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).

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.
• Cookorate closely 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 monitor program performance.

Requirements

The ideal candidate should have:

• A Master's degree in a relevant field such as Social Work, Public Policy, Education, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in grant management, preferably in the Head Start or Early Head Start program area.
• Proven ability to analyze and interpret complex grant documents and financial data.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience in managing a team and supervising staff.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of federal regulations and grant management policies.
• Experience with grant management software such as GrantSolutions.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate should have:

• A Master's degree in a relevant field such as Social Work, Public Policy, Education, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in grant management, preferably in the Head Start or Early Head Start program area.
• Proven ability to analyze and interpret complex grant documents and financial data.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience in managing a team and supervising staff.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of federal regulations and grant management policies.
• Experience with grant management software such as GrantSolutions.

Skills

• Grant management and administration.
• Financial analysis and budgeting.
• Project management and coordination.
• Team leadership and supervision.
• Communication and interpersonal skills.
• Technical proficiency with grant management software.

Benefits

BCT Partners offers a competitive total compensation package that includes a base salary between $70,000 and $90,000 along with a generous benefits package. These benefits include partially subsidized medical, dental, and vision coverage, a fully vested 401(k) plan with company match, company-paid life and disability insurance plans, paid family leave, and a generous paid time off policy.

Pay

The base salary for this position ranges from $70,000 to $90,000 annually.

Schedule

This is an onsite position located in Dallas, TX. The Lead Program Specialist is required to work onsite at the Regional Office to ensure effective coordination and client support.