Head Start Lead Program Specialist (Onsite)

TL;DR

Head Start Lead Program Specialist (Onsite): Lead and coordinate day-to-day grant oversight, monitoring, analysis, and technical assistance for Head Start and Early Head Start grants with an accent on federal compliance, risk mitigation, and accurate documentation in federal systems. Focus on mentoring Program Support Specialists and ensuring timely, high-quality execution of grant management functions aligned with OHS policies and statutes.

Location: Onsite (DC Field Office, DC66)

Salary: $73,770.00 - $125,408.00 (USD)

Company

hirify.global is a global advisory and technology services provider.

What you will do

• Review and analyze Head Start, Early Head Start, and Early Head Start–Child Care Partnership grant applications, budget modifications, supplemental applications, waiver requests, and post-award requirements.
• Oversee grant-related analysis and ensure accurate documentation and recording in federal systems, including HSES and GrantSolutions.
• Identify performance or compliance concerns and support development of risk mitigation strategies and technical assistance responses.
• Provide policy-aligned guidance and technical assistance to support recipient compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards and grant requirements.
• Lead and mentor Program Support Specialists, including workload management, quality assurance, and consistent application of policies and procedures.
• Contribute to SOPs, guidance documents, training materials, webinars, and management briefings, reports, and presentations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, human services, public administration, or a related field.
• 5+ years of progressively responsible experience in early childhood programs, with strong preference for Head Start or Early Head Start experience.
• 3+ years of experience with federal discretionary grants management, including regulatory compliance monitoring and oversight.
• 2+ years of supervisory experience.
• Valid driver’s license; ability to successfully pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check.
• Obtain and maintain client background clearance.

Nice to have

• Experience with federal discretionary grants management, including programmatic review, monitoring, compliance oversight, and documentation.
• Ability to analyze and synthesize data from multiple sources to inform oversight and recommendations.
• Strong written products (reports, memoranda, correspondence, presentations) and strong written/verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and web-based federal information systems.

Culture & Benefits

• Equal opportunity employer with reasonable accommodations available during the application and employment process.
• Global advisory and technology services environment focused on solving complex challenges.
• Full-time employment with a defined pay range based on experience, skills, certifications, and geographic location.
• AI usage during interviews is not permitted unless an accommodation is approved.

Hiring process

• Interview process based on candidate skills and knowledge; AI tools are not permitted during interviews unless an accommodation is approved.
• Role evaluation includes alignment with grants management, compliance, and supervisory experience requirements.