Lead Program Specialist (Onsite)

The 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.