Job Description

The Senior Project Analyst provides expert-level content knowledge regarding Comprehensive Health Services and strategic support to the Office of Head Start (OHS) in response to emerging programmatic needs, national directives, legislative changes, and policy priorities. This role requires deep contextual understanding of Head Start operations, strong relationships across the early childhood development community, and subject matter expertise across key Head Start content areas. The specialist supports time-sensitive, high-impact initiatives—and provides both short- and long-term expertise in functional, operational, and programmatic domains.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide expert guidance across all major Head Start content areas, including: Education, Health and nutrition, Mental health, Dental, Social services, Family and community engagement, Early childhood and comprehensive services.
• Utilize OHS systems such as GrantSolutions and the Head Start Enterprise System (HSES) for tracking, documentation, and analysis.
• Support the development of custom solutions and specialized workplans tailored to OHS needs and timelines.
• Prepare clear summaries, data briefs, and presentations for OHS leadership.
• Participate in national and regional OHS meetings as directed.
• Provide training and briefings for senior management on issues involving state systems.
• Deliver on-site, group, and virtual trainings on governance, program management, fiscal operations, and oversight.
• Support strategic planning efforts for state initiatives and early childhood services.
• Assist with development of materials and documentation to support policy, strategy, and program implementation.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in early childhood education, public administration, social sciences, public policy, or related field
• 5+ years of experience supporting Head Start/Early Head Start programs or federal early childhood initiatives.
• 2+ years of experience supporting federal program initiatives or high priority national projects.
• 2+ years of experience providing training or technical assistance in early childhood, governance, performance management, or fiscal oversight.
• US government issued security clearance required (will be initiated upon hire)
• Valid driver’s license and ability to pass an MVR check.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience working within HHS, ACF, or OHS.
• Deep knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards and program operations.
• Familiarity with Smartsheet or other real-time data systems.
• Strong analytical skills, including experience with program data, quantitative analysis, and reporting.
• Ability to work collaboratively with federal agencies, state systems, T/TA partners, and diverse partners in the early childhood field.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

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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 employerTogether, our employees are empowered to share theirexpertiseand collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our EEOpolicy.

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

Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals withsincerely heldreligious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To requestan accommodation,please email Candidateaccommodation@icf.com and we will be happy toassist All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extentrequiredto provide needed reasonable accommodations. 

Read more about workplace discrimination rightsor our benefit offerings which are included in the  Transparency in (Benefits) CoverageAct.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate orassistwith responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is notpermitted This policy is in place tomaintainthe integrity and authenticity of the interview process. 

However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. Ifsuch anaccommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at candidateaccommodation@icf.com Weare dedicated to providingthe necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.  

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)