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.

• Supports the full grant lifecycle, including application review, award processing, and ongoing monitoring.
• Analyzes grant applications, budgets, and performance data to ensure compliance with federal requirements.
• Supports funding decisions and works directly with grant recipients to address issues, clarify expectations, and strengthen program outcomes.
• Contributes to program quality and accountability through oversight activities, site visits, and risk identification.
• 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).
• Works onsite at the Regional Office to ensure effective coordination and client support.
• Collaborates regularly with Regional Office leadership, internal BCT teams, and external partners to ensure alignment and successful execution of program objectives.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of progressive professional experience directly related to early childhood programs, with a strong preference for Head Start/Early Head Start experience.
• At least 3 years of supervisory experience, including leading, mentoring, or coordinating staff in a hybrid-working team environment.
• Experience with federal discretionary grants management, including program oversight, funding processes, and regulatory compliance monitoring.
• Experience managing projects or programs involving multiple stakeholders, competing priorities, and complex deliverables.
• Experience developing, implementing, and improving systems, processes, and workflows to support program operations.
• Demonstrated experience supporting or leading monitoring, oversight, or quality assurance activities for grant-funded programs.
• Experience in non-profit or for-profit program operations and/or financial management is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, human services, public administration, business administration, management, or a related field from an accredited college or university required.
• A Master’s degree in a related field is preferred but not required.
• Strong knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), child development principles, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze grant applications, budgets, and program performance data to support decision-making and ensure compliance.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and collaboration tools such as Teams, OneNote, and SharePoint; familiarity with Smartsheet and SmartFlow or similar tools is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to use data management systems and software tools to collect, aggregate, analyze, and report on data from multiple sources.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain attention to detail.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Proven ability to build effective working relationships with clients, colleagues, direct and indirect reports and stakeholders in both onsite and remote environments.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and effectively, when speaking and writing.