Head Start Lead Program Specialist (Onsite)

Primary Responsibilities

Lead and perform review, analysis, and administrative activities related to Head Start, Early Head Start, and Early Head Start–Child Care Partnership grants.

Oversee and support review of grant applications, budget modifications, supplemental applications (including change in scope and facilities requests), waiver requests, and post-award requirements.

Ensure grant-related analysis and documentation are completed accurately and recorded in appropriate federal systems, including HSES and GrantSolutions.

Support execution of grant awards and related administrative actions in coordination with OHS and the Office of Grants Management (OGM).

Identify performance or compliance concerns and support development of risk mitigation strategies and technical assistance responses.

Provide accurate, policy-aligned guidance and technical assistance to support grant recipients’ compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards and grant requirements.

Serve as a lead and mentor to Program Support Specialists, supporting workload management, quality assurance, and consistent application of policies and procedures.

Cook up with the Project Manager and other team leads to align staffing, priorities, and deliverables.

Cover onboarding, training, and ongoing development of Program Support Specialist staff.

Contribute to development and refinement of standard operating procedures, guidance documents, training materials, and webinars.

Support data-informed process improvement efforts to strengthen consistency and efficiency across regions.

Contribute to the preparation of management briefings, reports, and presentations for Government leadership as requested.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, human services, public administration, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• 5+ years of progressively responsible professional experience directly related to early childhood programs, with a strong preference for Head Start or Early Head Start experience.
• 3+ years of experience with federal discretionary grants management, non-profit or for-profit program and/or financial management, and regulatory compliance monitoring and oversight.
• 2+ years of supervisory experience.
• Valid driver's license and successfully passed a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check.
• Obtain and maintain client background clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with federal discretionary grants management, including programmatic review, monitoring, compliance oversight, and documentation.
• Experience analyzing and synthesizing data and information from multiple sources to inform oversight, decision-making, and recommendations.
• Demonstrated ability to produce clear, high-quality written products, including reports, memoranda, correspondence, and presentations.
• Strong knowledge of Head Start program operations, grant administration, and federal compliance requirements.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including ability to convey complex information clearly.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently while coordinating closely with a larger project team.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and web-based federal information systems.