Lead Program Specialist (Onsite)

The Lead Program Specialist provides senior-level programmatic and grants management support to the Office of Head Start (OHS) Regional Offices under the National Customer Service Improvement Project (CSIP). This role leads and coordinates day-to-day delivery of grant oversight monitoring analysis and technical assistance activities ensuring consistent high-quality support aligned with federal statutes regulations and OHS policies.

The Lead Program Specialist serves as a subject matter expert and team lead for Program Support Specialists supports regional and national initiatives and plays a key role in ensuring timely accurate and compliant execution of grant management functions.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and perform review analysis and administrative activities related to Head Start Early Head Start and Early Head StartChild 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.

• Support Central Office and Regional Office initiatives by contributing subject matter expertise and programmatic analysis.

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

• Coordinate with the Project Manager and other team leads to align staffing priorities and deliverables.

• Support 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

• Bachelors 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.

• Must have valid drivers license and successfully pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check.

• Must be 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.

Working at ICF

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: