Head Start Change in Scope (CIS) Specialist, Remote

Description

Position Title:OHSChange in Scope(CIS)Specialist

Location:Remote

The Senior Project Analyst serves as a Change in Scope (CIS)Specialist issubject matterexpert for the Office of Head Start (OHS). This roleis responsible forthe review, analysis, and approval of Change in Scope applicationssubmittedby Head Start and Early Head Start grant recipients, including enrollment reductions and conversions of Head Start slots to Early Head Start slots.

In addition to application review and decision support, the Senior Project Analyst designs, develops, and maintains tools, guidance, and technical resources that support Regional Office staff and grant recipients in understanding what constitutes a Change in Scope, how to plan for it, and how to submithigh-quality, complete, and approvable applications that do not require resubmission or corrective edits. The role blends policy interpretation, data analysis, quality assurance, and stakeholder technicalassistanceto improve consistency, efficiency, and timeliness of CIS determinations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Review, analyze, and recommend approval or disapproval of Change in Scope applicationssubmittedby Head Start and Early Head Start recipients, including Enrollment reductions,Conversion of Head Start slots to Early Head Start slots,Relatedpost awardamendmentssubmittedthrough HSES.
• Assess applications for completeness, quality, compliance, anddata informedjustification, ensuring alignment withtheHead Start Act,Head Start Program Performance Standards, andApplicable Information Memoranda and OHS guidance
• Evaluate program narratives, service delivery models, staffing plans, timelines, and budget justifications to confirm proposed changes,maintainor improve program quality.
• Identifygaps, risks, or inconsistencies that would delay approval and work proactively with Regional Office staff to resolve issues before formal return of applications.
• Review budget materials usingOHS approvedapproaches that focus on only the budget componentsimpactedby the proposed change, rather than full annual budgets, to support efficient andaccuratereview.
• Support identification of trends across CIS requests to inform leadership on recurring issues, training needs, and policy clarification opportunities.
• Lead the development, refinement, and implementation of tools that improve the quality and approvability of Change in Scope submissions.
• Translate complex policy and regulatory requirements into clear, practical, anduser-friendlyguidance that reduces application errors and rework.
• Ensure tools and resources reinforce OHS expectations for complete,high-qualitysubmissions thatexpeditereview and approval timelines.
• Serve as a trusted technical resource to OHS leadership, Regional Office staff, and internal project teams on Change in Scope policy and practice.
• Provide targeted technicalassistance, briefings, and training (virtual,in person, or written)
• Collaborate with regional and central office partners to ensure consistent interpretation and application of CIS requirements nationwide.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’sorMaster’sdegree in Public Administration, Education, Early Childhood, Policy, Management, or a relatedfield
• 2+ years ofexperience reviewing, analyzing, or supporting Head Start or Early Head Start grants, amendments, or program operations.
• 1+ years of experiencein Change in Scope concepts, including enrollment reductions, slot conversions, andpost awardamendments.
• US government issued security clearancerequired(will beinitiatedupon hire)
• Valid driver’s license and ability to pass an MVR check.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Deep knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards and program operations.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret programmatic, fiscal, and operational data.
• Exceptional written communication skills, particularly forfederal styleguidance, tools, and decision documentation.
• Experience developing technicalassistancetools, templates, and guidance used at scale.
• Familiarity with HSES, Smartsheet, or similar tracking and workflow tools.
• Experience providing training or TA to diverse stakeholders.
• Proven ability to develop presentations, strategic content, and briefing materials for senior leaders.

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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.

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

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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 accommodationthat 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 - $114,503.00

Nationwide Remote Office (US99)