Head Start Systems Specialist – Service Area VI

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Louisiana, +3 more states.

📋 Description

• Offer subject matter expertise, guidance, and resources to Regional Office and TTA personnel

• Enhance coordination among state and federal early childhood care and education systems that influence Head Start service delivery

• Work in collaboration with Head Start associations, Head Start State Collaboration Offices, Departments of Education, and local educational agencies

• Foster state and local partnerships and tackle cross-cutting challenges impacting Head Start children and families

• Collect and analyze regional data to pinpoint issues related to cross-system coordination and collaboration

• Engage in regional meetings with HSCO Directors, state Child Care administrators, and other state-level early childhood collaborators

• Provide direct technical assistance to Head Start/Early Head Start grantees

• Support emerging initiatives and priorities from the Office of Head Start

• Deliver services either in person or virtually as instructed by the Regional Office

• Travel extensively within the designated ACF region, to the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, and other locations as necessary

⛳️ Requirements

• A minimum of a BA or BS degree from an accredited university or college in management, communication, educational leadership or administration, early childhood education, child development, or a related discipline

• At least five years of professional experience

• A minimum of three years of experience providing technical assistance and consultation to Head Start and/or state and federal early childhood development, education, or human services systems

• At least one year of experience facilitating successful collaborations within state and federal early childhood development, education, or human services frameworks

• One year of experience delivering technical assistance involving management teams and program staff

• One year of experience with data analysis and assisting programs in making data-informed decisions

• One year of experience leading group discussions and presenting to diverse audiences

• One year of experience in oral and written communication tailored to various audiences

• Preferred knowledge of Head Start performance standards and relevant federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations

• Preferred experience with state and/or national-level policies, early care and education regulations, and systems

• Preferred familiarity with Child Care and Development Fund and/or other state early learning initiatives

• Preferred experience with child care licensing, subsidy administration, QRIS, child assessment, State prekindergarten, and other early childhood programs

• Preferred experience with Smartsheet and Tableau

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher) is required

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills are necessary

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills

• Ability to collaborate effectively with internal staff, external clients, and vendors

• Capability to plan and provide technical assistance, lead group discussions and planning sessions, and present to diverse audiences

• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and projects while adhering to deadlines

• Ability to work independently as well as contribute to team planning and engagement

• Proficiency in collecting, aggregating, analyzing, and utilizing data for planning, decision-making, problem-solving, and innovation

🏝️ Benefits

• Flexible home-based/remote work arrangement

• Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, disabled veterans, and those with sincerely held religious beliefs

• Commitment to equal opportunity employment

• Confidential accommodation support provided during application and employment processes