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.
The Lead Program Specialist serves as a subject matter expert and team lead for Program Support Specialists, supports regional and national initiatives, and plays a key role in ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant execution of grant management functions.
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 be 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.
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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.
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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:
$73,770.00 - $125,408.00DC Field Office (DC66)Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in early childhood education, human services, public administration, or related field
- 5+ years of progressively responsible professional experience in early childhood programs, preferably Head Start
- 3+ years of experience with federal discretionary grants management
- 2+ years of supervisory experience
- Valid driver's license and pass MVR check
- Obtain and maintain client background clearance
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 — Healthcare coverage appears comprehensive, with multiple medical plan options plus dental and vision coverage. Mental-health support is also emphasized through an EAP offering therapy and coaching sessions alongside other wellbeing resources.
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Retirement Support — Retirement benefits include a 401(k) match with immediate vesting, which strengthens the long-term value of the package. An employee stock purchase plan is also described as available, adding another savings/ownership pathway.
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Parental & Family Support — Family-building benefits include fertility/surrogacy and adoption reimbursements and additional support services for parents. These programs broaden the total rewards proposition beyond base pay.
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