Senior Program Analyst

Senior Program Analyst, Change in Scope 

This PD is for a Program and Data Analyst in the Office of Head Start (OHS).  The incumbent(s) will be assigned to a newly formed intake team, with responsibilities in the Program Operations Division (POD).  Several positions will be filled from applications responsive to this posting. Duty station negotiable upon selection.

Head Start supports children’s school readiness and long-term success by promoting their cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.  Head Start programs offer services for children birth to age 5, their families, and expectant parents throughout the US, including Alaska, Hawaii, and the territories.

The selected applicant(s)’ primary responsibilities will be focused on supporting internal Change in Scope (CiS) and Full Enrollment Initiative (FEI) processes, and will rely on skill sets such as communication, tracking, and reviewing documents for completeness and clarity.  Responsibilities will include coordinating with other members of the POD team and may include communication and collaboration with the OHS Regional Offices, other OHS Divisions, and, on occasion, grant recipients.  Any communication with grant recipients will include notification to appropriate staff and/or management in the Regional Offices.  This role does not involve direct contact with grant recipient staff or with enrolled children and families.

Responsibilities may also include planning for continuous improvements and there may be additional opportunities to contribute to other aspects of operational support. Experience and familiarity with Head Start program operations and/or subject matter preferred.  Experience and familiarity with Head Start Enterprise System (HSES) preferred.

Major duties to include but not limited to:

• Conducts queries and generates reports from the Head Start Enterprise System.
• Utilizes data reports in evaluating and tracking workflows.
• Reviews recipient submissions for adherence to specifications and completeness. (CiS)
• Communicates with recipients in addressing required elements to ensure completeness of applications/requests. Copies and/or communicates with designated Regional Office managers/staff as needed. (CiS)
• Reviews Regional Office submissions for completeness and clarity. (FEI)
• Communicates with and/or copies designated Regional Office managers/staff as needed. (FEI)
• Provides summary data in support of recommendations. (FEI)
• Partners with POD program and data analysts in ongoing development, maintenance, and troubleshooting of national data systems related to CiS and FEI.
• Reports to OHS Special Projects Advisor and/or POD management on progress, challenges, and status of workload/workflow on a regular basis.
• Assists in fulfilling OHS and ACF leadership data requests and trend analyses. Participates in briefings as requested.
• May assist in scheduling Central Office /Regional Office meetings regarding CiS specific needs and/or appeal meetings for FEI.
• Participates in POD team meetings and/or Intake Team meetings, as well as other relevant meetings and workgroups as directed by OHS Special Assistant.
• May participate in monthly meetings of regional leads for CiS and/or FEI.  May participate in ad-hoc office hours, meetings, or drafting ad-hoc memos for regional office managers and/or staff.
• May participate in development and implementation of training materials, webinars, and in-person training sessions as directed.  May include occasional participation in quarterly or weekly OHS managers’ meetings, OHS all-hands meetings and training and technical assistance (TTA) system professional development meetings.
• May involve occasional travel to regional offices to participate in providing training for federal and contract staff.
• Analyzes and recommends continuous quality improvements in operational systems and processes.

Knowledge and experiences must include:

• Experience reviewing and analyzing documents to gather, assemble, summarize, and analyze facts.
• Experience utilizing and maintaining tracking systems via Microsoft Excel and/or Smartsheet.
• Effective communication, both verbally and in writing, including providing constructive feedback and guidance.
• Experience adapting information and approaches for different audiences.
• Experience and facility with managing and prioritizing among multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Experience and capacity working as a team member and independently.