legislative priorities. Strong interpersonal skills, such as active listening, collaboration, and consensus-building, are essential to this role. The Associate Director contributes to a professional, inclusive workplace and upholds OSPIs diversity, equity, and antiracist goals by promoting ethical conduct and embedding equity into all aspects of their work, including evaluating and improving systems through an equity lens.
Required Qualifications: The position requires a bachelors degree in science, education, educational administration, or a related field, along with at least four years of K12 experience in science education, as a teacher or in a related educational role. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered. Candidates must demonstrate a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and support for the agencys antiracist goals. Strong judgment, empathy, and the ability to communicate across cultures are essential, as are critical thinking skills for navigating complex issues. The role requires experience in developing curriculum, instructional resources, or professional learning related to science, assessment, or graduation requirements. Candidates should also have knowledge of current best practices in K12 science education, program planning and evaluation, assessment practices, staff development, and familiarity with state laws and the legislative process. Desired Qualifications: A masters degree or higher in science, education, educational administration, or a related field is preferred. Ideal candidates will have experience teaching science at the elementary level, experience with applying content, as well as familiarity with state government operations, laws, and legislative processes. Experience working in diverse school settings is highly valued, along with demonstrated skills in leadership, personnel management, collaborative problem-solving, and conflict resolution. The ability to engage in both long and short-term strategic planning, program development, and data analysis and reporting is also desired. Compensation The annual compensation for the position is$88,198- $103,762per 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 visitHealth Care Authorityfor information regarding health benefits and theDepartment of Retirement Systemsfor retirement plan information. This is a Washington Management Position. This position is not represented by a bargaining unit. Application Process Those interested in this position must apply throughCareers.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 rsum, 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr