Icf
healthcare
HeadStartLeadProgramSpecialist
Neural analysis suggests this role is
optimal for Senior candidates.
“Head Start Lead Program Specialist at Icf. Skills: Grants management, Program oversight, Technical assistance, Compliance monitoring, Team leadership. 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 require”
Industry & Context.
Identify performance or compliance concerns and support development of risk mitigation strategies and technical assistance responses.; Experience analyzing and synthesizing data and information from multiple sources to inform oversight, decision-making, and recommendations.
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, with a preference for Head Start or Early Head Start experience., 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
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., knowledge of Head Start program operations, grant administration, and federal compliance requirements., 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, supporting workload management, quality assurance, and consistent application of policies and procedures.; Coordinate with the Project Manager and other team leads to align staffing, priorities, and deliverables.; Support onboarding, training, and ongoing development of Program Support Specialist staff.; Contribute to development and refinement of standard operating procedures, guidance documents, training materials, and webinars.; Support data-informed process improvement efforts to strengthen consistency and efficiency across regions.; Contribute to the preparation of management briefings, reports, and presentations for Government leadership as requested.; Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently while coordinating closely with a larger project team.
Communication Scope
written and verbal communication skills, including ability to convey complex information clearly.
Process & Methodology
Grants management, Program oversight, Monitoring, Analysis, Technical assistance, Risk mitigation strategies, Workload management, Quality assurance, Application of policies and procedures, Staffing alignment, Priorities alignment, Deliverables alignment, Data-informed process improvement, Manage multiple priorities
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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