Skip to Main Content

Job Title


Family Engagement Professional Development Specialist, National Center on Head Start Early Learning, Health and Family Engagement


Company : ICF


Location : Reston, VA


Created : 2026-04-19


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

Description ICF is actively searching for a highly qualified parent, family, and community engagement professional to fill the role of Family Engagement Professional Development (PD) Specialist within the National Center on Head Start Early Learning, Health, and Family Engagement (ELHFE). The Family Engagement PD Specialist will play a pivotal role in delivering high-quality, evidence-based professional development to Office of Head Start (OHS) Regional Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) Specialists as well as Head Start and Early Head Start (HS/EHS) program staff. This position is responsible for ensuring that all training initiatives support the comprehensive implementation of the Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), consistent with the Head Start PFCE Framework, and OHS priorities, including support of strong family partnerships, community engagement, parent leadership, and two-generation strategies. The ideal Family Engagement PD Specialist is a dynamic educator and trainer with a passion for advancing strong family partnerships. They possess deep expertise in Head Start standards and adult learning principles, coupled with a proven track record of facilitating engaging, comprehensive, and culturally responsive professional development. The candidate is adept at working independently in a remote environment, thrives in collaborative settings, and is committed to ongoing professional growth and program excellence. The Family Engagement PD Specialist reports directly to the Family Engagement PD Lead. This role collaborates extensively with PD teams across Early Learning and Health, supporting integrated and consistent messaging throughout the TTA system. This is a home-based position, requiring up to 50% travel for center events, partner meetings, conferences, and other relevant activities. Key Responsibilities: + Facilitate Professional Developmen **t:** Develop and deliver developmentally appropriate professional development opportunities (both in-person and virtual) for Head Start programs and TTA staff, ensuring that content integrates trauma-informed and adversity-responsive practices, and aligns with current best practices and compliance standards. + Deliver professional development aligned with the PFCE Framework: Key focus areas include: + family partnerships and goal setting + parent leadership and advocacy + staff family relationships + family wellbeing and economic mobility + father engagement + community partnerships + culturally and linguistically responsive family engagement strategies + Evidence-Based Training: Provide engaging, research-driven, and culturally responsive training to a variety of HS/EHS stakeholders, including family service workers, home visitors, parent leaders, coaches, supervisors, and community partnership staff. + Cross-Functional Collaboration:Work closely with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders to foster comprehensive family engagement and support effective program implementation. + Adult Learning: Apply principles of adult learning theory to create impactful training sessions and professional development experiences that build staff capacity. + Continuous Improvement: Monitor, assess, and evaluate the effectiveness of professional development initiatives, utilizing data-driven insights and participant feedback to drive improvements. + Resource Review **:** Participate in field testing, content review, and the revision of professional development materials to ensure quality and relevance. + Maintain Expertise: Stay current with emerging research in parent, family, and community engagement, Head Start regulations, and best practices in adult education. Basic Qualifications: + Bachelor's degree in social work, family studies, human development, education, public health, or related field. + 5+ years of experience delivering professional development and training and technical assistance in the parent, family, and community engagement field and Head Start programs. + Strong knowledge of HSPPS and the PFCE Framework. + 1+ years of experience training a variety of audiences in virtual and in-person environments. + 1+ years of experience working with diverse families and communities. + 1+ years of experience addressing family wellbeing, economic mobility, or culturally responsive family partnerships. + 1+ years of experience with adult learning theory, with a track record of successful application. Preferred Qualifications: + Master's degree in social work, education, family studies, or related field. + Demonstrated experience working with the Head Start TTA system. + Experiencing supporting AIAN or MSHS programs. + Fluently bilingual (Spanish). Professional Skills: + Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills. + Strong facilitation, coordination, and problem-solving abilities. + Capacity to collaborate effectively across diverse teams, organizations, and content areas. + Ability to work independently and efficiently in a virtual environment. /#Indeed /#HS26 **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. We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our EEO (policy. We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation, please email  Candidateaccommodation@  and we will be happy to assist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.  Read more about  workplace discrimination righ t s or our benefit offerings which are included in the  Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act. **Candidate AI Usage Policy** 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 or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.  However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at  candidateaccommodation@ . We are dedicated to providing the 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)