Head Start Compliance Specialist

Head Start Compliance Specialist

• 511200
• MS Gulf Coast
• Mississippi - Not located on main campus
• 012102 - MSU Extension- Early Childhood Prog
• Professional
• Regular Full-Time 12-month
• Opening on: Sep 2 2026

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Position Function:

The Compliance Specialist is responsible for ensuring program compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards, federal and state regulations, licensing requirements, university policies, and grant requirements. The position supports program accountability by maintaining compliance systems, coordinating internal compliance reviews, tracking corrective actions, preparing for federal monitoring reviews and audits, and promoting adherence to established policies and procedures.

Salary Grade: 15

Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Anticipated Appointment Date:

October 2026.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The Compliance Specialist is responsible for coordinating and supporting program-wide regulatory compliance activities to ensure adherence to Head Start Program Performance Standards, federal and state regulations, university policies, grant requirements, and program procedures. This position works collaboratively with leadership and management staff to maintain compliance systems, coordinate internal compliance reviews, track corrective actions, support audit readiness, and ensure ongoing adherence to program requirements.

• Coordinate and support the implementation of the program''s regulatory compliance and accountability systems.
• Monitor compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards, Head Start Act requirements, federal regulations, state licensing requirements, and university policies.
• Conduct internal compliance reviews and site visits to assess compliance and program performance.
• Develop, maintain, and update compliance checklists, protocols, and compliance tracking systems.
• Collect, review, and analyze documentation to ensure accuracy, completeness, and regulatory compliance.
• Track findings, areas of noncompliance, corrective actions, and follow-up activities to ensure timely resolution.
• Prepare monitoring reports, summaries, corrective action plans, and compliance-related documentation for leadership review.
• Maintain organized and accessible compliance records and documentation to support audits, reviews, and federal monitoring visits.
• Assist program leadership with preparing for federal reviews, audits, licensing inspections, and other compliance assessments.
• Collaborate with managers and coordinators to identify compliance risks and develop strategies for improvement.
• Monitor deadlines and reporting requirements to ensure timely submission of required documentation.
• Support the development, review, and implementation of policies, procedures, and internal controls that promote compliance and accountability.
• Provide technical assistance and guidance to staff regarding compliance requirements and program procedures.
• Assist with staff training and professional development related to compliance requirements and regulatory expectations.
• Review documentation for compliance with applicable regulations and program requirements and communicate findings to program leadership.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive employee, child, family, and program information.
• Participate in required meetings, trainings, professional development activities, and compliance monitoring activities.
• Work collaboratively with program leadership and service area managers to support program effectiveness and operational excellence.

The above essential duties are representative of major duties in this position. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary based on departmental needs. Other duties may be assigned to the above, consistent with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the job. Not all of the duties may be assigned to a position.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's Degree in business, psychology, child and family studies, social work, or related field.

Experience: Three (3) years of experience similar to duties described.

Licensure: Valid driver's license and reliable form of transportation.

Physical exam and background check is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in related field.
• Previous experience in early childhood and/or Head Start.
• 3+ years' experience in multi-site project management.
• Passion for helping children and families, and a drive to close the achievement gap.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Efficient of standard computer programs in addition to statistical packages, ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, and the ability to manage multiple tasks with deadlines.

2. Ability to independently perform high-quality work following well-defined policies and procedures while simultaneously performing in a team environment.

3. Excellent verbal and written communication skills with effective public speaking skills.

4. Knowledge of university, state, or federal reporting procedures.

5. Ability to engage in multiple tasks simultaneously.

6. Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities.

7. Ability to foster a cooperative work environment.

8. Employee development and maintenance skills.

9. Ability to provide technical assistance, coaching, and training to program personnel regarding compliance requirements, policies, and regulatory expectations.

10. Demonstrated ability to work as a team player.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Regularly involves lifting, bending or other physical exertion.
• Job requires standing, stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling, and lifting up to 40 pounds.
• Frequent shifts in work priority: interruptions requiring immediate attention; unusual pressure due to accountability for success and project completion.

Frequently requires walking, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, handling objects with hands.

• Ability to see information in print and/or electronically, and ability to distinguish colors.
• Ability to travel out of local area and long distance up to 10% of time for work-related meetings and functions.
• Must have reliable transportation, use of personal car is required.
• Required work outside the standard 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule.

Instructions for Applying:

Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/

All applicants must apply online at www.msujobs.msstate.edu by submitting: the completed online application, a cover letter, a resume, three professional references and a current unofficial transcript (with social security numbers removed prior to submission).

Screening Date:

September 16, 2026, until filled.

Restricted Clause:

Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.

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