Head Start Grantee Specialist- Service Area XI AI/AN

ICF seeks an American Indian and Alaska Native Region (AIAN) Grantee Specialist to provide high-quality training and technical assistance that improves the capacity of AIAN and Early Head Start programs to meet or exceed the national Head Start Performance Standards. The Grantee Specialist will work with programs to build capacity in regards to the Head Start systems including fiscal, health, facilities/transportation, and planning as well as to provide technical assistance in meeting and maintaining compliance of federal regulations.

The Grantee Specialist will work with grantees in understanding all Head Start Regulations. A thorough knowledge of the Head Start Performance Standards and experience with AIAN culture is required. The Grantee Specialist will deliver training and technical assistance and consultation with directors, staff and parents and will use reliable data collection systems to track measurable outcomes for children and programs.

This position is home-based in the U.S. and will involve extensive travel up to 50% of the time to programs across the United States where the candidate is assigned.

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as a change agent in fiscal, administrative, and management areas, incorporating activities that include governing body and policy group involvement in the development/revision of fiscal, management, and administrative activities for long-term improvements.
• Work with leaders within an organization to plan and assist in the implementation of changes that resolve deficiencies and non-compliances.
• Plan and implement strategic interventions with grantees that have been designated deficient or as having serious non-compliance issues.
• Work with Federal Regional staff in developing strategies for grantee intervention and plan outcomes that address problem areas for all affected grantees.
• Coordinate with other Grantee Specialist and Early Childhood Education staff to identify ways to address administrative and program improvements in a comprehensive and holistic manner.
• Review, interpret and utilize a broad array of data to identify trends, and assist each assigned grantee to use the information to establish objectives for change and identify steps and processes needed for implementation.
• Analyze existing grantee structure, functions and capacity and propose a redesign of structure(s), functions and systems that support quality program operations.
• Recommend ways to improve overall grantee operations, including the development of operations manuals, internal procedures such as audit resolution processes, and identification of appropriate management and administrative procedures to strengthen grantee management practices.

Basic Qualifications:

• A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in a field related to Program Design and Management, Business Management, Accounting, Public or Non-Profit Administration, or Project Management (with fiscal emphases).
• 5 years of demonstrated experience in providing technical assistance required, specifically on issues pertaining to governance, fiscal management systems and administrative issues within Head Start. Knowledge of management and related issues and demonstrated ability to apply such knowledge.
• Experience providing training at State, Regional, or National Meetings and technical assistance to individual organizations.
• Must have valid driver's license and successfully pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check

Preferred Skills/Experience:

• Master's Degree in a field related to Program Design and Management, Business Management, Accounting, Public or Non-Profit Administration, or Project Management (with fiscal emphases).
• Experience in a leadership position within a Head Start program or other early learning program (Executive Director, Assistant Director, Program Director, Chief Finance Officer).
• Knowledge and experience performing fiscal management preferred.
• Working knowledge of and experience with web-based instructional applications.
• Data analysis.
• American Indian and Alaska Native Tribal experience.

Professional Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of and experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills required.
• Ability to work independently as well as with a team.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with a variety of groups including governing bodies, staff, community leaders, and Head Start policy groups (policy councils and committees).
• Ability to complete detailed paperwork in timely manner.

Bot and Third-Party Applications

Please note that this application must be submitted directly by the applicant for consideration. Failure to do so may result in the application being excluded for consideration. Applicants needing an accommodation for disability or religious purposes in connection with the application process should contact for assistance.

Working at ICF
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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 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.

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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 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:
$67,355.00 - $114,503.00

Nationwide Remote Office (US99)

Salary : $67,355 - $114,503