Head Start Lead Project Analyst - On-Site DC

ICF • Washington, DC

2d • $73,770 - $125,408 • 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 a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future. We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our EEO policy. We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. 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. To request an accommodation, please email [email protected] and we will be happy to assist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations. Read more about workplace discrimination rights or our benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act. Candidate AI Usage Policy At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process. However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at [email protected]. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed. Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position. The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is: $73,770.00 - $125,408.00 DC Client Office (DC88) Need help? We're here: [email protected] About ICF ICF is a global consulting and technology services company with approximately 9,000 employees, but we are not your typical consultants. At ICF, business analysts and policy specialists work together with digital strategists, data scientists and creatives. We combine unmatched industry expertise with cutting-edge engagement capabilities to help organizations solve their most complex challenges. Since 1969, public and private sector clients have worked with ICF to navigate change and shape the future. Learn more at icf.com.

What This Job Offers

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