ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, and they are seeking a Head Start Program Support Specialist to provide programmatic, administrative, and analytical support to the Office of Head Start. This role is responsible for supporting grants management, oversight, monitoring, and data-driven program administration activities for Head Start and Early Head Start grants.
Support review, analysis, and documentation of Head Start and Early Head Start grant applications, supplemental funding requests, budget modifications, waiver requests, and post-award activities
Assist in reviewing applications for completeness, compliance, and adherence to federal regulations and OHS policies
Document analyses, recommendations, and communications in appropriate federal information systems, including HSES and GrantSolutions
Support preparation of funding recommendations, summaries, and grant-related correspondence as directed
Support ongoing grant oversight activities, including review of enrollment data, performance reports, monitoring findings, corrective action plans, and recipient correspondence
Assist with identification and documentation of potential programmatic or compliance issues and support follow-up activities
Contribute to pre-review planning, monitoring preparation, and post-review documentation activities
Assist in development of accurate, policy-aligned guidance and technical assistance materials
Assist with data collection, aggregation, and basic analysis to support grant oversight, reporting, and decision-making
Assist with completion of required documentation related to grant requests, monitoring activities, and administrative actions
Contribute to national initiatives, ad hoc program support
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in early childhood education, human services, public administration, or a related field from an accredited institution
2+ years of progressively responsible professional experience supporting early childhood programs, preferably Head Start or Early Head Start
1+ years of experience utilizing web-based data management or tracking systems to support program or administrative functions
1+ years of expertise in at least 1 of the following areas: federal monitoring of early childhood programs, with a preference of experience in measuring the performance, progress, compliance, and accountability of Head Start programs, fiscal management of early childhood programs, with a preference of experience or training in federal interest, fiscal reporting, in-kind contributions, cost allocation, budgeting, and/or internal controls for Head Start programs, facilities and/or early childhood learning environments, with a preference of experience in designing, purchasing, constructing, renovating, and/or maintaining facilities that operate Head Start programs, child health and safety, with a preference for experience in addressing sensitive subject matter such as child abuse and neglect, full Enrollment Initiative (FEI) and changes in scope (CiS), with a preference for expertise in budget analysis
Ability to travel up to 25%
US government issued security clearance required (will be initiated upon hire)
Valid driver's license and ability to pass an MVR check
Preferred
Working knowledge of early childhood programs and federal grants processes preferred
Strong organizational, analytical, and attention-to-detail skills
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a dynamic environment
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and collaborative tools
Benefits
ICF is a global consulting and technology services provider focused on making big things possible for our clients.
