Head Start Grantee Specialist- Service Area VII

ICF Olson; United States; Remote; USD 67,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

ICF seeks an experienced Grantee Specialist to support the Service Area VII Head Start Training & Technical Assistance contract. The role blends on-site and virtual collaboration to strengthen governance, program management, and fiscal operations in Head Start and EHS programs.

The position is home-based in KS/MO/NE/IA with travel to regional sites as needed, starting in December 2026. Strong expertise in monitoring and quality improvement is required.

Qualifications

• BA or BS degree from an accredited university.
• 5+ years in HS/EHS program management or related areas.
• 1+ years providing technical assistance to governing bodies and staff.
• 1+ years supporting recipients to improve program operations.
• Valid driver's license and ability to pass MVR.

Responsibilities

• Provide on-site or virtual T/TA on governance, program management and fiscal operations.
• Develop and implement a Quality Improvement Plan addressing noncompliance.
• Improve program oversight and management in identified areas.
• Maintain regular communication with Regional Office staff on progress.
• Coordinate TTA with related specialists to integrate management systems.

Skills

Communication

Project management

Training & TA

Governance

Fiscal operations

Virtual collaboration

Education

BA/BS Degree

Tools

MS Office

Virtual platforms

Job description

ICF seeks an experienced Grantee Specialist to support the Service Area VII office of Head Start Training and Technical Assistance contract. The specialist will have expertise in Head Start operations, and a strong working knowledge of administration, planning and management systems to provide high quality training and technical assistance (TTA) that improves the capacity of Head Start and Early Head Start programs to meet or exceed the Head Start Performance Standards and applicable Federal regulations. The Grantee Specialist will provide onsite and virtual consultation to recipients, governing bodies, directors and program managers to correct deficiencies and non-compliances identified through the national monitoring system and provide planning and management technical assistance to support continuous quality improvement. This position is home-based in one of the Service Area VII states (Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Iowa) travel will be required to fulfill the requirements of the position in any of the regional states, Washington DC and other locations as required. Position Availability: This position is slated to begin in December 2026. While we are accepting applications now, the anticipated start date is December 2026.

Key Qualifications

The Grantee Specialist (GS) shall provide the following in-person or virtually as determined by the regional office.

• Provide on-site, individualized, group, and virtual T/TA to recipients related to governance, program management, and fiscal operations, including supporting recipients in the following areas: Correction of areas of noncompliance and deficiencies identified through the federal monitoring process.
• This may require on-site work for periods of time ranging from one day to several weeks concurrently.
• Development and implementation of a Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) that addresses root causes of the areas of noncompliance and deficiencies for recipients, as directed by the regional office.
• Improvement of program oversight and management in areas of concern identified through the Regional Office oversight processes.
• Maintain regular and timely communication with the appropriate Regional Office staff on delivery of TTA and progress toward corrective actions or quality improvement.
• Coordinate TTA with Early Childhood, Family Engagement, Health, and System Specialists to ensure effective integration of management systems TTA that supports improvements to education, family services, and health services, as directed by the Regional Office.
• Develop and provide effective presentations and training in areas related to program management and fiscal operations.
• Support emerging OHS initiatives and priorities.

Basic Qualifications

The Grantee Specialist shall have:

• A minimum of a BA or BS Degree 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.
• 5+ years experience related to program and/or organizational management and/or fiscal operations with HS/EHS programs and the development and implementation of comprehensive management systems.
• 1+ years experience supporting recipients to improve their effectiveness and quality of program operations and management systems.
• 1+ years experience providing technical assistance that includes working with governing bodies, management teams and program staff.
• 1+ years experience assisting organizations to address compliance issues.
• 1+ years experience communicating, both orally and in writing, to various audiences.
• 1+ years experience operating computer software systems and technology skills with virtual platforms.
• Must have valid driver's license and successfully pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check.

Preferred Qualifications

• Head Start expertise in Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance (ERSEA).
• Experience analyzing data and assisting recipients to make data-informed decisions.
• Fiscal expertise in areas such as budgeting, multiple funding sources, applicable uniform guidance regulations, Head Start specific audits, and the fiscal role of the governing body.

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 our EEO 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. 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. 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: $67,355.00 - $114,503.00 Nationwide Remote Office (US99)

About ICF

ICF is a global consulting and technology services company with approximately 9,000 employees, but we are not your typical consultants. At ICF, business analysts and policy specialists work together with digital strategists, data scientists and creatives. We combine unmatched industry expertise with cutting-edge engagement capabilities to help organizations solve their most complex challenges. Since 1969, public and private sector clients have worked with ICF to navigate change and shape the future. Learn more at icf.com.