Lead Program Specialist

About the role

Koniag Professional Services, LLC, a Koniag Government Services company, is seeking a Lead Program Specialist to support KPS and our government customer in Dallas, TX. This position requires the candidate to be able to obtain a Public Trust.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert support for the award, oversight, and programmatic administration of Head Start, Early Head Start, and Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership grants
• Conduct comprehensive analysis of grant applications, budgets, supporting documentation, and grant recipient reports to identify performance or management issues
• Lead small projects related to grant management and collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive operational excellence
• Conduct remote and onsite monitoring reviews of Head Start and Early Head Start grant recipient performance and compliance
• Oversee review teams, ensure quality assurance of data collection, and develop written monitoring reports
• Complete required documentation within established timeframes and operate with minimal supervision
• Serve as a technical resource providing accurate guidance on federal regulations, Head Start Performance Standards, policies, and program requirements to program staff and grant recipients
• Facilitate meetings to address performance, compliance, and operational matters
• Respond to complex inquiries and provide technical assistance to support program excellence
• Conduct performance analyses using data from multiple sources to identify trends, issues, and opportunities for improvement
• Prepare high-quality management reports and data-driven presentations to support evidence-based decision-making
• Analyze and present comprehensive data to inform strategic planning and organizational initiatives
• Support staff development and training initiatives
• Collaborate with management on operational planning, process improvements, and strategic initiatives
• Lead organizational initiatives related to early childhood program oversight and grant management
• Prepare high-quality written correspondence, memoranda, and presentations
• Support the development and implementation of corrective action plans and quality improvement initiatives for Head Start and Early Head Start programs

Requirements

• Master’s degree in early childhood education, human services, public administration, or related field from an accredited university or college
• Bachelor's degree plus two additional years of relevant experience may be substituted for the Master's degree requirement. Candidates utilizing this substitution must possess a minimum of eight years of relevant post-baccalaureate professional experience in lieu of the Master's degree plus six years standard requirement.
• At least 6 years of progressive professional experience directly related to early childhood programs, with preference for Head Start/Early Head Start programs
• Experience with federal discretionary grants management required
• Background in nonprofit or for-profit program and/or financial management
• Experience with regulatory compliance monitoring and oversight

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in early childhood education, human services, public administration, or related field
• Experience working in a federal government environment supporting early childhood programs
• Previous experience with Head Start or Early Head Start programs
• Knowledge of evidence-based practices in early childhood education
• Experience presenting to diverse stakeholders and senior leadership
• Project management certification or training
• Familiarity with federal grant lifecycle management systems

Skills and Competencies

• Advanced proficiency in utilizing web-based and commercial off-the-shelf data management software packages
• Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to produce high-quality written products, including memoranda, presentations, and correspondence
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and web-based collaboration tools
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately

Benefits

We offer competitive compensation and an extraordinary benefits package including health, dental and vision insurance, 401K with company matching, flexible spending accounts, paid holidays, three weeks paid time off, and more.