ICF seeks an experienced Business Operations Associate to support a portfolio of Head Start contracts through operational, financial, project management, and workforce coordination. Partnering with portfolio leadership, Project Directors, Finance, and Operations teams, this role helps drive contract performance, operational excellence, and continuous improvement across a diverse federal portfolio.
Key Responsibilities
Contract and Business Operations
- Support oversight of multiple contracts to ensure compliance with contractual requirements, budgets, schedules, and performance goals.
- Implement and improve operational processes, systems, and policies.
- Monitor key performance metrics, identify risks, and support resolution of operational challenges.
Financial Management
- Support forecasting, budget tracking, labor utilization, ODC management, and contract financial reporting.
- Analyze financial data, maintain forecasts, and prepare invoice reviews, financial summaries, and projections.
Project Management and Reporting
- Manage project trackers, dashboards, reporting systems, and operational documentation.
- Track deliverables, milestones, staffing actions, and contract requirements.
- Support the preparation of client and corporate reports.
Workforce and Resource Coordination
- Support onboarding, staffing coordination, workforce planning, timekeeping, expense reporting, and professional development tracking.
- Coordinate subcontractor administration and serve as a liaison among project teams, Finance, HR, and corporate support functions.
Data, Technology, and Process Improvement
- Leverage technology, data analytics, dashboards, and reporting tools to support decision-making.
- Promote effective use of project management and business systems.
- Identify and implement process improvements that enhance efficiency and reporting accuracy.
Strategic Support
- Contribute to business development, capture, proposal, and recompete efforts.
- Support special projects and strategic initiatives for portfolio leadership.
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Management, or a related field.
- 5+ years of experience in operations, project management, business administration, or a related field.
- Experience supporting complex programs, projects, or federal contracts.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting federal contracts, grants, or technical assistance programs.
- Experience with financial forecasting, reporting, budget management, and operational analytics.
- Proficiency with Smartsheet, SharePoint, Costpoint, Cognos, Workday, Microsoft 365, and related business systems.
- Experience leveraging AI-enabled tools, workflow automation, and data visualization platforms (e.g., Microsoft Copilot and Power BI).
- Knowledge of project management, quality assurance, and risk management practices.
Professional Skills
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- High attention to detail and commitment to quality.
- Sound judgment, professionalism, and discretion.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Core Competencies
- Initiative and ownership
- Accountability and follow-through
- Collaboration and relationship building
- Adaptability and resilience
- Solutions-oriented mindset
- Customer focus
- Continuous improvement
- Confidentiality and professionalism
Bot and Third-Party Applications
Please note that this application must be submitted directly by the applicant for consideration. Failure to do so may result in the application being excluded for consideration. Applicants needing an accommodation for disability or religious purposes in connection with the application process should contact [email protected] for assistance.
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. To request an accommodation, please email [email protected] 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.
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 at [email protected]. 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:
$74,090.00 - $125,954.00Nationwide Remote Office (US99)Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Management, or a related field
- 5+ years of experience in operations, project management, business administration, or a related field
- Experience supporting complex programs, projects, or federal contracts
- Experience supporting federal contracts, grants, or technical assistance programs
- Experience with financial forecasting, reporting, budget management, and operational analytics
- Proficiency with Smartsheet, SharePoint, Costpoint, Cognos, Workday, Microsoft 365, and related business systems
- Experience leveraging AI-enabled tools, workflow automation, and data visualization platforms such as Microsoft Copilot and Power BI
- Knowledge of project management, quality assurance, and risk management practices
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
- High attention to detail and commitment to quality
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
ICF Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about ICF and has not been reviewed or approved by ICF.
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Healthcare Strength — Medical, dental, and vision coverage start on day one with multiple plan options, employer HSA/HRA funding, and company‑paid mental‑health care that includes 10 therapy and 10 coaching sessions annually. These features indicate comprehensive coverage with meaningful mental‑health depth.
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Parental & Family Support — Family‑building and caregiving support include 24/7 specialists and reimbursements ($10,000 lifetime for fertility/surrogacy and $5,000 for adoption), alongside inclusive paid parental leave. These resources broaden support for diverse family needs.
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Retirement Support — The 401(k) offers immediate vesting with a company match up to 4% when contributing 5%, and an ESPP provides an additional ownership avenue. This structure supports long‑term financial security.
ICF Insights
What We Do
ICF is a leading global solutions and technology provider with approximately 9,000 employees in industries across the public and private sectors. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.
Why Work With Us
At ICF, we’ve built a culture rooted in expertise, innovation, and purpose—enabling us to build a more prosperous and resilient world for all. When our employees grow, our solutions thrive—regardless of your role, team, or location, you’ll have opportunities to make connections, build community, and take action to develop your career.
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