Project Director, Early Head Start Family and Child Study; Baby FACES

Why RTI

RTI International is an independent, scientific research institute dedicated to improving the human condition. Our vision is to address the world’s most critical problems with technical and science-based solutions in pursuit of a better future. Clients rely on us to answer questions that demand an objective and multidisciplinary approach – one that integrates expertise across social, statistical, data, and laboratory sciences, engineering, and other technical disciplines to solve the world’s most challenging problems.

We believe in the promise of science and technical solutions, and we push ourselves every day to deliver on that promise for the good of people, communities, and businesses in the US and around the world. If you are looking for the opportunity to make a real difference, RTI is the place for you.

RTI’s Center for Education serves as a hub for advancing evidence-based solutions that improve teaching, learning, and educational systems across the United States. The Center brings together experts in education research, data integration, program evaluation, technical assistance, analytics, and implementation science to help schools, districts, state agencies, and federal partners use data and research to inform decision‑making and improve outcomes for learners.

Through rigorous research, evaluation, technical assistance, and the development of innovative tools and services, the Center supports efforts to strengthen educational quality, equity, and effectiveness across the education continuum—from early childhood through postsecondary and workforce pathways.

RTI is seeking a Project Director for the Early Head Start Family and Child Experiences Study (Baby FACES):
Assessing the Ongoing Quality and Effectiveness of Early Head Start Programs. This program is funded by the Administration of Children and Families (ACF), under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The mission of ACF is to foster health and well‑being through federal leadership and resources for human services. Early Head Start (EHS) programs provide comprehensive child development and family support services to low‑income infants, toddlers, pregnant women, and their families, aiming to promote child development and family self‑sufficiency.

The primary objective of Baby FACES 2029 is to design a nationally representative study of EHS programs to describe program variation, quality, and identify effective approaches to promote child and family outcomes. The anticipated study will operate for a base period of 5 years, with several optional extension periods that may be added at ACF’s discretion.

The Project Director will serve as primary liaison and representative with ACF and will be responsible for overall management, strategic direction, and leadership of Baby FACES activities. The Project Director will be responsible for ensuring that all work provided under the contract is technically sound and appropriate for the needs to be addressed, and for ensuring effective day‑to‑day operations for the work performed under this contract.

This role requires subject matter expertise in research and evaluation related to Early Head Start programs. The Project Director will track and monitor projects and deliverables; develop, gain approval of, and manage detailed project scopes, workplans, and timelines. The Project Director will work closely with the study’s Principal Investigator.

This position is contingent upon study contract award.

Your primary responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:

• Serve as the primary liaison and representative to ACF, managing the overall client relationship and ensuring that project activities align with federal requirements and expectations.
• Provide overall management, strategic direction, and leadership for all Baby FACES activities, personnel, and project operations.
• Ensure that all work conducted under the contract is technically sound, high quality, and responsive to program needs.
• Oversee day‑to‑day project operations, including coordination of staff, activities, and project resources.
• Develop, obtain…