Head Start Systems Specialist- Region III- REMOTE

The regional Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Systems Specialist supports the coordination of Head Start services with state ECE systems by identifying and promoting

cross-system collaboration between state, regional partners and recipients.  In addition, they provide subject matter expertise and support the utilization of ECE resources across programs. 

The Systems Specialist works primarily from their home office located in one of the 6 Region III states (Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia), but is required to travel to fulfill the responsibilities of the position.    

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.
• 5+ years of experience with at least 3+ 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+ years of experience of knowledge of and experience facilitating successful collaborations within state and federal early childhood development, education or human services systems.

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.

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.

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 including reaching children and families of greatest need, investing in the ECE workforce, and ensuring child health and safety across programs an