BCT Partners - Lead Head Start Program Specialist

About the role

The Lead Program Specialist supports the delivery of professional, technical, and administrative services for Head Start and Early Head Start grant recipients in partnership with the Regional Office of Head Start (RO). Serving in both a programmatic and supervisory capacity, this role oversees BCT Partners staff assigned to the team while also directly supporting core program specialist functions.

Working closely with Regional Office staff, the Lead Program Specialist supports the full grant lifecycle, including application review, award processing, and ongoing monitoring. The role involves analyzing grant applications, budgets, and performance data to ensure compliance with federal requirements, supporting funding decisions, and working directly with grant recipients to address issues, clarify expectations, and strengthen program outcomes.

The position contributes to program quality and accountability through oversight activities, site visits, and risk identification, helping programs improve performance and achieve long-term impact. In addition, the Lead Program Specialist coordinates regional activities, ensures effective team performance, and serves as BCT’s primary liaison to the Regional Office, including direct engagement with the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR).

Although supervising a hybrid team, the Lead Program Specialist is required to work onsite at the Regional Office to ensure effective coordination and client support. The role collaborates regularly with Regional Office leadership, internal BCT teams, and external partners to ensure alignment and successful execution of program objectives.

Responsibilities

• Supervise, coach, and provide direction to BCT Partners staff, including both onsite and remote team members.
• Serve as project lead for Regional Office activities, tracking timelines, resources, deliverables, and outcomes to ensure successful execution.
• Act as the primary point of contact for the support contract and serve as BCT Partner’s main interface with the client, including direct engagement with the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR).
• Assume responsibility for the execution of project deliverables and achievement of expected results.
• Establish and maintain systems, workflows, and procedures to support efficient and compliant operations.
• Prepare accurate and timely Monthly Status Reports and provide Task Summary Reports as required by the client.
• Cooky with Regional Office staff, BCT leadership, and external partners to ensure alignment and effective program delivery.
• Perform responsibilities onsite at the Regional Office to support coordination, communication, and client engagement.
• Perform Program Specialist functions as assigned by the Regional Office, supporting the full grant lifecycle, including application review, award processing, and ongoing monitoring.
• Analyze grant applications, budgets, and program performance data to support funding recommendations and ensure compliance with federal requirements.
• Manage grants administration activities, including annual continuation awards, amendment actions, and the review and awarding of supplemental applications.
• Participate in monthly calls, internal meetings, and risk assessment discussions to support program oversight and decision-making.
• Conduct and support onsite monitoring visits, follow-ups, and desk reviews in alignment with Aligned Monitoring and RAN processes.
• Maintain complete and accurate official electronic grant files for new and continuing awards.
• Utilize systems such as GrantSolutions to manage, track, and document grant activities.
• Review programmatic status reports and assess risks associated with grant administration.
• Support the development and implementation of corrective actions to mitigate identified risks.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., education, social work, public health)
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in program management, preferably in the field of early childhood education or related social services
• Proven ability to manage and supervise a team of professionals
• Strong analytical skills with experience in reviewing and interpreting grant applications and budgets
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to interact effectively with clients, stakeholders, and team members
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint
• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time

Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint
• Experience with grant management software (e.g., GrantSolutions)
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Knowledge of federal regulations and grant requirements

Benefits

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Disability and life insurance
• Paid family leave
• Generous paid time off policy

Pay

Salary Range: $70,000 - $90,000

Schedule

Full-time position