Head Start Systems Specialist – Service Area VI

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Louisiana, +4 more states.

📋 Description

• Offer expert advice, consultation, and resources to Regional Office and TTA personnel to enhance collaboration across state and federal early childhood care and education systems.

• Collaborate with Head Start associations, Head Start State Collaboration Offices, Departments of Education, local education agencies, and other stakeholders.

• Strengthen state and local coordination initiatives while addressing overarching challenges that impact 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 various state-level early childhood system partners.

• Provide direct technical assistance and training to Head Start/Early Head Start grantees as directed by the Regional Office.

• Assist with emerging initiatives and priorities from the Office of Head Start.

• Deliver services either in person or virtually based on the regional office's determination.

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

⛳️ Requirements

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

• At least five years of professional experience.

• A minimum of three years’ 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 in facilitating successful collaborations within state and federal early childhood development, education, or human services systems.

• One year of experience in providing technical assistance to management teams and program staff.

• One year of experience in data analysis and assisting programs in making data-driven decisions.

• A year of experience in leading group discussions and presenting to diverse audiences.

• Proficient in communicating both orally and in writing to various audiences for at least one year.

• Familiarity with Head Start performance standards and relevant federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations.

• Experience with state and/or national policies, regulations regarding early care and education, and systems.

• Background in child care licensing, subsidy administration, QRIS, child assessment, State prekindergarten, and other early childhood programs and initiatives.

• Proficient in data and management system software, such as Smartsheet and Tableau.

• Required proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher).

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills are essential.

• Ability to plan and deliver technical assistance, facilitate group discussions and planning sessions, and present to diverse audiences.

• Capacity to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and projects while adhering to deliverable timelines.

• Ability to collect, aggregate, analyze, and utilize data for informed planning and decision making.

• Capability to work independently and contribute to team planning and engagement.

• Extensive travel is required.

• A Master’s Degree in early childhood education, child development, or a related field is preferred.

🏝️ Benefits

• Equal opportunity employer.

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

• Benefit offerings as referenced in the Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act.