The Early Childhood Specialist I provides grants management support and delivers professional customer service for Head Start, Early Head Start, and Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership grant recipients. The Specialist supports continuous improvement in grant recipients’ operations and processes in alignment with OHS policy, practice, and program. The Specialist delivers responsive and efficient customer service to streamline and support grant management processes to enhance recipients’ program operations. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: - Review grant applications, budget modifications, supplemental applications (including change in scope and facilities requests), waiver requests, and post-award requirements for accuracy and alignment with federal policies and requirements. - Ensure grant-related analysis and documentation are accurately recorded in federal data management systems such as HSES and GrantSolutions. - Execute grant awards and related administrative actions in coordination with federal staff. - Identify performance or compliance concerns and support development of risk mitigation strategies that inform customer support service delivery. - Provide accurate guidance and customer service to support grant recipients’ compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards and grant requirements. - Support grant recipients in the development and implementation of targeted improvement strategies. - Monitor grant recipients’ progress in improving performance, progress, compliance, and accountability of their funded programs. - Apply a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) approach, ensuring that oversight mechanisms evolve to support grant recipients and promote positive outcomes for children and families. - Aggregate, analyze, and present data gathered from multiple sources. - Produce high-quality written products such as memoranda, presentations, and correspondence. MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS: - Education: Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, human services, public administration, or related field, from an accredited university or college - Experience: 2 years of progressive professional experience related to early childhood programs, with a preference for Head Start/Early Head Start programs including experience in federal monitoring of early childhood programs, fiscal management of early childhood programs, facilities and/or early childhood learning environments, child health and safety, and Head Start program options, the Full Enrollment Initiative (FEI) and changes in scope (CiS) - Skills: Experience using federal information systems including HSES, AMS, and GrantSolutions. Demonstrate ability to work independently whilst coordinating with a larger team. Excellent organization and time management skills. Ability to write clearly and concisely with attention to detail and target audience focus. Strong analytical and critical thinking skills. - Language: English fluency (oral and written) - Software Proficiency: Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Power BI), Smartsheet LOCATION: This is remote position- please see the travel requirement below. SECURITY CLEARANCE: Ability to pass background investigations as required for access to federal facilities and systems. TRAVEL: up to 25 percent. Staff should be able to travel to locations within a 75 miles radius from their residence. Physical Requirements: - Extended Computer Use: Ability to sit for extended periods and operate a computer keyboard and mouse. - Vision: Must be able to see and read computer screens and printed materials. - Dexterity: Capable of using hands and fingers to operate equipment and perform tasks requiring precision. - Communication: Able to effectively communicate verbally and in writing with team members and stakeholders. - Mobility: Frequently required to stand, walk, reach, and bend to access office equipment and attend meetings. - Lifting: Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds for short distances. - Sensory Abilities: Must be able to perceive and interact with the environment using hearing and speaking skills. Work Environment: Primarily works in a typical office environment, with exposure to computer screens and moderate noise levels. PREFERRED JOB REQUIREMENTS: - Experience or training in federal interest, fiscal reporting, in-kind contributions, cost allocation, budgeting, and/or internal controls for Head Start programs. - Experience in designing, purchasing, constructing, renovating, and/or maintaining facilities that operate Head Start programs. - Experience in addressing sensitive subject matter such as