BCT Partners - Lead Head Start Program Specialist

BCT Partners•Atlanta, GA

21h•Onsite

About The Position

BCT Partners is seeking a Lead Program Specialist to support Head Start and Early Head Start grant recipients in partnership with the Regional Office of Head Start (RO). This role involves both programmatic and supervisory duties, overseeing BCT Partners staff and directly supporting core program specialist functions. The Lead Program Specialist will work closely with Regional Office staff to manage the full grant lifecycle, including application review, award processing, and ongoing monitoring. Key responsibilities include analyzing grant applications, budgets, and performance data to ensure compliance with federal requirements, supporting funding decisions, and collaborating with grant recipients to improve program outcomes. The position also involves coordinating regional activities, ensuring team performance, and acting as the primary liaison to the Regional Office, including engagement with the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). This is an onsite position requiring the Lead Program Specialist to work at the Regional Office for effective coordination and client support. Collaboration with Regional Office leadership, internal BCT teams, and external partners is essential.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, human services, public administration, business administration, management, or a related field from an accredited college or university required.
At least 5 years of progressive professional experience directly related to early childhood programs, with a strong preference for Head Start/Early Head Start experience.
At least 3 years of supervisory experience, including leading, mentoring, or coordinating staff in a hybrid-working team environment.
Experience with federal discretionary grants management, including program oversight, funding processes, and regulatory compliance monitoring.
Experience managing projects or programs involving multiple stakeholders, competing priorities, and complex deliverables.
Experience developing, implementing, and improving systems, processes, and workflows to support program operations.
Demonstrated experience supporting or leading monitoring, oversight, or quality assurance activities for grant-funded programs.
Strong knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), child development principles, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
Demonstrated ability to analyze grant applications, budgets, and program performance data to support decision-making and ensure compliance.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and collaboration tools such as Teams, OneNote, and SharePoint.
Demonstrated ability to use data management systems and software tools to collect, aggregate, analyze, and report on data from multiple sources.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain attention to detail.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changing priorities.
Proven ability to build effective working relationships with clients, colleagues, direct and indirect reports and stakeholders in both onsite and remote environments.
Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and effectively, when speaking and writing.
Proven ability to develop high-quality written materials, including memoranda, reports, presentations, and correspondence.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage and collaborate with federal staff, clients, leadership, and cross-functional teams.
Ability to present data, findings, and recommendations in a clear, concise, and actionable manner to diverse audiences.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in a related field is preferred but not required.
Familiarity with Smartsheet and SmartFlow or similar tools is preferred.
Experience in non-profit or for-profit program operations and/or financial management is preferred.

Responsibilities

Supervise, coach, and provide direction to BCT Partners staff, including both onsite and remote team members.
Serve as project lead for Regional Office activities, tracking timelines, resources, deliverables, and outcomes.
Act as the primary point of contact for the support contract and serve as BCT Partner’s main interface with the client, including direct engagement with the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR).
Assume responsibility for the execution of project deliverables and achievement of expected results.
Establish and maintain systems, workflows, and procedures to support efficient and compliant operations.
Prepare accurate and timely Monthly Status Reports and provide Task Summary Reports as required by the client.
Coordinate closely with Regional Office staff, BCT leadership, and external partners to ensure alignment and effective program delivery.
Perform responsibilities onsite at the Regional Office to support coordination, communication, and client engagement.
Perform Program Specialist functions as assigned by the Regional Office, supporting the full grant lifecycle, including application review, award processing, and ongoing monitoring.
Analyze grant applications, budgets, and program performance data to support funding recommendations and ensure compliance with federal requirements.
Manage grants administration activities, including annual continuation awards, amendment actions, and the review and awarding of supplemental applications.
Participate in monthly calls, internal meetings, and risk assessment discussions to support program oversight and decision-making.
Conduct and support onsite monitoring visits, follow-ups, and desk reviews in alignment with Aligned Monitoring and RAN processes.
Maintain complete and accurate official electronic grant files for new and continuing awards.
Utilize systems such as GrantSolutions to manage, track, and document grant activities.
Review programmatic status reports and monitoring findings; collaborate with Program, DataEdu and Grants Specialists to assist recipients in resolving issues, non-compliances, and deficiencies.
Identify potential risks and compliance concerns and provide clear guidance to support program improvement and accountability.
Perform other reasonable tasks as assigned by management in support of BCT’s goals and objectives.