Technical Assistance Specialist

ICF seeks an experienced Technical Assistance Specialist to support states, territories, and Tribes to collect, manage and report child care federally mandated data to improve the quality, completeness, and timely submission of data. This position will be responsible for the design, development, and implementation of Training and Technical Assistance (TA) to states and territories to facilitate their understanding of data reporting best practices. TA will be provided on the data collection system as well as expert programmatic TA on the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) data reporting requirements. This position will collaborate on the development of innovative, high-quality products and services delivered onsite or through virtual platforms.

The ideal candidate will have both a background in and experience with early childhood education data systems at the local, state, or national level, including experience specifically with the Child Care and Development Block Grant data in a state, territory, or Tribe. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience working with federal clients and project teams on data collection, analysis, quality assurance, and reporting tasks and excel at using both qualitative and quantitative data to inform strategies and recommendations within government and CCDF contexts. As such, the ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, organized, adaptable, and capable of managing multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Job Responsibilities

• Support client priorities and project objectives by completing required and ad hoc reports as well as other relevant information gathering tasks to demonstrate project progress and accomplishments, inform client services, and identify emerging client needs
• Actively participate and engage in team meetings, internal workgroups, and other collaborative projects as requested. Take and record notes during meetings, including staff meetings and federal workgroup meetings.
• Support Section 508 remediation process and ensure appropriate posting of written products and other deliverables to the website using established protocols.
• Participate in and/or lead various workgroups as requested by the client or project leadership, and as relevant to the project’s work.
• Support digital file management, organization, archiving, and file migration.
• Support efforts to ensure appropriate review, approval, posting, and dissemination of resources and announcements.
• Stay up to date on the latest research, tools, technology, and resources that could be leveraged to support project and client priorities.
• Support the development of data sets, dashboards, and reports to support effective collection, analysis, presentation, and application of CCDF data.
• Use data to identify emerging TA needs and resource development topics, documenting grantee needs and contributing to on-going TA plans.
• Track the submission status of federally mandated data and inform grantees of upcoming due dates. Use knowledge of CCDF reporting requirements to design and deliver TA services that support compliance and help Lead Agencies understand and apply data integrity and reporting best practices.
• Use knowledge of CCDF reporting requirements and the Child Care Automated Reporting System (CARS) to develop resource materials, how-to guides, and interactive on-demand video training.
• Contribute to the planning of TA events (e.g., regional meetings, national conferences, and site visits) including coordinating the event production calendar and supporting event logistics.
• Facilitate consistent and timely evaluation of TA events, communicate results to project staff, and follow-up on and resolve any issues or questions that surface.
• Track and document all work activities to ensure transparency and client accountability, delivering clear weekly reports that summarize progress, accomplishments, and upcoming priorities.
• Complete research and information gathering tasks to support timely, accurate responses to client and state and territory inquiries.
• Apply client-approved templates, styles, branding, and other requirements to ensure high quality digital and written products.
• Support data collection, reporting, and data quality assurance tasks and project evaluation efforts.
• Prepare ad hoc reports from project databases to assist the project leadership, inform technical assistance efforts. and respond to client requests and questions.
• Use approved AI, Smart Sheet, and Mural as tools, when appropriate, to facilitate and track task completion.
• Provide support to CCDF grantees through on-demand TA requests, using standardized response protocol and timeline to ensure responsiveness.
• Complete various project-required and ad hoc reports, including reports needed to support timely, accurate responses to client and project leadership inquiries.
• Coordinate with the project team to develop targeted TA responses to inquiries received through phone and email requests.
• Leverage specialized knowledge of CCDF requirements to inform and assist CCDF grantees in meeting federally mandated data reporting requirements.
• Use knowledge of data analysis and data reliability principles to assist CCDF grantees with data collection and reporting needs and requirements.
• Review data provided by grantees and identify opportunities to help grantees improve the quality and reliability of their data.
• Support user experience and development of reporting modules in CARS through conducting user acceptance testing and requirements testing, as requested.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in child development, early childhood education, public policy, administration, human development, psychology, or related field directly relevant to early childhood systems
• Experience working in early care and education programs or systems, public policy implementation, administration, or grants management for programs that support children and families.
• 5+ years of experience:
• implementing CCDF requirements or applicable early learning or child care laws, rules, and regulations.
• applying deep content knowledge of CCDF data reporting, analyzing data, and using data to inform policy recommendations.
• 3+ years of experience:
• developing and tracking project plans, milestones, and timelines for project deliverables.
• using and managing complex data sets and ensuring data integrity and reliable reporting practices.
• 2+ years of experience developing and providing TA on reliable data and reporting practices for state, territory, or Tribal child care leaders, their partners, intermediaries, and providers.
• Proficient in MS Office Applications (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel, SharePoint, Teams).
• Experience with using e-learning, webinar, or virtual meeting platforms, basic design tools (such as Canva) and digital work management tools (such as Smartsheet and Mural).

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in child development, early childhood education, public policy, management, or related field.
• Experience with leading collaborative workgroups to consolidate feedback, develop recommendations, or develop resources.
• Experience in writing plain language, audience-driven content.
• Experience at the state or national level with early care and education policies, regulations, and systems, particularly the implementation of the CCDF and/or other state early learning programs pertaining to the collection and analysis of data to inform practice.
• Experience at the state or national level with the development and delivery of training and TA resources.
• Experience with using data visualization practices to amplify effectiveness and utility of reporting, planning, communication, and presentations. 
• Experience with supplementing written content with visual graphics to strengthen audience understanding and experience.
• Experience with developing interactive on-demand training videos with software applications, preferably Articulate.

Professional Skills

• Excellent verbal, interpersonal, and written communication skills.
• Strong writing skills, with the ability to translate complex topics into simple content that is easy to read, understand, and apply.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple activities simultaneously in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, while being able to meet urgent deadlines.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to support positive client relations, team building, and business development opportunities.
• Ability to work independently and as a dedicated team player.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with a multidisciplinary team who may have varying work styles, learning styles, and perspectives.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Ability to adapt, learn, and use new technology tools and platforms and identify ways to enhance and improve efficiency and productivity.
• Ability to handle sensitive or confidential information, and exercise good judgment, discretion, tact, and diplomacy.

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.

We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our EEO policy.

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Work Authorization and Sponsorship All candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for new H-1B visa sponsorship by ICF. Candidates who currently hold valid work authorization may be considered for a change of employer petition, subject to company policy and applicable immigration requirements.

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 [email protected] 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.  

Read more about workplace discrimination rights or our benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act. 

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)