Head Start Lead Program Specialist (Onsite)

ICF; Jefferson City (MO); On-site; USD 73,770 - 125,408; Full time

Job summary

ICF is seeking a Head Start Lead Program Specialist in Jefferson City, Missouri. This role involves senior-level programmatic and grants management support for the Office of Head Start. Responsibilities include overseeing grant applications, providing technical assistance, and mentoring staff. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree, significant experience in early childhood programs, grants management, and supervisory experience. The position offers a pay range of $73,770 to $125,408.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, human services, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience related to early childhood programs.
• 3+ years of grants management or financial management experience.
• 2+ years of supervisory experience.
• Valid driver’s license and clean MVR check.

Responsibilities

• Lead review and management of Head Start grants.
• Oversee grant applications and compliance requirements.
• Provide technical assistance to grant recipients.
• Support onboarding and development of staff.

Skills

Federal discretionary grants management

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Supervisory skills

Proficiency with Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field

Tools

Web-based federal information systems

Job description

The Head Start 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.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and perform review, analysis, and administrative activities related to Head Start, Early Head Start, and Early Head Start–Child 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

• Bachelor’s 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 driver’s license and successfully pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check.
• Must 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.

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.
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 email [e-mail] and 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.
Read more about workplace discrimination rights or our benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act.

Pay Range

$73,770.00 – $125,408.00 DC Field Office (DC66)