Head Start Systems Specialist - Region VIII

Systems Specialists are uniquely positioned to be a conduit between multiple systems on a state, regional and national level which creates the ability to leverage data, create collaborative partnerships, and expand opportunities that enhance quality for all birth-to-five early care and education settings. Systems Specialists identify and promote cross-system coordination between state and regional partners and provide subject matter expertise, resources, and consultation to Regional Office and TTA staff to improve coordination efforts across early childhood systems.  

This position is home-based in one of the Region VIII states ( Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana ) and extensive travel will be required to fulfill the duties of the position. Travel will be within the assigned ACF region as well as to the Washington, D.C. metro area, and other parts of the country as needed. 

 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. 

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.  
• A minimum of five years of experience with at least three years’ experience with the provision of technical assistance and consultation to Head Start and/or state …