Civil Rights Investigations Program Attorney

EXEMPT

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

Civil Rights Investigations Program Attorney
$105,264 – $117,613 annually

Closes October 15, 2025

The Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) seeks to fill a Civil Rights Investigations Program Attorney position. 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. 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 state's 295 public school districts and 7state-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 Equity and Civil Rights Office is a respectful and inclusive work environment where teamwork, professionalism, customer service, and work–life balance are highly valued. The Equity and Civil Rights Office’s work includes a diverse mix of monitoring and investigations, policy and resource development, and technical assistance. The Equity and Civil Rights Office leads some of OSPI’s most critical initiatives, including gender-inclusive schools, language access, and systemic approaches to preventing and responding to discriminatory harassment in K–12 public schools. Through these activities and initiatives, the Equity and Civil Rights Office work to build school districts’ capacity to eliminate discrimination.

The Civil Rights Investigations Program Attorney is a strong leader and skilled civil rights investigator, reporting to the Equity and Civil Rights Managing Attorney within OSPI’s Office of Legal Affairs and Equity and Civil Rights Office. This position provides leadership and coordination for OSPI’s discrimination complaint investigation process, ensuring compliance with state and federal law.

The Program Attorney leads the Equity and Civil Rights Office’s investigations work, including managing complaint intake and evaluations, overseeing quality and promptness of investigations and investigation-related correspondence, and maintaining and developing investigation procedures.

The Program Attorney engages collaboratively with Equity and Civil Rights team members who participate in investigations to provide coaching, assistance with investigation planning, and drafting and editing support, while also maintaining an investigation caseload. The Program Attorney also works closely with the Managing Attorney on strategies and decision-making.

This role requires strong leadership, legal analysis, investigation planning and coordination, oral and written communication, and coaching skills to ensure consistent, effective, and legally sound management of the Equity and Civil Rights discrimination complaint workload.

Key Responsibilities

• Leads and supports overall project management of OSPI investigations into alleged discrimination and violations of state nondiscrimination law, rules, and guidelines in Washington K–12 public schools. This includes overseeing internal processing procedures; planning, organizing, and managing the ongoing work of investigators; establishing goals and internal timelines; overseeing the complaint intake process; and establishing and maintaining templates and legal standards.

• Provides leadership and coordination for OSPI’s discrimination complaint investigation process, including coaching and assisting Equity and Civil Rights staff members with investigation planning, strategy, and writing. Consults with and provides recommendations to Managing Attorney on appropriate actions related to investigations, including advising on scope, questions of evidence, and application of law and appropriate resolutions.

• Responds to allegations and complaints of discrimination in Washington K–12 public schools by coordinating and conducting investigations, including identifying legal issues, reviewing data, conducting interviews and on-site visits, developing reports, negotiating voluntary resolution agreements, and recommending and monitoring corrective action.

• Conducts legal research and analyzes nondiscrimination laws, rules, case law, and guidance.

• Participates in the Equity and Civil Rights Office’s work to develop, implement, and revise legally enforceable rules and guidelines to eliminate discrimination in public school employment, counseling and guidance services for students, recreational and athletic activities, access to course offerings, and in textbooks and instructional materials, as required under chapters 28A.640 and 28A.642 RCW.

• Develops and disseminates accurate and professional technical assistance, guidance, and resources related to civil rights in Washington K–12 public schools.

• Designs, facilitates, and provides trainings and workshops for school districts and other interested parties regarding state and federal civil rights laws, district responsibilities, student and family rights, and complaint procedures.

• Participates or assists in other Equity and Civil Rights Office work as needed, including preparing bulletins, newsletters, and other reports that support the work of the division and agency; providing information, reports, and recommendations to the legislature regarding civil rights in Washington public schools; and assisting in maintaining the Equity and Civil Rights website.

• Collaborates with other OSPI departments on issues related to civil rights and other legal issues, including assisting with investigations, research, or other assignments for the Office of Legal Affairs division, as needed.

Required Qualifications:

• Juris Doctorate degree.

• 4 years of experience with legal analysis and conducting investigations.

• Ability to travel throughout Washington State.

• Ability to work in a team setting without constant supervision.

• Self-motivated.

• Attention to detail.

• Substantial knowledge of state and federal civil rights laws, regulations, and standards for compliance as they relate to public education.

• Ability to conduct legal research and analyze complex legal issues.

• Ability to develop practical solutions to disputes or noncompliance for schools and families.

• Ability to articulate ideas and complex legal concepts clearly and effectively, in both written and oral form, to a variety of individuals, including public speaking before a range of audiences.

• Demonstrated conflict resolution skills.

• Knowledge and experience in effective program planning and training development.

• Strong skills in the use of technology for presentations, data collection, and communications.

• Knowledge of the responsibilities of state education agencies and the roles and responsibilities of other agencies.

Desired Qualifications:

• 5 years of experience with legal analysis and conducting investigations, preferably in discrimination, equal access, or disability rights.

• 5 years of experience responding to parent and student concerns, preferably in regards to issues of discrimination, equal access, or disability rights.

• Experience with leading projects or initiatives, including setting priorities, tracking progress, and ensuring successful completion.

• Ability to provide constructive feedback, coaching, and guidance to colleagues in a collaborative setting.

• Ability to coordinate across teams, facilitate discussions, and support decision-making.

• Ability to work remotely while maintaining effective communication with OSPI colleagues and participation in department and agency initiatives, as well as effective external communication with parents, LEA staff, and other interested parties.

• Ability to travel to OSPI on a semi-regular basis, as well as for mandatory meetings.

• Knowledge and experience in the K–12 educational system.

Compensation
The annual compensation for the position is $105,264 – $117,613 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 position serves at the pleasure of the Superintendent and is Civil Service Exempt. 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.”

Salary

• $105,264 - $117,613/year

Benefits

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. That's 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 07-21-2025