Head Start Systems Specialist

Systems Specialists are uniquely positioned to be a conduit between multiple systems on a state, regional and national level which creates the ability to leverage data, create collaborative partnerships, and expand opportunities that enhance quality for all birth-to-five early care and education settings.  Systems Specialists identify and promote cross-system coordination between state and regional partners and provide subject matter expertise, resources, and consultation to Regional Office and TTA staff to improve coordination efforts across early childhood systems.  

This position is home-based in one of the Service Area VI states (Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas) and extensive travel will be required to fulfill the duties of the position.   Travel will be within the assigned ACF region as well as to the Washington, D.C. metro area, and other parts of the country as needed. 

 Key Responsibilities:

• The Systems Specialist shall provide the following in-person or virtually as determined by the regional office. 
• Provide subject matter expertise, consultation, and resources to Regional Office and TTA staff to improve coordination opportunities across state and federal early childhood care and education systems that impact Head Start service delivery. 
• Coordinate with partners such as Head Start associations, Head Start State Collaboration Offices, and Departments of Education to improve state and local coordination efforts, promote collaboration with local education agencies, and address cross-cutting challenges affecting Head Start children and families. 
• Aggregate and analyze regional data related to Head Start collaboration with state and federal early childhood development and education systems, local education agencies, and other local, state, and regional partners to identify cross-system coordination and collaboration issues. 
• Participate in regional-level meetings with Head Start Collaboration Office (HSCO) Directors, state Child Care administrators and other state-level early childhood systems partners, as directed by the Regional Office. 
• Provide direct TTA to Head Start/Early Head Start grantees at the direction of the Regional Office. 
• Support emerging OHS initiatives and priorities. 

Basic Qualifications:

The Systems Specialist shall have: 

• A minimum of a BA or a BS from an accredited university or college in management, communication, education leadership or administration, early childhood education, child development or related field.  
• If the highest degree was awarded more than ten years ago, the resume should specifically detail courses, conferences, seminars attended or relevant work experience.  
• A minimum of five years of experience with at least three years’ experience with the provision of technical assistance and consultation to Head Start and/or state and federal early childhood development, education or human services systems. 
• 1 year of experience facilitating successful collaborations within state and federal early childhood development, education or human services systems. 
• 1 year of experience providing technical assistance that includes working with management teams and program staff. 
• 1 year of experience analyzing data and helping programs make data driven decisions. 
• 1 year of experience facilitating group discussions and presenting to range of audiences. 
• 1 year of experience communicating, both orally and in writing to various audiences. 

Preferred Experience/Skills:

• Master’s Degree in early childhood education, child development or related degree.
• Knowledge of Head Start performance standards and all applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations.
• Experience at state and/or national level with policies, early care and education regulations, and systems, particularly the implementation of the Child Care and Development Fund and/or other state early learning programs.
• Experience with content knowledge related to child care licensing, subsidy administration, Quality Rating and Improvement Systems (QRIS), child assessment, State prekindergarten, and other early childhood programs and initiatives.
• Experience with data and management system software such as Smartsheet and Tableau.

Professional Skills:

• Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher) required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills required.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision making capabilities.
• Team player with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work with all levels of internal staff, as well as outside clients and vendors.
• Ability to plan and provide technical assistance, facilitate group discussions and planning sessions, and present to a range of audiences, including direct service staff, partner providers, and ECE leaders.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously while ensuring quality services are provided and deliverable timelines are met.
• Ability to work independently and contribute to a culture of team planning and engagement.
• Ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing to various audiences.
• Ability to collect, aggregate, analyze and use data to inform planning and decision making and to enhance problem solving and innovation

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 [email protected] for assistance.

Working at ICF

ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.

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 - $114,503.00Nationwide Remote Office (US99)