Head Start Change in Scope (CIS) Specialist, Remote

ICF•Reston, VA

1d•$67,355 - $114,503•Remote

About The Position

The Senior Project Analyst serves as a Change in Scope (CIS) Specialist is subject matter expert for the Office of Head Start (OHS). This role is responsible for the review, analysis, and approval of Change in Scope applications submitted by Head Start and Early Head Start grant recipients, including enrollment reductions and conversions of Head Start slots to Early Head Start slots. In addition to application review and decision support, the Senior Project Analyst designs, develops, and maintains tools, guidance, and technical resources that support Regional Office staff and grant recipients in understanding what constitutes a Change in Scope, how to plan for it, and how to submit high-quality, complete, and approvable applications that do not require resubmission or corrective edits. The role blends policy interpretation, data analysis, quality assurance, and stakeholder technical assistance to improve consistency, efficiency, and timeliness of CIS determinations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Public Administration, Education, Early Childhood, Policy, Management, or a related field
2+ years of experience reviewing, analyzing, or supporting Head Start or Early Head Start grants, amendments, or program operations.
1+ years of experience in Change in Scope concepts, including enrollment reductions, slot conversions, and post award amendments.
US government issued security clearance required (will be initiated upon hire)
Valid driver’s license and ability to pass an MVR check.

Nice To Haves

Deep knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards and program operations.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret programmatic, fiscal, and operational data.
Exceptional written communication skills, particularly for federal style guidance, tools, and decision documentation.
Experience developing technical assistance tools, templates, and guidance used at scale.
Familiarity with HSES, Smartsheet, or similar tracking and workflow tools.
Experience providing training or TA to diverse stakeholders.
Proven ability to develop presentations, strategic content, and briefing materials for senior leaders.

Responsibilities

Review, analyze, and recommend approval or disapproval of Change in Scope applications submitted by Head Start and Early Head Start recipients, including Enrollment reductions, Conversion of Head Start slots to Early Head Start slots, Related post award amendments submitted through HSES.
Assess applications for completeness, quality, compliance, and data informed justification, ensuring alignment with the Head Start Act, Head Start Program Performance Standards, and Applicable Information Memoranda and OHS guidance
Evaluate program narratives, service delivery models, staffing plans, timelines, and budget justifications to confirm proposed changes, maintain or improve program quality.
Identify gaps, risks, or inconsistencies that would delay approval and work proactively with Regional Office staff to resolve issues before formal return of applications.
Review budget materials using OHS approved approaches that focus on only the budget components impacted by the proposed change, rather than full annual budgets, to support efficient and accurate review.
Support identification of trends across CIS requests to inform leadership on recurring issues, training needs, and policy clarification opportunities.
Lead the development, refinement, and implementation of tools that improve the quality and approvability of Change in Scope submissions.
Translate complex policy and regulatory requirements into clear, practical, and user-friendly guidance that reduces application errors and rework.
Ensure tools and resources reinforce OHS expectations for complete, high-quality submissions that expedite review and approval timelines.
Serve as a trusted technical resource to OHS leadership, Regional Office staff, and internal project teams on Change in Scope policy and practice.
Provide targeted technical assistance, briefings, and training (virtual, in person, or written)
Collaborate with regional and central office partners to ensure consistent interpretation and application of CIS requirements nationwide.