Clinical SME 1 - Communications Specialist

Job Summary

The Communications Specialist develops and executes communications supporting the VHA Office of Clinical Informatics (OCI) in the stabilization, recovery, and Post Go-Live (PGL) operation of the Oracle Health Federal Electronic Health Record (EHR). The incumbent develops communications materials and conducts stakeholder outreach in alignment with VHA's organizational change management strategy, ensuring transparency in messaging and keeping stakeholders informed as system changes, enhancements, and process updates emerge.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop communications materials supporting the EHR Modernization Communication Strategy, in alignment with the existing VHA organizational change management strategy.
• Conduct stakeholder outreach and engagement to ensure transparent messaging as system changes, enhancements, and process updates emerge.
• Draft, edit, and manage communication products: announcements, newsletters, talking points, briefings, FAQs, and leadership messages, using VHA standards and templates (no contractor branding).
• Support communication planning for change-readiness activities, Go-Live events, and PGL Operations updates.
• Coordinate communication review and approval workflows with Government stakeholders; maintain communication calendars and trackers.
• Measure communication reach and effectiveness; recommend improvements to channels and messaging.
• Support internal team communications, meeting materials, and executive-level presentations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (BA/BS).
• Minimum 4 years of communications or public relations experience, including developing communications for large organizations.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience communicating within healthcare or health IT programs, ideally VA/VHA or EHR modernization.
• Experience supporting organizational change management communications (Prosci-aligned).
• Strong writing/editing skills and proficiency with Microsoft 365, SharePoint Online, and presentation design.

Additional Requirements (All Positions)

• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a favorable VA background investigation at the Low Risk / NACI level, including electronic fingerprinting and e-QIP submission.
• All work must be performed within the United States; remote work is performed via VA-approved remote access (Citrix Access Gateway) in accordance with VA Handbook 6500 requirements.
• Availability for occasional CONUS travel to VA Medical Centers (approximately 5-day site visits) in support of EHR Go-Live and Post Go-Live activities, as authorized by the Government.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 applications; working knowledge of SharePoint Online, Power Apps, Power Automate, and Power BI is strongly preferred per the task order Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan.

About Aptive

About Aptive. Aptive partners with federal agencies to achieve their missions through improved performance, streamlined operations and enhanced service delivery. Based in Alexandria, Virginia, we support more than a dozen agencies including Veterans Affairs, Transportation, Defense, Homeland Security and the National Science Foundation. We specialize in applying technology, creativity and human-centered services to optimize mission delivery and improve experiences for millions of people who count on government services every day. Founded: 2012. Employees: 300+ nationwide.

EEO Statement

Aptive is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, parental status, veteran status, age, disability, or any other protected class. Veterans, members of the Reserve and National Guard, and transitioning active-duty service members are highly encouraged to apply. About Aptive: Aptive partners with federal agencies to achieve their missions through improved performance, streamlined operations and enhanced service delivery. Based in Alexandria, Virginia, we support more than a dozen agencies including Veterans Affairs, Transportation, Defense, Homeland Security and the National Science Foundation. We specialize in applying technology, creativity and human-centered services to optimize mission delivery and improve experiences for millions of people who count on government services every day. Founded: 2012. Employees: 300+ nationwide.