Icf
healthcare
HeadStartLeadProgramSpecialist
Neural analysis suggests this role is
optimal for Senior candidates.
“Head Start Lead Program Specialist at Icf. Skills: Head Start Program Performance Standards, Federal discretionary grants management, Programmatic and grants management support. Lead and perform review, analysis, and administrative activities related to Head Start, Early Head Start, and Early Head Start–Child Care Partnership grants.. Oversee and support review of grant applications, budget modifications, supplemental applications (including change in scope and facilities requests), waiver reque”
What You'll Achieve.
ensuring consistent, high-quality support aligned with federal statutes, regulations, and OHS policies.; ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant execution of grant management functions.; strengthen consistency and efficiency across regions.
Industry & Context.
Analysis; Risk mitigation strategies; Data analysis; Information synthesis
Must have valid driver's license and successfully pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check., Must be obtain and maintain client background clearance
What They're Looking For.
Must Have
Bachelor's degree in early childhood education, human services, public administration, or a related field from an accredited institution., 5+ years of progressively responsible professional experience directly related to early childhood programs., 3+ years of experience with federal discretionary grants management, non-profit or for-profit program and/or financial management, and regulatory compliance monitoring and oversight., 2+ years of supervisory experience., Must have valid driver's license and successfully pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check., Must be obtain and maintain client background clearance
Nice to Have
Head Start or Early Head Start experience., Experience with federal discretionary grants management, including programmatic review, monitoring, compliance oversight, and documentation., Experience analyzing and synthesizing data and information from multiple sources to inform oversight, decision-making, and recommendations., Demonstrated ability to produce clear, high-quality written products, including reports, memoranda, correspondence, and presentations., written and verbal communication skills, including ability to convey complex information clearly., Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently while coordinating closely with a larger project team., Proficiency with Microsoft Office and web-based federal information systems.
What You'll Do.
Lead and perform review
and administrative activities related to Head Start
and Early Head Start–Child Care Partnership grants.
Oversee and support review of grant applications
supplemental applications (including change in scope and facilities requests)
and post-award requirements.
Ensure grant-related analysis and documentation are completed accurately and recorded in appropriate federal systems
including HSES and GrantSolutions.
Support execution of grant awards and related administrative actions in coordination with OHS and the Office of Grants Management (OGM).
Identify performance or compliance concerns and support development of risk mitigation strategies and technical assistance responses.
policy-aligned guidance and technical assistance to support grant recipients’ compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards and grant requirements.
Support Central Office and Regional Office initiatives by contributing subject matter expertise and programmatic analysis.
Serve as a lead and mentor to Program Support Specialists
supporting workload management
and consistent application of policies and procedures.
Coordinate with the Project Manager and other team leads to align staffing
and ongoing development of Program Support Specialist staff.
Contribute to development and refinement of standard operating procedures
Support data-informed process improvement efforts to strengthen consistency and efficiency across regions.
Contribute to the preparation of management briefings
and presentations for Government leadership as requested.
How You'll Work.
Team & Collaboration
Serve as a lead and mentor to Program Support Specialists.; Coordinate with the Project Manager and other team leads to align staffing, priorities, and deliverables.; Support Central Office and Regional Office initiatives.; Coordinate closely with a larger project team.
Communication Scope
written and verbal communication skills; ability to convey complex information clearly
Process & Methodology
Grants management, Workload management, Priority alignment, Deliverable alignment
Full Job Description
The Head Start Lead Program Specialist provides senior-level programmatic and grants management support to the Office of Head Start (OHS) Regional Offices under the National Customer Service Improvement Project (CSIP). This role leads and coordinates day-to-day delivery of grant oversight, monitoring, analysis, and technical assistance activities, ensuring consistent, high-quality support aligned with federal statutes, regulations, and OHS policies. The Lead Program Specialist serves as a subject matter expert and team lead for Program Support Specialists, supports regional and national initiatives, and plays a key role in ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant execution of grant management functions. **Primary Responsibilities** * Lead and perform review, analysis, and administrative activities related to Head Start, Early Head Start, and Early Head Start–Child Care Partnership grants. * Oversee and support review of grant applications, budget modifications, supplemental applications (including change in scope and facilities requests), waiver requests, and post-award requirements. * Ensure grant-related analysis and documentation are completed accurately and recorded in appropriate federal systems, including HSES and GrantSolutions. * Support execution of grant awards and related administrative actions in coordination with OHS and the Office of Grants Management (OGM). * Identify performance or compliance concerns and support development of risk mitigation strategies and technical assistance responses. * Provide accurate, policy-aligned guidance and technical assistance to support grant recipients’ compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards and grant requirements. * Support Central Office and Regional Office initiatives by contributing subject matter expertise and programmatic analysis. * Serve as a lead and mentor to Program Support Specialists, supporting workload management, quality assurance, and consistent application of policies and procedures
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