Head Start Lead Project Analyst - On-Site DC

ICF • Washington, DC

17h • Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Senior Project Analyst is an experienced Head Start subject matter expert and team leader responsible for overseeing a team of approximately 6–8 Senior Project Analysts. In this supervisory role, the Lead Senior Project Analyst ensures high-quality, responsive support across all task areas of the OHS Central Office Customer Service contract. This individual coordinates day-to-day analyst activities, ensures consistency and compliance with OHS policies, and serves as a trusted advisor on complex Head Start program issues. The role demands broad proficiency in all major Head Start domains – including program operations, grants management, policy and regulatory compliance, monitoring, training and technical assistance (T/TA), data systems, and stakeholder communications – and the ability to translate this knowledge into effective project execution. The Lead Senior Project Analyst plays a pivotal role in maintaining service quality, staff performance, and proactive issue resolution in a dynamic federal contracting environment. This role will be on site in person 5 days a week in DC.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field such as education, public administration, public policy, social sciences, or management.
• 5+ years of relevant professional experience in program analysis, project management, or administrative support, preferably in a federal contracting or public sector environment.
• 3+ years in a supervisory or team lead role with demonstrated ability to supervise and develop professional staff, including setting clear performance objectives, providing constructive feedback, and fostering a positive, high-performance team environment.
• 3+ years supporting Head Start/Early Head Start programs and must have a strong understanding of the Head Start Act and Head Start Program Performance Standards, as well as familiarity with OHS monitoring, funding and grants management processes, and T/TA systems.
• Must be comfortable leveraging technology to monitor team performance and program metrics, and to support virtual collaboration as needed.
• 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

• Supervise and mentor a team of Senior Project Analysts, providing clear direction, coaching, and performance management to ensure each team member meets contract expectations and professional growth goals.
• Plan and manage analyst work assignments across multiple OHS support functions (e.g., program operations, policy analysis, grants oversight, monitoring support, data management, and stakeholder communications).
• Balance workloads and prioritize tasks to meet contract deliverables and deadlines, adjusting team resources in response to evolving OHS priorities or urgent requests.
• Ensure all major support areas are adequately covered by skilled analysts, and step in to redistribute tasks or assist with complex projects as needed.
• Oversee the development of all teamwork products – including reports, data analyses, presentations, standard operating procedures, and correspondence – to ensure they are accurate, thorough, and aligned with OHS standards and federal guidelines.
• Implement and uphold the contract’s quality control processes, including regular content reviews, editing, and compliance checks.
• Leverage broad Head Start expertise to support high-stakes or complex assignments, such as interpreting federal Head Start policies, analyzing program data trends, developing strategic recommendations, or guiding special initiatives across programmatic, administrative, and technical domains.
• Provide high-level analysis and insight on cross-cutting issues (e.g. integration of policy guidance with program operations, or linking monitoring findings with training needs), and ensure that the team’s work is informed by a comprehensive understanding of Head Start/Early Head Start requirements and best practices.
• Facilitate clear and courteous communications with stakeholders, ensuring a high level of customer service in all interactions and that OHS leadership stays informed of significant developments and resolutions.
• Prepare internal status reports, contribute to project management plans, and help ensure that all contract tasks are executed efficiently, on schedule, and within scope.

Benefits

• ICF is an equal opportunity employer.
• Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior