Project Specialist

Koniag Professional Services LLC, a Koniag Government Services company, is seeking a Project Specialist to support KPS and our government customer in Washington, DC. This position requires the candidate to be able to obtain a Public Trust. This position is for a Future New Business Opportunity.

We offer competitive compensation and an extraordinary benefits package including health, dental and vision insurance, 401K with company matching, flexible spending accounts, paid holidays, three weeks paid time off, and more.

The ideal candidate will have experience with Head Start programs, strong analytical abilities, and excellent communication skills. This role requires someone who can effectively respond to national directives, support senior management, and contribute to high-level projects while providing expertise in programmatic content areas. The Project Specialist will play a crucial role in ensuring smooth operations and delivering high-quality services to our government clients.

Essential Functions, Responsibilities & Duties may include, but are not limited to:
The Project Specialist will be responsible for supporting senior management and contributing to various high-priority initiatives. Principal responsibilities include:

• Respond to national directives, legislation, and policy decisions, ensuring timely and appropriate implementation
• Perform complex and confidential functions in support of Senior Management to ensure that operations flow smoothly
• Assist management with planning, development, and preparation of priorities and special projects
• Work closely with the team on high-level projects and priorities, contributing to successful outcomes
• Provide direction and information to employees and supervisors on specific situations that may arise
• Demonstrate strong written and oral communication skills in all interactions and deliverables
• Develop presentations on crossover policies between federal government agencies
• Manage real-time data within Smartsheet software for Grantee Profiles
• Participate in national and regional meetings as directed by Management
• Provide on-site, group, and virtual training related to governance, program management, and fiscal operations
• Provide programmatic expertise in major content areas related to early childhood education
• Travel twice a month for 2-3 days as required for meetings, training, and other project activities
• Create clear and concise reports for internal and external stakeholders
• Support grant management processes and compliance requirements
• Assist in the development and implementation of best practices
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve project objectives
• Stay current on early childhood education trends, policies, and regulations

Requirements:

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal abilities
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting
• Experience with SmartSheet software and knowledge of the Payment Management System
• Familiarity with grant management processes
• Corporate experience in managing and administering work as described in the scope of work
• Capacity to provide sufficient experienced, qualified support with the proven ability to perform required tasks
• Capability to meet unforeseen, urgent assignments
• Experience in computer software applications (Windows 2010, Excel, PowerPoint, ACCESS, SharePoint), and other Government/Federal systems
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Proficiency in creating clear, concise reports and presentations
• Adaptability to changing priorities and requirements
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion
• Willingness to travel as required (twice monthly for 2-3 days)
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust security clearance

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Public Administration, Business, or related field

Work Experience, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• 2 years of relevant experience (educational qualifications may be used in lieu of experience)
• Two or more years of experience in project coordination or related role within early childhood education or government programs
• Proven knowledge of Head Start, Early Head Start programs, or early childhood education

Desired Skills and Competencies:

• Knowledge of disaster recovery efforts and emergency management principles
• Advanced degree in a relevant field
• Experience with training development and facilitation
• Knowledge of federal regulations related to early childhood programs
• Experience working directly with federal agencies
• Background in policy analysis or program evaluation
• Knowledge of data visualization tools
• Experience with project management methodologies
• Background in public health, education administration, or social services
• Experience with federal grant monitoring or compliance
• Bilingual capabilities
• Experience with virtual collaboration tools and remote team coordination
• Knowledge of quality improvement processes
• Experience with stakeholder engagement and relationship management
• Familiarity with federal procurement processes

Our Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
The company is an equal opportunity employer. The company shall not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity (except where gender is a bona fide occupational qualification), national origin or ancestry, age, disability, citizenship, military/veteran status, marital status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We are committed to equal employment opportunity in all decisions related to employment, promotion, wages, benefits, and all other privileges, terms, and conditions of employment.

The company is dedicated to seeking all qualified applicants. If you require an accommodation to navigate or apply for a position on our website, please get in touch with Heaven Wood via e-mail at accommodations@koniag-gs.com or by calling 703-488-9377 to request accommodations.

Koniag Government Services (KGS) is an Alaska Native Owned corporation supporting the values and traditions of our native communities through an agile employee and corporate culture that delivers Enterprise Solutions, Professional Services and Operational Management to Federal Government Agencies. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Koniag, we apply our proven commercial solutions to a deep knowledge of Defense and Civilian missions to provide forward leaning technical, professional, and operational solutions. KGS enables successful mission outcomes for our customers through solution-oriented business partnerships and a commitment to exceptional service delivery. We ensure long-term success with a continuous improvement approach while balancing the collective interests of our customers, employees, and native communities. For more information, please visit www.koniag-gs.com .

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled. Shareholder Preference in accordance with Public Law 88-352