Grants & Compliance Specialist - Head Start

Grants & Compliance Specialist – Federal Programs The Early Childhood Specialist I provides grant management support and delivers customer service for Head Start, Early Head Start, and Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership grant recipients. The Early Childhood Specialist I is a subject matter expert that leads a team supporting regional and national initiatives, ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant execution of grant management activities. As lead expert for their assigned region, this position coordinates daily activities to ensure grant recipients comply with grant agreement terms and federal regulations and oversees continuous improvement in grant recipients’ operations and processes in alignment with federal policy, practice, and programs. Responsibilities Oversee 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 is accurately recorded in federal data management systems. Execute grant awards and related administrative actions. Aggregate, analyze, and present data gathered from multiple sources. Monitor and identify performance or compliance concerns and support development of risk mitigation strategies that inform customer service. Lead and guide a team that provides accurate guidance and customer service support aligned to support grant recipients’ compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards and grant requirements. Develop, refine, and implement standard operating procedures, guidance documents, training materials, and webinars. Support grant recipients in developing and implementing targeted improvement strategies. Monitor grant recipients’ progress in improving performance, compliance, and accountability of staffed programs. Apply a continuous quality improvement (CQI) approach to ensure oversight mechanisms evolve to support grant recipients and promote positive outcomes for children and families. Produce high-quality written products such as memoranda, presentations, and correspondence. Minimum Requirements Education: Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, human services, public administration, or related field, from an accredited university or college. Experience: 5 years of progressive professional experience directly related to early childhood programs, with a preference for Head Start/Early Head Start programs, including 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. Skills: Experience using federal information systems including HSES, AMS, and GrantSolutions. Ability to work independently while coordinating a larger team. Excellent organization and time management skills. Ability to write clearly and concisely with attention to detail and target audience focus. Strong analytical and critical thinking skills. Language: English fluency (oral and written). Software Proficiency: Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Power BI), Smartsheet. Preferred Requirements Experience or training in federal interest, fiscal reporting, in-kind contributions, cost allocation, budgeting, and/or internal controls for Head Start programs. Experience in designing, purchasing, constructing, renovating, and/or maintaining facilities that operate Head Start programs. Experience in addressing sensitive subject matter such as child abuse and neglect. Experience in budget analysis. Relevant experience in federal monitoring of early childhood programs, fiscal management of early childhood programs, facilities and/or early childhood learning environments, child health and safety, and Head Start program options, the Full Enrollment Initiative (FEI) and changes in scope (CiS). Other Duties This position description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position, nor will it be the sole basis for any subsequent employee evaluations. Incumbents will follow any other instructions and perform any other related duties as may be required by their supervisor. Location This is an onsite position; report to one of the following locations: Philadelphia, PA; Washington, DC; Atlanta, GA. Security Clearance Ability to pass background investigations as required for access to federal facilities and systems. Travel Up to 25 percent. Physical Requirements Extended computer use: sit for extended periods and operate a computer keyboard and mouse. Vision: see and read computer screens and printed materials. Dexterity: use hands and fingers to operate equipment and perform tasks requiring precision. Communication: effectively communicate verbally and in writing with team members and stakeholders. Mobility: stand, walk, reach, and bend to access office equipment and attend meetings. Lifting: lift and carry up to 50 pounds for short distances. Sensory abilities: perceive and interact with the environment using hearing and speaking skills. Work environment: primarily works in a typical office environment, with exposure to computer screens and moderate noise levels. Equal Opportunity Our company is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at View email address on click.appcast.io and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. #J-18808-Ljbffr JBS INTERNATIONAL, INC