Grantee Specialist

Title: Grantee Specialist

Executive Area: Research and Engagement

College/School/MBU: UMass Donahue Institute

Department: UMDI - TTA Head Start

Work Location: Hadley

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Remote

Job Summary

The University of Massachusetts Donahue Institute (UMDI) Regional Head Start business unit Grantee Specialist provides training, consultation, and technical assistance to Head Start recipients on management systems including program planning, fiscal management and governance. Grantee Specialists work at the direction of the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Regional Office.

Essential Functions

Provides intensive on-site, group and virtual training and technical assistance (TTA) to grant recipients related to governance, program management and fiscal operations including supporting grant recipients in the following areas:

The correction of findings identified through the Federal Review Monitoring process as directed by the Regional or Area Office.

The development and implementation of corrective action plans that address root causes of the areas of noncompliance and deficiencies with the grant recipients, in partnership with the Program Specialist and as directed by the Regional Office.

Effective program management in areas of concern identified through the Regional Office oversight processes.

Supports OHS and provides TTA to recipients on emerging Head Start initiatives and priorities, guidance to new directors, and short-term recipient requests.

Complies with all national, regional, contract, and UMDI planning and reporting requirements which include required reports for each TTA event for the use and reference of the recipient, Regional Office, Central Office, other government officials, and other members of the public.

Coordinates TTA with Early Childhood, Family Engagement, Health, and Systems Specialists to ensure effective integration of management systems related to improvement to education and family and health services as directed.

Supports recipients to develop procedures and skills to aggregate, analyze and use data obtained through multiple sources.

Develops and provides effective virtual and/or in-person trainings in areas related to program management and fiscal operations.

Maintains regular and timely communication with the appropriate Regional Office staff on delivery of TTA and progress towards corrective actions and quality improvement.

Participates in national, regional, and state work groups and meetings as directed by the OHS Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR).

Other Functions

Complies with all national, regional, contractual, and University planning and reporting requirements.

Performs other special project-related work as required at the direction of the COR or TTAC and functions as representative and liaison for the Regional TTA network in national, regional and state committees.

Participates in business unit and UMDI initiatives as required.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree.

If the highest degree was awarded more than ten (10) years ago, the resume should be specific regarding documented continuous learning such as courses, conferences, seminar attended or work experience within the last 3-5 years in the areas of program management and planning and/or leadership development.

Five (5) years of experience related to program and/or organizational management and/or fiscal operations in or with Head Start/Early Head Start (HS/EHS) programs and the development and implementation of comprehensive management systems.

Experience supporting recipients to improve the effectiveness and quality of program operations and management.

Experience providing TA to governing bodies, management teams and program staff.

Experience assisting organizations to address compliance issues.

Experience analyzing data and systems assisting programs in making data driven decisions.

Experience delivering trainings, technical assistance, and facilitating one-on-one and group discussions, in person and online; proficient in the use of virtual platforms and tools.

Experience communicating, both orally and in writing, with the ability to adapt to different sizes and types of audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s Degree.

Academic disciplines: Public Administration, Business Administration or Management.

Demonstrated experience, knowledge and/or skills in Fiscal management including budgeting, multiple funding sources, applicable uniform guidance regulations, and/or audits in either Head Start or Federal grants and contracts, and the fiscal role of the governing body.

Knowledge and experience with Process Consultation.

Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Experience related to Human Resources.

Additional Details

Must maintain a home office, with high speed internet access, sufficiently free of distractions to allow work to be done.

UMDI will supply: laptop computer, printer/copier, LCD projector, computer speakers, cell phone. Other equipment and resources may be provided. All must be returned to UMDI when leaving UMDI service or upon the conclusion of the contract.

Ability to travel throughout New England at least 50% of the time. Nationwide travel on occasion. On-site work may be required for periods of time ranging from one day to several weeks.

This is a full-time benefited position.

This position is funded by grants and/or contracts, and is contingent upon funding.

Must reside in one of the six New England States (CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT).

Job offer is contingent upon the Office of Head Start acceptance and approval.

This position is subject to final budgetary and administrative approval.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday - Friday, 40 hours/week.

This position has the opportunity for a remote work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where the employee’s work location is to work from a site other than the UMass Amherst campus. As this position falls within the Professional Staff Union, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the Professional Staff Union collective bargaining agreement.

Salary Information

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 30

Click here to view the Professional Staff hiring ranges.

Special Instructions for Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.