IT Business Analyst- Sr./Specialist

Salary: $92,760.00 - $124,752.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Project (limited duration)
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-04068
Department: Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
Division: Information Technology
Opening Date: 05/14/2026
Closing Date: 5/28/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
GENERAL SERVICE

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
IT Business Analyst - Senior/Specialist

(3-year project position)
$92,760 - $124,752 annually
Closes May 28,2026
The Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) seeks to fill an IT Business Analyst Senior/Specialist. This full-time (3-year) project position is based in Olympia, Washington. During the initial training period, employees are required to work in the office up to three (3) days per week. Upon successful completion of training, there may be an opportunity to transition to a flexible telework schedule. While this position offers a balance of in-office collaboration and telework, it is not fully remote. 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 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.

Vision, Mission, and ValuesVision: 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 IT Business Analyst (BA) Senior/Specialist plays a pivotal role as the primary steward of ensuring the Statewide IEP platform business and technical requirements are implemented with high fidelity. This specialized position will work largely independently with an advanced systems analyst skillset to collaborate with the product team, the vendor, administrative staff, data stewards, and IT personnel through requirements analysis, complex data integrations, development, testing and implementation. This position will use expert problem solving and excellent communication skills to ensure quality implementation of IEP platform system functionality that follows state and federal regulations. The IT BA will prepare for and lead ongoing support for the new statewide IEP platform through system and process documentation related to the statewide IEP Platform, IT systems and data management.
Key Responsibilities

Business Analyst lead for Statewide IEP Platform Implementation

The Business Analyst lead for the statewide IEP platform implementation will serve as the primary liaison for managing both business and technical requirements. This role involves ensuring that all requirements are accurately documented, communicated, monitored, validated, and tested in the new system by the contracted vendor. This will require facilitation and collaboration with many partners including the product owner team, statewide IEP vendor, OSPI IT personnel, contracted developers, other state agencies business and IT partners to resolve complex issues as they arise. This position will make recommendations and provide guidance to the project team and business partners on planning, business and system requirements for implementation of the new system. Additionally, the position may assist in evaluating proposed system and technology procurements for the IEP platform.
Elicit and Document Requirements

The analyst ensures that information systems supporting special education programs align with IDEA and WAC 392-172A data and reporting requirements, guaranteeing compliance and meeting reporting needs. They conduct interviews and workflow analysis sessions with special education staff and administrators to identify data reporting needs and compliance requirements. Utilizing documentation tools such departmental templates, the analyst produces clear Business Requirements Documents (BRDs) tailored to specific state and federal reporting cycles, including IDEA and Child Count as it relates to the statewide IEP platform.
Validate and Ensure Data Quality Improvement in Special Education Data Systems

Collaborate with the data leads and program teams to enhance the reliability of federally mandated special education data collection systems by developing validation processes and improving applications that boost data quality, maximize efficiency, and ensure accurate, timely federal reporting (e.g., Section 618, SPP/APR).
Analyze and Model Data Processes

The analyst assesses current data collection processes within student information systems (SIS) and special education software to identify data quality issues or compliance gaps. Using advanced process modeling techniques and data analysis tools like MS Excel and SQL, the analyst designs optimized data workflows that ensure data integrity and streamline reporting. Additionally, develops, and maintains detailed business process maps and workflows that define how data moves between the statewide IEP system, existing data collections (e.g., CEDARS, EDFacts), and internal applications, supporting cross-system understanding and minimizing manual data handling.
Participate in System Integration Planning and Testing

Participate in planning and testing for system integration, including data mapping, interface design, and user acceptance testing to ensure seamless interoperability and data integrity between the statewide IEP system and state or other data platforms. Facilitate testing and quality assurance by developing test scripts tailored to special education data fields and coordinating User Acceptance Testing (UAT) sessions for system updates or new software implementations. Utilize testing methodologies to validate that data systems accurately capture required elements before data certification.
Support the development of data dashboards, reporting tools, and visualizations that translate complex data into accessible information for educators, administrators, and families to advance educational benefit and transparency through data use as it relates to the Statewide IEP platform.
System administration, monitoring and evaluating system performance and collects user feedback

Administer, manage configurations and update forms and workflows in the Statewide IEP platform. Identify enhancements that improve usability, accuracy, and program alignment to maintain a continuous improvement cycle for the statewide IEP platform and related data systems.
Coordinating cross-agency data integration efforts (e.g., attendance, assessment, accountability) collaborate Statewide IEP datasets with Special Education data team for integration and comprehensive student data representation and to support program initiatives and improved student outcomes.
Participate in change management and communication planning related to system updates, ensuring partners are informed and impacts are well understood prior to implementation to reduce risk and enhance adoption of new systems or processes.
Communicate and present findings: The analyst prepares detailed project reports, data dashboards, and summary presentations using productivity software (e.g., MS PowerPoint, Google Slides, MS Excel) to effectively communicate data quality metrics, audit results, and data-driven insights to department leadership, school staff, and external auditors.
Support implementation and training: The analyst works with the vendor and other developers in guiding training materials and user guides tailored to data entry protocols, employing standard documentation practices to support district staff during system rollouts and ensure correct data stewardship practices are followed related to the Statewide IEP platform.
Facilitates and participate in Agile or other project processes

Assists and supports sprint planning and annual software development roadmap planning. Build sprints based on collaboration with the product owner, and product and development teams. Facilitates grooming of backlog and involves product owner. Participates in code release with vendor or Information Technology (IT) team creates and distributes release notes for business stakeholders.
Participate in meetings and develop resource materials

Participate in daily stand-ups. Provide weekly work estimations for business team meetings. Assists with business team meetings and facilitates requirements gathering, design, and demo meetings. Creates user manuals and business rule documentation as needed.
Required Qualifications:

This position requires 9 or more years of progressive experience as an information technology business analyst. 15 credits or competence units form an accredited college. May substitute for two years of experience.

2 years of leading customers and other technical staff in the elicitation, analysis, validation, and documentation of system and data requirements for systems that have a statewide impact.

3 years of leading other business analysts and/or technical staff in developing use cases, functional requirements, software specifications, and training documents that meet customer requirements.

2 years of conducting quality control through business test plans, software testing, and documenting results.

2 years of leading or coordinating projects that involve multiple business areas using project and software methodologies.
Must maintain residency in the state of Washington
Desired Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree or higher in Computer Science, Information Technology (IT) or closely related field and five (5) years recent professional experience in business analysis leading the elicitation, elaboration, and management of requirements, and documenting technical and functional requirements, specifications, and system diagrams.
OR
An associate degree in Computer Science, IT or closely related field; OR completion of a two (2) year accredited vocational training program in IT or related program and seven (7) years recent professional experience as in business analysis leading the elicitation, elaboration, and management of requirements, and documenting technical and functional requirements, specifications, and system diagrams. Understand the standards and practices for software quality assurance standards and best practices.
OR
Nine (9) years of recent professional experience in business analysis leading the elicitation, elaboration, and management of requirements, and documenting technical and functional requirements, specifications, and system diagrams. Understand the standards and practices for software quality assurance standards and best practices.
3 years of experience using Microsoft tools (Outlook, Excel; Word, PowerPoint, and Visio) to produce information technology customer documentation.
1 year of experience developing software proposals
Demonstrated ability to learn and consult with business processes.
Demonstrated ability to communicate using effective verbal, nonverbal, written, and listening skills. Ability to appropriately document and escalate issues and problems.
Compensation
The annual compensation for the position is $92,760 - $124,752 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 is a general service position. 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 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

:

Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may contact the Human Resources Office at or , or e-mail
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."
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 (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 (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 , 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

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026
01

Please select the answer that best describes your education and experience.

• I have 9-11 more years of progressive experience as an information technology business analyst.
• I have 11-13 years of progressive experience as an information technology business analyst.
• I have 13-15 years of progressive experience as an information technology business analyst.
• I have 15+ years of progressive experience as an information technology business analyst.
• None of the above

02

How many years of experience do you have leading customers and other technical staff in the elicitation, analysis, validation, and documentation of system and data requirements for systems that have a statewide impact?

• I have 2-4 years of experience leading customers and other technical staff in the elicitation, analysis, validation, and documentation of system and data requirements for systems that have a statewide impact.
• I have 3-5 years of experience leading customers and other technical staff in the elicitation, analysis, validation, and documentation of system and data requirements for systems that have a statewide impact.
• I have 5-7 years of experience leading customers and other technical staff in the elicitation, analysis, validation, and documentation of system and data requirements for systems that have a statewide impact.
• I have 7+ years of experience leading customers and other technical staff in the elicitation, analysis, validation, and documentation of system and data requirements for systems that have a statewide impact.
• None of the above

03

How many years of experience do you have leading other business analysts and/or technical staff in developing use cases, functional requirements, software specifications, and training documents that meet customer requirements?

• I have 3-5 years of leading other business analysts and/or technical staff in developing use cases, functional requirements, software specifications, and training documents that meet customer requirements.
• I have 5-7 years of leading other business analysts and/or technical staff in developing use cases, functional requirements, software specifications, and training documents that meet customer requirements.
• I have 7-9 years of leading other business analysts and/or technical staff in developing use cases, functional requirements, software specifications, and training documents that meet customer requirements.
• I have 9+ years of leading other business analysts and/or technical staff in developing use cases, functional requirements, software specifications, and training documents that meet customer requirements.
• None of the above

04

How many years of experience do you have conducting quality control through business test plans, software testing, and documenting results?

• I have 2-4 years of experience conducting quality control through business test plans, software testing, and documenting results.
• I have 4-6 years of experience conducting quality control through business test plans, software testing, and documenting results.
• I have 6-8 years of experience conducting quality control through business test plans, software testing, and documenting results.
• I have 8+ years of experience conducting quality control through business test plans, software testing, and documenting results.
• None of the above

05

How many years of experience do you have leading or coordinating projects that involve multiple business areas using project and software methodologies.

• I have 2-4 years of leading or coordinating projects that involve multiple business areas using project and software methodologies.
• I have 4-6 years of leading or coordinating projects that involve multiple business areas using project and software methodologies.
• I have 6-8 years of leading or coordinating projects that involve multiple business areas using project and software methodologies.
• I have 8+ years of leading or coordinating projects that involve multiple business areas using project and software methodologies.
• None of the above

06

Do you have 3 years of experience using Microsoft tools (Outlook, Excel; Word, PowerPoint, and Visio) to produce information technology customer documentation?

• Yes
• No

07

Do you have 1 year of experience developing software proposals?

• Yes
• No

08

Did you attach the required documents (cover letter, resume, list of references)?

• Yes
• No

09

How did you hear about this job opportunity?

• Careers.wa.gov
• OSPI Jobs Page
• Linkedin
• Facebook
• OSPI Employee Referral
• Military Outreach Event
• Career Fair
• Other

10

Do you currently have a relative working in our agency?
11

Are you currently an employee at the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)?

• Yes
• No

Required Question