Head Start Post Awards Specialist, Remote

ICF • Reston, VA

21h • $67,355 - $114,503 • Remote

About The Position

The Senior Project Analyst serves as a Post Award Specialist that provides high-quality programmatic and grants management support to Head Start (HS) and Early Head Start (EHS) recipients. This role ensures that grantees receive timely guidance, monitoring, and technical assistance in accordance with Federal statutes, regulations, and OHS initiatives. The Specialist also supports national, regional, and special OHS projects—particularly those requiring deep contextual understanding, rapid response, and specialized content expertise.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in early childhood education, Child Development, Education, Program Management, Public Administration, or related field.
• 3+ years of professional experience in Head Start program support or program management.
• 1+ years of experience analyzing program or data trends in a human services or early childhood context.
• 1+ years of experience supporting grant funded programs with ongoing monitoring.
• 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

• Experience working within a Head Start or Early Head Start program.
• Familiarity with Smartsheet or similar project/data management tools.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret data and apply regulatory guidance.
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast paced environment with discretion, diplomacy, and sound judgment.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with federal staff, T/TA partners, and diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Maintain detailed, accurate electronic grant files, including records of grant applications, negotiations, amendments, and post award changes.
• Utilize OHS systems such as GrantSolutions and the Head Start Enterprise System (HSES) for tracking, documentation, and analysis.
• Process specialized grant funding actions such as waivers, key hires, supplemental funding, etc.
• Under the direction of the COR, provide expertise in support of national OHS priorities, special projects, and onetime initiatives.
• Developing cross agency presentations, policy materials, and content that clarify intersections between OHS and other federal or state systems.
• Assist with national OHS initiatives, meetings, and special events as requested.
• Provide subject matter expertise across major Head Start content areas as needed.

What This Job Offers

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