Early Childhood Specialist

Grants & Compliance Specialist – Federal Programs

The Early Childhood Specialist I provides grant management support and delivers customer service for Head Start, Early Head Start, and Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership grant recipients. The Early Childhood Specialist I 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.

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

Experience: 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.

Skills:

• 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.

Language: English fluency (oral and written).

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

This is an onsite position, you must be able to report to one of the following locations:

• Philadelphia, PA
• Washington, DC
• Atlanta, GA

Security Clearance: Ability to pass background investigations as required for access to federal facilities and systems.

Travel: up to 25 percent.

• Extended Computer Use:
  Ability to sit for extended periods and operate a computer keyboard and mouse.
• Vision:
  Must be able to see and read computer screens and printed materials.
• Dexterity:
  Capable of using hands and fingers to operate equipment and perform tasks requiring precision.
• Communication:
  Able to effectively communicate verbally and in writing with team members and stakeholders.
• Mobility:
  Frequently required to stand, walk, reach, and bend to access office equipment and attend meetings.
• Lifting:
  Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds for short distances.
• Sensory Abilities:
  Must be able to perceive and interact with the…