BCT Partners - Lead Head Start Program Specialist

BCT Partners · Denver, CO · 1 wk ago

On-siteEducation$70k–$90k/yrFull-time

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.
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.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Social Work, Public Policy, Education, etc.)
Minimum of 5 years of experience in grant management, program administration, or related field
Experience working with Head Start and Early Head Start programs
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
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
Program administration
Grant writing
Project management
Financial analysis
Client relations
Technical writing
Microsoft Office Suite proficiency
Grant management software proficiency (e.g., GrantSolutions)

Benefits

These are onsite positions located in Philadelphia PA, Atlanta GA, Denver CO, Kansas City MO, and Dallas TX. Though we do have staff in all four time zones, BCT Partners headquarters is located on the East Coast in New Jersey. We support and encourage a strong staff community, leveraging virtual communication tools and collaborative work practices. The African philosophy of Ubuntu ("I am because we are") is an overarching value that influences our leadership and interactions.

Pay

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