Grants Specialist II: Pre-K Contract Specialist

Futures start here. Where first steps, new friendships, and confident learners are born. At KinderCare Learning Companies, the first and only early childhood education provider recognized with theGallup Exceptional Workplace Award, we offer a variety of early education and child care options for families. Whether it's KinderCare Learning Centers, Champions, or Crème de la Crème, we build confidence for kids, families, and the future we share. And we want you to join us in shaping it—in neighborhoods, at work, and in schools nationwide.

At KinderCare Learning Companies, you'll use your skills and expertise to support the work (and fun) that happens in our sites and centers every day. From marketers and strategists to financial analysts and data engineers, and so much more, we're all passionate about crafting a world where children, families, and organizations can thrive.

As a member of KinderCare's Government Affairs team, the Government Program Contract Specialist will report to the Senior Manager of Government Programs and implement the company's strategy for budget development and spending plans for select government program contracts (including public pre-k and Early Head Start). Working alongside the Manager of Grants and Contracts and other cross-functional teams, this role will develop budgets adhering to contract requirements, KinderCare goals, and center needs with interdisciplinary teams.

As the Government Program Contract Specialist, you'll also lead any post-award budget adjustments that need to be made. Proficiency needed in government program agreements (like pre-k, Head Start), budgeting, financial analysis, and program execution. This role is ideal for any professional who has managed, funded, or supported pre-k/childcare center or Head Start contracts, and who enjoys collaborating, building new processes, applying strong budgeting skills, and is passionate about high-quality childcare.

Responsibilities:

• Support budget development for pre-k applications and annual contract renewals, communicate program funding details to implementation team, monitor and trouble-shoot budget spend downs for approximately 120 centers across 16 states.
• Ensure program budgets are aligned with funder budget allowances and reporting requirements to reduce risks to reimbursement collection.
• Collaborate with various teams to develop guidelines, procedures, Standard Operating Procedures, tracking systems, interpersonal structures, and templates (budget, communication, etc.) to minimize errors, risks, and discrepancies.
• Partner with grant specialists, program monitors, finance partners, and field leaders on pre-k budgets.
• Coordinate with teams to implement budget adjustments post-award, meeting contract specifications and KinderCare's objectives to improve pre-k fund acquisition.

• 3-5 years of experience in contract management (forms, agencies, processes, professional communication, and contract/budget language) and pre-k program implementation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication proficiency, proficient in conveying information clearly to both internal teams and external partners.
• Proficient understanding and background in accounting fundamentals, financial planning, and interpreting financial reports (including profit & loss statements and balance sheets).
• Proven problem-solving abilities, coupled with strong critical and analytical thinking skills.
• Strong interpersonal abilities, capable of coordinating various tasks, upholding meticulousness, and meeting strict timelines when working autonomously or in partnership.
• Proficiency in thriving in a fast-paced environment, efficiently running workflow, developing new processes, and prioritizing tasks.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Preferred: Experience with grant budgeting, such as 2 CFR 200, Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and grant fiscal management.