Grantee Specialist Manager

Title: Grantee Specialist Manager

Executive Area: Research and Engagement

College/School/MBU: UMass Donahue Institute

Department: UMDI - TTA Head Start

Work Location: Hadley

Schedule: Full time

Work Arrangement: Remote

Job Summary

The Grantee Specialist Manager (GSM) ensures quality programs, systems, and operations and the smooth delivery of training, consultation and technical assistance of the Region I Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) Network. The GSM works closely with the Regional Training and Technical Assistance Coordinator (TTAC) and the Regional Early Childhood Manager (RECM) to align work with the priorities of the Administration for Children and Families (ACF)/Office of Head Start (OHS) Regional Office.

Essential Functions

Implements a comprehensive system of quality assurance for TTA to grant recipients and contract deliverables related to the work of Grantee Specialists through effective and timely ongoing supervision, oversight and coaching to Grantee Specialists.

Develops and implements professional development for Grantee Specialists to increase their capability to deliver TTA that increases program capacity, supports grant recipients in developing strong management systems, strengthens grant recipient corrective action efforts, and data aggregation and analysis.


Reviews TTA recipient reports for accuracy and ensures TTA reports are submitted by the due dates outlined in the Schedule of Deliverables.

Communicates and works with Regional/Area Office staff to ensure coordinated support, messaging, and prioritization of technical assistance to grant recipients with monitoring findings, management systems concerns, under-enrollment and other risks factors identified by the Regional or Area Office.

Conducts at least two field observations of the Grantee Specialists in each year of the contract to assess quality of TTA provided and determine professional development needs as described in the Schedule of Deliverables.


Implements a process for using, reporting and presenting TTA data to inform and improve the quality and responsiveness of Grantee Specialist TTA services and improves coordination with state, regional and national priorities, and other early childhood TTA systems as directed by the region.


Participates in National and Regional Briefings as well as other regional office meetings and state work groups, as requested by the TTAC and/or OHS COR.


Provides direct TTA to grant recipients, as requested by the Regional or Area Office.


Supports emerging OHS initiatives and priorities.


Complies with all national, regional, contract, and University planning and reporting requirements.


Works with the TTAC and Early Childhood Specialist Manager (ECSM) to implement a comprehensive system of quality assurance for TTA delivery which addresses grant recipient needs, identifies gaps, and informs short, intermediate and long-term strategies and plans to ensure compliance and improve quality in accordance with OHS and Regional office priorities.

Other Functions

Performs other special project-related work as required.


Participates in business unit and UMDI initiatives as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited university or college.


If the highest degree was awarded more than ten (10) years ago, the resume should specify documented continuous learning such as a courses, conferences, seminars attended or relevant work experiences within the last three to five (3-5) years.

A minimum of seven (7) years of experience, that includes at least three (3) years with the provision of technical assistance to Head Start/Early Head Start programs related to management and fiscal systems.


Experience coaching staff.

A minimum of three to five (3-5) years of progressive supervisory/management and staff development experience, with a preference for experience managing remotely-located staff/teams.


Experience in the following areas:

Developing, implementing, and managing quality assurance systems.

Using data to inform decision making.

Facilitating group discussions and presenting to a range of audiences using a variety of formats to include virtual.

Communicating both orally and in writing with the ability to adapt to different size and types of audience.

Proficiency in use of Microsoft Office applications, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree in a field related to leadership or program design and management from an accredited university or college.


Experience in human resources, fiscal management and/or governance.

Experience with instructional design and process consultation.

Experience managing federally budgets for federally funded projects.

Additional Details

Must maintain a home office, with high-speed internet access, sufficiently free of distractions to allow work to be done.


UMDI will supply at no cost: laptop computer, printer/copier, LCD projector, computer speakers, cell phone. Other equipment and resources may be provided. All must be returned to UMDI when leaving UMDI service or upon the conclusion of the contract.


Ability to travel throughout New England at least 50% of the time. Nationwide travel on occasion.


This is a full-time benefited position.


This position may be funded by grants and/or contracts, and is contingent upon funding.


Successful candidate must live in one of the six New England states (CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, or VT).

Job offer is contingent upon the Office of Head Start acceptance and approval.

Working Conditions

Work is primarily performed in an indoor university environment and involves lifting and transporting materials or equipment and general physical activity, including prolonged standing, walking, or assuming low postures.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday - Friday, 40 hours/week.

This position has the opportunity for a remote work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where the employee's work location is to work from a site other than the UMass Amherst campus. As this position falls within the Professional Staff Union, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the Professional Staff Union collective bargaining agreement.

Salary Information

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 31

Click here to view the Professional Staff hiring ranges.

Special Instructions for Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.