Lead Head Start Program Specialist

Lead Program Specialist

The Lead Program Specialist supports the delivery of professional, technical, and administrative services for Head Start and Early Head Start grant recipients in partnership with the Regional Office of Head Start (RO). Serving in both a programmatic and supervisory capacity, this role oversees BCT Partners staff assigned to the team while also directly supporting core program specialist functions. Working closely with Regional Office staff, the Lead Program Specialist supports the full grant lifecycle, including application review, award processing, and ongoing monitoring.

The role involves analyzing grant applications, budgets, and performance data to ensure compliance with federal requirements, supporting funding decisions, and working directly with grant recipients to address issues, clarify expectations, and strengthen program outcomes. The position contributes to program quality and accountability through oversight activities, site visits, and risk identification, helping programs improve performance and achieve long-term impact. In addition, the Lead Program Specialist coordinates regional activities, ensures effective team performance, and serves as BCT's primary liaison to the Regional Office, including direct engagement with the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR).

Although supervising a hybrid team, the Lead Program Specialist is required to work onsite at the Regional Office to ensure effective coordination and client support. The role collaborates regularly with Regional Office leadership, internal BCT teams, and external partners to ensure alignment and successful execution of program objectives.

As a Leader:

• Supervise, coach, and provide direction to BCT Partners staff, including both onsite and remote team members.
• Serve as project lead for Regional Office activities, tracking timelines, resources, deliverables, and outcomes to ensure successful execution.
• Act as the primary point of contact for the support contract and serve as BCT Partner's main interface with the client, including direct engagement with the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR).
• Assume responsibility for the execution of project deliverables and achievement of expected results.
• Establish and maintain systems, workflows, and procedures to support efficient and compliant operations.
• Prepare accurate and timely Monthly Status Reports and provide Task Summary Reports as required by the client.
• Coordinate closely with Regional Office staff, BCT leadership, and external partners to ensure alignment and effective program delivery.
• Perform responsibilities onsite at the Regional Office to support coordination, communication, and client engagement.

As a Program Specialist:

• Perform Program Specialist functions as assigned by the Regional Office, supporting the full grant lifecycle, including application review, award processing, and ongoing monitoring.
• Analyze grant applications, budgets, and program performance data to support funding recommendations and ensure compliance with federal requirements.
• Manage grants administration activities, including annual continuation awards, amendment actions, and the review and awarding of supplemental applications.
• Participate in monthly calls, internal meetings, and risk assessment discussions to support program oversight and decision-making.
• Conduct and support onsite monitoring visits, follow-ups, and desk reviews in alignment with Aligned Monitoring and RAN processes.
• Maintain complete and accurate official electronic grant files for new and continuing awards.
• Utilize systems such as Grant Solutions to manage, track, and document grant activities.
• Review programmatic status reports and monitoring findings; collaborate with Program, Data Edu and Grants Specialists to assist recipients in resolving issues, non-compliances, and deficiencies.
• Identify potential risks and compliance concerns and provide clear guidance to support program improvement and accountability.

Perform these and other reasonable tasks as assigned by management in support of BCT's goals and objectives.

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in early childhood education, human services, public administration, business administration, management, or a related field from an accredited college or university required.
• Master's degree in a related field is preferred but not required.

Experience Requirements:

• At least 5 years of progressive professional experience directly related to early childhood programs, with a strong preference for Head Start/Early Head Start experience.
• At least 3 years of supervisory experience, including leading, mentoring, or coordinating staff in a hybrid-working team environment.
• Experience with federal discretionary grants management, including program oversight, funding processes, and regulatory compliance monitoring.
• Experience managing projects or programs involving multiple stakeholders, competing priorities, and complex deliverables.
• Experience developing, implementing, and improving…