Civil Rights Investigations Program Attorney

Civil Rights Investigations Program Attorney

$105,264 – $117,613 annually

Closes March 16, 2026

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.

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 7 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.

• 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…