Head Start Change in Scope (CIS) Specialist, Remote

Position Title:OHSChange in Scope(CIS)Specialist

Location:Remote

The Senior Project Analyst serves as a Change in Scope (CIS)Specialist issubject matterexpert for the Office of Head Start (OHS). This roleis responsible forthe review analysis and approval of Change in Scope applicationssubmittedby Head Start and Early Head Start grant recipients including enrollment reductions and conversions of Head Start slots to Early Head Start slots.

In addition to application review and decision support the Senior Project Analyst designs develops and maintains tools guidance and technical resources that support Regional Office staff and grant recipients in understanding what constitutes a Change in Scope how to plan for it and how to submithigh-quality complete and approvable applications that do not require resubmission or corrective edits. The role blends policy interpretation data analysis quality assurance and stakeholder technicalassistanceto improve consistency efficiency and timeliness of CIS determinations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Review analyze and recommend approval or disapproval of Change in Scope applicationssubmittedby Head Start and Early Head Start recipients including Enrollment reductionsConversion of Head Start slots to Early Head Start slotsRelatedpost awardamendmentssubmittedthrough HSES.
• Assess applications for completeness quality compliance anddata informedjustification ensuring alignment withtheHead Start ActHead Start Program Performance Standards andApplicable Information Memoranda and OHS guidance
• Evaluate program narratives service delivery models staffing plans timelines and budget justifications to confirm proposed changesmaintainor improve program quality.
• Identifygaps risks or inconsistencies that would delay approval and work proactively with Regional Office staff to resolve issues before formal return of applications.
• Review budget materials usingOHS approvedapproaches that focus on only the budget componentsimpactedby the proposed change rather than full annual budgets to support efficient andaccuratereview.
• Support identification of trends across CIS requests to inform leadership on recurring issues training needs and policy clarification opportunities.
• Lead the development refinement and implementation of tools that improve the quality and approvability of Change in Scope submissions.
• Translate complex policy and regulatory requirements into clear practical anduser-friendlyguidance that reduces application errors and rework.
• Ensure tools and resources reinforce OHS expectations for completehigh-qualitysubmissions thatexpeditereview and approval timelines.
• Serve as a trusted technical resource to OHS leadership Regional Office staff and internal project teams on Change in Scope policy and practice.
• Provide targeted technicalassistance briefings and training (virtualin person or written)
• Collaborate with regional and central office partners to ensure consistent interpretation and application of CIS requirements nationwide.

Required Qualifications:

• BachelorsorMastersdegree in Public Administration Education Early Childhood Policy Management or a relatedfield
• 2 years ofexperience reviewing analyzing or supporting Head Start or Early Head Start grants amendments or program operations.
• 1 years of experiencein Change in Scope concepts including enrollment reductions slot conversions andpost awardamendments.
• US government issued security clearancerequired(will beinitiatedupon hire)
• Valid drivers license and ability to pass an MVR check.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Deep knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards and program operations.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret programmatic fiscal and operational data.
• Exceptional written communication skills particularly forfederal styleguidance tools and decision documentation.
• Experience developing technicalassistancetools templates and guidance used at scale.
• Familiarity with HSES Smartsheet or similar tracking and workflow tools.
• Experience providing training or TA to diverse stakeholders.
• Proven ability to develop presentations strategic content and briefing materials for senior leaders.

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Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position including but not limited to relevant work experience skills certifications and competencies that align to the specified role geographic location education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.

The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is: