Head Start Early Childhood Specialist Manager - Service Are XI (REMOTE)

ICF; Reston (VA); Remote; USD 81,000 - 139,000; Full time

Job summary

ICF is seeking an experienced Early Childhood Manager to co-lead a team of EC Specialists and oversee one-on-one supervision of staff. The role involves coordinating training and technical assistance for Head Start programs, implementing QA systems, and traveling up to 50% nationwide to support grantees and deliver results.

The position requires senior-level experience in TTA for Head Start or similar programs, strong coaching and leadership skills, and a commitment to data-informed decision

Qualifications

• BA/BS in ECE or related field from an accredited university.
• 7+ years with 3 years TTA to Head Start or related programs.
• 3+ years progressive supervision/management with remote staff experience.
• 1+ year coaching staff.
• 1+ year developing and managing projects including QA systems.
• 1+ year using data to inform decisions.
• 1+ year facilitating group discussions and presenting to diverse audiences.
• 1+ year communicating with various audiences and formats.
• Must have valid driver’s license and pass MVR check.

Responsibilities

• Implement a comprehensive QA system for TTA deliverables.
• Provide ongoing supervision, oversight and coaching to EC Specialists.
• Develop and implement professional development for EC Specialists.
• Review recipient TTA reports and ensure on-time submission.
• Present TTA data to inform quality improvements across regions.
• Conduct field observations to assess QA and identify development needs.
• Coordinate with Area Office for messaging and prioritization.
• Participate in national, regional, and state work groups as directed.
• Provide direct TTA to grant recipients as requested.
• Support emerging OHS initiatives and maintain required certifications.
• Attend quarterly meetings in DC as scheduled.

Skills

Team leadership

Staff supervision

Project management

Data-driven decision making

Head Start experience

Coaching

Remote staff management

Education

BA/BS in Early Childhood Education/Development

Job description

Description

ICF seeks an experienced Early Childhood (EC) Manager for the Office of Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Service Area XI contract to co-lead a team of EC Specialists and provide one-on-one management and supervision of EC Specialists employed by ICF. The EC Manager will coordinate and collaborate with other members of the TTA management team to plan training and technical assistance to support grantees individually or in group settings and implement a comprehensive system of quality assurance and control.

This position is home-based in the U.S. and will involve extensive travel up to 50% of the time to programs across the United States where the candidate is assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum of a BA or BS degree in early childhood education/development, education leadership, or related field from an accredited university or college
• If the highest degree was awarded more than ten years ago, the resume should specifically detail courses, conferences, seminars attended or relevant work experience within the last 3-5 years.
• 7+ years of experience with 3 years provision of TTA to Head Start or other early childhood programs related to school readiness.
• 3+ years of progressive supervision/management and staff development, with experience for managing remote-located staff preferred.
• 1+ year experience in coaching staff.
• 1+ year experience in developing, implementing, and managing/improving projects, including implementing QA systems.
• 1+ year experience in using data to inform decision making.
• 1+ year experience facilitating group discussions and presenting to range of audiences using a variety of formats to include virtual.
• 1+ year experience communicating, both orally and in writing, with the ability to adapt to various audiences and formats.
• Must have a valid driver's license and successfully pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement a comprehensive system of quality assurance for TTA to recipients and contract deliverables related to the work of Early Childhood Specialists.
• Provide effective and timely ongoing supervision, oversight and coaching to Early Childhood Specialists.
• Develop and implement professional development for EC Specialists to increase their capability to deliver TTA in key performance areas including early childhood education, coaching, curriculum implementation and fidelity, teacher-child interactions, family engagement, child and family outcomes, assessment, and data aggregation and analysis.
• Review recipient TTA reports for accuracy and ensure TTA reports are submitted by the due dates outlined in the Schedule of Deliverables.
• Implement a process for using, reporting, and presenting TTA data to inform and improve the quality and responsiveness of Early Childhood Specialist services and improve coordination with state, regional, and national priorities and other early childhood TTA systems, as directed by the region.
• Conduct at least two field observations of the Early Childhood Specialists in each performance period to assess the quality of TTA provided and determine professional development needs.
• Communicate with Area Office staff to ensure coordinated support, messaging, and prioritization of technical assistance to grant recipients.
• Participate in national, regional, and state work groups and meetings as directed by the OHS COR.
• Provide direct TTA to grant recipients, as requested by the Area Office.
• Support emerging OHS initiatives and priorities.
• Maintain CLASS Observer and/or Trainer Certifications as required.
• Attend quarterly meetings in the Federal Office in Washington, DC – schedule to be determined by the Regional Office.

Working at ICF

ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.

We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read ourEEO policy.

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation, please [e-mail] we will be happy to assist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.

However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance [e-mail]. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.

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:

$81,499.00 - $138,549.00

Nationwide Remote Office (US99)