BCT Partners - Head Start Program Support Specialist

About the role

The Program Support Specialist plays a critical role in supporting the Office of Head Start (OHS) by managing and overseeing discretionary grants that serve children and families nationwide. This position partners closely with OHS Regional Office staff to support the full grant lifecycle, including application review, award processing, and ongoing program monitoring.

Responsibilities

• Analyze grant applications, budgets, and program performance data to ensure compliance with federal requirements and alignment with program goals.
• Clarify requirements, resolve issues, and strengthen submissions for grant recipients, while also supporting competitive review processes and funding decisions.
• Drive program quality and accountability by monitoring recipient performance, conducting oversight activities and site visits, and identifying potential risks or compliance concerns.
• Support recipients in improving operations, advancing school readiness outcomes, and achieving long-term impact through thoughtful analysis and clear guidance.
• Participate in all required Regional meetings and conferences. Complete all required HHS and BCT Trainings.
• Conduct monthly calls with recipients and Regional Grants Specialists covering various topics such as Checkpoint Data, Self-Assessment, Enrollment, Staff Salaries and Retention, Community Assessments, Continuous Improvements, Transitions, and other recipient-specific topics.
• Initiate Discipline Incident Reports and assist recipients with knowledge and understanding of HSES (Head Start Enterprise System).
• Process various requests including Annual Continuations, Key Hires, Waivers (Disability, Non-Federal Share & Teacher), Change of Scopes, COLA/Quality, Deviations, Carry-Overs, Incremental Funding, Slot Reductions & Budget Revisions.
• Conduct annual site visits to recipients as part of the five-year monitoring cycle for grant oversight according to Regional Office protocols.
• Identify and mitigate recipient risk factors, correct regulatory compliance issues, review and analyze school readiness and programmatic goals, and improve Head Start recipient performance.
• Support the grant applications and awards process by completing review, analysis, and administrative activities related to the OHS grant funding application and award process.
• Provide support services related to the programmatic administration of Head Start and Early Head Start grants through various activities.

Requirements

This is a highly collaborative position that requires strong communication and organizational skills, with regular interaction across federal staff, external partners, contractors, and program leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., education, social work, public policy, etc.)
• At least 3 years of experience in grant management, program oversight, or related field
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with Head Start Enterprise System (HSES)

Skills

• Grant management and oversight
• Program monitoring and evaluation
• Compliance and regulatory requirements
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Project management
• Communication and interpersonal skills

Benefits

Commensurate with experience.

Pay

$60,000 - $65,000 annually.

Schedule

Full-time.