Grants & Compliance Specialist – Head Start

Location: Denver, CO, Philadelphia, PA, Washington, D.C., Kansas City, MO, Dallas, TX, or Atlanta, GA. |
Salary Range: $70K - $80K

The Grants & Compliance Specialist provides grant management support and delivers customer service for Head Start, Early Head Start, and Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership grant recipients. The Specialist is a subject matter expert that leads a team, supports regional and national initiatives, and ensures timely, accurate, and compliant execution of grant management activities. As lead expert for their assigned region, this position coordinates daily activities to ensure that grant recipients comply with grant agreement terms and federal regulations.

This position oversees continuous improvement in grant recipients’ operations and processes in alignment with federal policy, practice, and programs.

Oversee review of grant applications, budget modifications, supplemental applications (including change in scope and facilities requests), waiver requests, and post-award requirements.

Oversee that grant-related analysis and documentation are accurately recorded in federal data management systems.

Oversee the execution of 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 that aligns 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 their funded programs

Apply a continuous quality improvement (CQI) approach to ensure that 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.

Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, human services, public administration, or related field, from an accredited university or college.

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 supervisory experience

Experience using federal information systems including HSES, AMS, and Grant Solutions.

Demonstrate ability to work independently whilst 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.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Power BI ), Smartsheet.

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…