BCT Partners - Lead Head Start Program Specialist

• 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 Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR).
• 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.

• Perform Program Specialist functions as assigned by the Regional Office, supporting the full grant lifecycle, including application review, award processing, and ongoing monitoring.
• Analyze grant applications, budgets, and program performance data to support funding recommendations and ensure compliance with federal requirements.
• Manage grants administration activities, including annual continuation awards, amendment actions, and the review and awarding of supplemental applications.
• Participate in monthly calls, internal meetings, and risk assessment discussions to support program oversight and decision-making.
• Conduct and support onsite monitoring visits, follow-ups, and desk reviews in alignment with Aligned Monitoring and RAN processes.
• Maintain complete and accurate official electronic grant files for new and continuing awards.
• Utilize systems such as GrantSolutions to manage, track, and document grant activities.
• Review programmatic status reports and monitoring findings; collaborate with Program, DataEdu and Grants Specialists to assist recipients in resolving issues, non-compliances, and deficiencies.
• Identify potential risks and compliance concerns and provide clear guidance to support program improvement and accountability.

• 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.

• Strong knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), child development principles, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze grant applications, budgets, and program performance data to support decision-making and ensure compliance.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and collaboration tools such as Teams, OneNote, and SharePoint; familiarity with Smartsheet and SmartFlow or similar tools is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to use data management systems and software tools to collect, aggregate, analyze, and report on data from multiple sources.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain attention to detail.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Proven ability to build effective working relationships with clients, colleagues, direct and indirect reports and stakeholders in both onsite and remote environments.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and effectively, when speaking and writing.
• Proven ability to develop high-quality written materials, including memoranda, reports, presentations, and correspondence.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage and collaborate with federal staff, clients, leadership, and cross-functional teams.
• Ability to present data, findings, and recommendations in a clear, concise, and actionable manner to diverse audiences.

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