Head Start Program Support Specialist

ICF

Program Support Specialist providing programmatic and analytical support to Head Start initiatives. Ensuring compliance and effectiveness in grant-related tasks and oversight.

Posted 5/13/2026full-timeRemote • Virginia • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $67,355 - $114,503 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Support review, analysis, and documentation of Head Start and Early Head Start grant applications, supplemental funding requests, budget modifications, waiver requests, and post-award activities.
Assist in reviewing applications for completeness, compliance, and adherence to federal regulations and OHS policies.
Document analyses, recommendations, and communications in appropriate federal information systems, including HSES and GrantSolutions.
Support preparation of funding recommendations, summaries, and grant-related correspondence as directed.
Support ongoing grant oversight activities, including review of enrollment data, performance reports, monitoring findings, corrective action plans, and recipient correspondence.
Assist with identification and documentation of potential programmatic or compliance issues and support follow-up activities.
Contribute to pre-review planning, monitoring preparation, and post-review documentation activities.
Assist in development of accurate, policy-aligned guidance and technical assistance materials.
Assist with data collection, aggregation, and basic analysis to support grant oversight, reporting, and decision-making.
Assist with completion of required documentation related to grant requests, monitoring activities, and administrative actions.
Contribute to national initiatives, ad hoc program support.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, human services, public administration, or a related field from an accredited institution.
2+ years of progressively responsible professional experience supporting early childhood programs, preferably Head Start or Early Head Start.
1+ years of experience utilizing web-based data management or tracking systems to support program or administrative functions.
1+ years of expertise in at least 1 of the following areas: federal monitoring of early childhood programs, fiscal management of early childhood programs, facilities and/or early childhood learning environments, child health and safety, full Enrollment Initiative (FEI) and changes in scope (CiS).
Ability to travel up to 25%
US government issued security clearance required (will be initiated upon hire)
Valid driver’s license and ability to pass an MVR check.

Benefits

Comp & perks

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.
Professional development opportunities

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

data collectiondata analysisgrant managementfiscal managementcompliance monitoringprogram oversightdocumentationtechnical assistancepolicy developmentenrollment data review

Soft Skills

communicationorganizational skillsanalytical skillsattention to detailproblem-solvingcollaborationtime managementadaptabilityinitiativesupportive

Certifications

Bachelor’s degreeUS government issued security clearancevalid driver’s license