Head Start Programs Lead & Grants Oversight Specialist

BCT Partners, LLC; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

BCT Partners, LLC is seeking a Lead Program Specialist to support Head Start and Early Head Start grants, overseeing a hybrid team while providing direct program support. You will coordinate grant lifecycle activities, monitor performance data, and ensure compliance with federal requirements.

The role involves onsite work at the Regional Office with regular collaboration with regional leadership, internal teams, and external partners to deliver high-quality program outcomes and accountability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, human services, public administration, business administration, management, or a related field from an accredited college or university required.
• Master’s degree in a related field is preferred but not required.
• At least 5 years of progressive professional experience directly related to early childhood programs, with a strong preference for Head Start/Early Head Start experience.
• At least 3 years of supervisory experience, including leading, mentoring, or coordinating staff in a hybrid‑working team environment.
• Experience with federal discretionary grants management, including program oversight, funding processes, and regulatory compliance monitoring.
• Experience managing projects or programs involving multiple stakeholders, competing priorities, and complex deliverables.
• Experience developing, implementing, and improving systems, processes, and workflows to support program operations.
• Demonstrated experience supporting or leading monitoring, oversight, or quality assurance activities for grant‑funded programs.
• Experience in non‑profit or for‑profit program operations and/or financial management is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supervise, coach, and provide direction to BCT Partners staff, including both onsite and remote team members.
• Serve as project lead for Regional Office activities, tracking timelines, resources, deliverables, and outcomes to ensure successful execution.
• Act as the primary point of contact for the support contract and serve as BCT Partner’s main interface with the client, including direct engagement with the COR (Contracting Officer’s Representative).
• Assume responsibility for the execution of project deliverables and achievement of expected results.
• Establish and maintain systems, workflows, and procedures to support efficient and compliant operations.
• Prepare accurate and timely Monthly Status Reports and provide Task Summary Reports as required by the client.
• Coordinate closely with Regional Office staff, BCT leadership, and external partners to ensure alignment and effective program delivery.
• Perform responsibilities onsite at the Regional Office to support coordination, communication, and client engagement.

Skills

Head Start standards

Grant management

Stakeholder collaboration

Supervisory leadership

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

GrantSolutions

Smartsheet

SmartFlow

Microsoft Office

SharePoint

Teams

OneNote

Job description

BCT Partners, LLC is seeking a Lead Program Specialist to support Head Start and Early Head Start grants, overseeing a hybrid team while providing direct program support. You will coordinate grant lifecycle activities, monitor performance data, and ensure compliance with federal requirements.

The role involves onsite work at the Regional Office with regular collaboration with regional leadership, internal teams, and external partners to deliver high-quality program outcomes and accountability.