Senior Delivery Lead * Federal Grants & Head Start

JBS International; North Bethesda (MD); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

JBS International is seeking an Early Childhood Project Manager IV to oversee federal contracts that support Head Start programs. While managing multiple project aspects, you will ensure quality assurance and alignment with organizational goals.

The role demands over 10 years of experience in project management, with a focus on continuous improvement. If residing within 50 miles of North Bethesda, a hybrid work model may be considered.

Qualifications

• 10 years of progressive experience managing large projects.
• 5 years of supervisory or team leadership experience.
• Fluent in English (oral and written).

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day management of the federal contract for Head Start.
• Develop, refine, and maintain regional office operations.
• Monitor performance and support risk mitigation strategies.

Skills

Ability to manage large projects

Excellent organization and time management skills

Strong written communication

Experience managing remote teams

Education

Bachelor's degree in business or public administration

Master's degree in business or public administration

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Power BI)

Smartsheet

Job description

The Early Childhood Project Manager IV provides overall contract management, serves as the Government liaison and primary point of contact, and provides oversight to all facets of project execution. The Early Childhood Project Manager IV is an experienced senior subject matter expert that has successfully developed, implemented and managed complex, high-profile, multi-faceted projects. As project lead, this position demonstrates experience in implementing quality assurance systems that improved the provision of services to Office of Head Start grant recipients. As project leadership, they play a strategic role in ensuring project success through effective implementation of JBS project management best practices and serve as a key liaison between project teams, clients, and JBS leadership. This position is responsible for ensuring projects recognize value aligned with organizational goals, meet client expectations, and adhere to scope, budget, and quality standards. The Project Manager actively leads the continuous improvement of project management methodologies in concert with the Project Management Office (PMO).

Essential Job Functions

• Lead day‑to‑day management of a federal contract that supports Head Start and Early Head Start programs nationwide.
• Develop, refine, and maintain continuous improvement in regional office operations that support processes for effective data management, oversight, and management systems.
• Establish and track progress for successful delivery of program management and data management customer service.
• Demonstrated ability to aggregate, analyze, and present data gathered from multiple sources.
• Monitor and identify performance or compliance concerns and support development of risk mitigation strategies and areas for expanded customer support service.
• Lead and guide a multidisciplinary team, including grants management, data management, data analytics, and engineer staff to support grant recipients’ compliance with performance standards and grant requirements.
• Develop, refine and implement standard operating procedures, guidance documents, training materials, and webinars.
• Apply a continuous quality improvement (CQI) approach, ensuring that oversight mechanisms evolve to support grant recipients and promote positive outcomes for children and families.
• Produce high‑quality written products such as memoranda, presentations, and correspondence.
• Oversee project budgets and staff utilization.
• Oversee comprehensive project workplans, schedules, and resource allocation strategies in collaboration with other Project Leadership, Expert Team Directors, Practice Director, and the PMO.
• Oversee quality control of project deliverables, implementing robust review processes to maintain high standards.
• Maintain significant professional expertise in early childhood ensuring that subject area knowledge remains current; identify trends, emerging issues, policies, and evidence‑based practices (EBPs).
• Lead and participate in capture planning and business development activities to align with enterprise strategic goals and initiatives.
• Cultivate long‑term relationships with existing clients/partners and seek out new relationships.

Minimum Job Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, or related field from an accredited university or college.
• Preferred master’s degree in business, public administration, or related field from an accredited university or college.

Experience

• 10 years of progressive professional experience managing large projects.
• 5 years supervisory or team leadership experience.

Skills

• Demonstrated ability to work independently while coordinating a larger team.
• Excellent organization and time management skills.
• Ability to write clearly and concisely with attention to detail and target audience focus.
• Experience managing remote or distributed teams.

Language

• English fluency (oral and written).

Software Proficiency

• Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Power BI), Smartsheet.

Location

This is a remote position with the consideration that if a candidate lives within a 50‑mile radius of our North Bethesda or San Mateo offices, employment will be considered hybrid.

Security Clearance

Ability to pass background investigations as required for access to federal facilities and systems.

Travel

Up to 15 percent.

Physical Requirements

• Extended Computer Use: Ability to sit for extended periods and operate a computer keyboard and mouse.
• Vision: Must be able to see and read computer screens and printed materials.
• Dexterity: Capable of using hands and fingers to operate equipment and perform tasks requiring precision.
• Communication: Able to effectively communicate verbally and in writing with team members and stakeholders.
• Mobility: Frequently required to stand, walk, reach, and bend to access office equipment and attend meetings.
• Lifting: Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds for short distances.
• Sensory Abilities: Must be able to perceive and interact with the environment using hearing and speaking skills.
• Work Environment: Primarily works in a typical office environment, with exposure to computer screens and moderate noise levels.

Preferred Job Requirements

• Certified Project Management Professionals (PMP), or equivalent certification.
• Experience supporting HHS, ACF, or OHS programs.
• Experience or training in fiscal reporting, in‑kind contributions, cost allocation, budgeting, and/or internal controls for Head Start programs.
• Experience using federal information systems such as HSES, AMS, GrantSolutions.
• Experience in designing, purchasing, constructing, renovating, and/or maintaining facilities that operate Head Start programs.
• Experience in addressing sensitive subject matter such as child abuse and neglect.
• Experience in federal monitoring of early childhood programs, fiscal management of early childhood programs, facilities and/or early childhood learning environments, child health and safety, and Head Start program options, the Full Enrollment Initiative (FEI) and changes in scope (CiS).

Other Duties As Assigned

This position description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position, nor will it be the sole basis for any subsequent employee evaluations. Incumbents will follow any other instructions and perform any other related duties as may be required by their supervisor.

EEO Statement

Our company is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Applicants can learn more about the company's status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the federal "EEO" poster at EEOPost.pdf. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.