Assistant Superintendent of Native Education and Tribal Relations

Position Overview

The Assistant Superintendent of Native Education and Tribal Relations leads a statewide effort to support Native students and tribal communities, overseeing technical assistance, curriculum development, federal and state policy implementation, budgeting, and liaison work with tribes, school districts, and government agencies.

• Provide leadership, technical assistance, and advocacy to meet the educational needs of American Indian and Alaska Native students.
• Assist school districts in meeting the educational needs of American Indian and Alaska Native students.
• Facilitate the development and implementation of curricula and instructional materials in native languages, culture and history, and the concept of tribal sovereignty pursuant to RCW 28A.320.170.
• Assist districts in acquiring funding to develop curricula and instructional materials in conjunction with native language practitioners and tribal elders.
• Coordinate technical assistance for public schools that serve American Indian and Alaska Native students.
• Seek funds to develop, in conjunction with the Washington state native American education advisory committee, and implement support services for recruitment and retention, academic transition programs, academic financial support, teacher preparation, teacher induction, and professional development.
• Facilitate the inclusion of native language programs in school districts' curricula.
• Work with all relevant agencies and committees to highlight the need for accurate, useful data that is appropriately disaggregated to provide a more accurate picture regarding American Indian and Alaska Native students.
• Prepare reports for OSPI to inform the governor, the legislature, and the governor's office of Indian affairs on an annual basis regarding the state of Indian education and the implementation of all state laws regarding Indian education.

• Prioritize a focused, cost‑effective approach that advances math and English achievement, particularly for Native students, by providing evidence‑based instructional strategies, supporting data‑driven decision‑making, and promoting culturally responsive practices developed in partnership with Tribes and Tribal communities.
• Serve as a streamlined clearinghouse of proven literacy and numeracy interventions, offering targeted professional development and consultation to high‑need districts, and strengthening family engagement through improved communication and outreach.
• Regularly evaluate what works and share effective district innovations that remove barriers and improve outcomes for underserved students.

• Ensure the team is connected to the larger OSPI agency vision through continuous multi‑step processes, translating the broader vision into specific, relatable sub‑visions and maintaining open, measurable, and collaborative relationships.
• Manage and direct the work of staff, providing training, monitoring progress, addressing performance concerns, and celebrating excellent work.
• Provide leadership support, coaching, and mentoring.
• Conduct annual employee performance reviews and establish expectations for classified staff.
• Recruit and hire qualified employees aligned with agency mission, vision, values, and strategy.
• Work closely with and monitor trial service and probationary employees, providing interim evaluations.
• Grow staff skills and abilities through training opportunities, mentorship, and regular feedback.
• Establish a workplace that is fair, safe, professional, and free from discrimination or harassment through consistent application of agency policies.
• Oversee the training offered across the state in collaboration with the Office of Native Education staff.

• Ensure budget oversight is fiscally sound and aligned to budget provisos.
• Monitor budgets on a monthly basis.

• Work with all relevant agencies and committees to highlight the importance of accurate, disaggregated data for American Indian and Alaska Native students.
• Lead the Washington State Native American Education Advisory Committee (WSNAEAC).
• Foster and maintain good working relationships with all…