OVERVIEWLead Program Specialists provide programmatic leadership, technical expertise, and oversight to assigned grant recipients, ensuring effective program operations and compliance with federal requirements. This role is responsible for monitoring program performance, assessing adherence to applicable regulations and Head Start Program Performance Standards, and identifying opportunities for continuous quality improvement. The Lead Program Specialist collaborates with OHS leadership, Regional Office staff, and grant recipients to strengthen program quality, enhance service delivery, and support positive outcomes for children, families, and communities.
DUTIES- Provide ongoing oversight, guidance, and technical assistance to grant recipients to support compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards, federal regulations, and grant requirements.
- Support the review, analysis, and coordination of administrative and programmatic activities related to Head Start, Early Head Start, and Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership grants.
- Support the review and processing of grant applications, continuation awards, supplemental funding requests and budget modifications, waiver requests, and post-award actions in accordance with federal requirements and timelines.
- Review programmatic status reports, Program Information Report (PIR) data, monitoring results, and compliance findings to identify risks, resolve noncompliance issues, and support development of corrective actions and technical assistance strategies.
- Maintain accurate and complete electronic grant files and official records related to the receipt, tracking, review, negotiation, and administration of grants and post-award actions using systems such as HSES and GrantSolutions.
- Support continuous improvement and organizational initiatives through development of standard operating procedures, training materials, management reports, briefings, webinars, and data-informed process improvement recommendations.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS- Bachelor's degree in early childhood education, public administration, or a related field from an accredited institution
- A minimum of 5 years of progressive professional experience in roles related to federal discretionary grants management, nonprofit or for-profit programs and/or financial management, and regulatory compliance monitoring and oversight; experience with Head Start and Early Head Start programs strongly preferred
- Demonstrated knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards, Head Start program operations, federal grants management, and applicable compliance requirements.
- Ability to aggregate, analyze, and present data from multiple sources; experience using Head Start data systems such as HSES and GrantSolutions preferred.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to produce clear, concise, and high-quality written products for diverse audiences.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office; SmartSheets preferred
- Ability to travel Required
Salary range: $85,000 to $115,000 per year
Location: Philadelphia, PA; Atlanta, GA; Dallas, TX; Denver, CO; Kansas City, MO; Washington, DC
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