Program Manager

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Program Manager to support the VA's Office of Suicide Prevention (OSP) under the Elevated Risk Care Management initiative, helping to plan, execute, and oversee programs that directly impact Veteran health outcomes and safety. In this critical federal healthcare role, you will work alongside VA clinical and administrative leaders to drive the execution of targeted program goals within a large, integrated healthcare system. Your work will contribute to life-saving initiatives designed to identify, monitor, and support Veterans at elevated risk, ensuring continuity and quality of care across the VA enterprise. The ideal candidate is a highly organized, mission-driven leader who thrives in complex, matrixed federal healthcare environments and brings a collaborative working style that bridges clinical, operational, and policy stakeholders. You are equally comfortable navigating government bureaucracy and driving action, with a bias toward measurable outcomes and process discipline.

Primary Responsibilities

Lead end-to-end program management activities — including planning, initiating, executing, monitoring, and closing — for care management workstreams under the VA Office of Suicide Prevention's Elevated Risk initiative. Serve as the primary point of contact and liaison between the contractor team and VA program leadership, facilitating communication, resolving issues, and ensuring alignment with OSP strategic priorities and performance goals. Develop and maintain program documentation including project plans, schedules, risk registers, status reports, and performance dashboards to ensure transparency and accountability across all program activities. Coordinate cross-functional workgroups involving VA clinical staff, policy experts, and IT stakeholders to support the integration of care management protocols into the broader VA healthcare delivery system. Monitor program performance against established metrics and milestones, proactively identifying risks or gaps and recommending corrective actions to ensure timely achievement of contract deliverables and program outcomes. Support federal reporting requirements, including the preparation of briefings, white papers, Congressional reports, and other artifacts as directed by the VA Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) or program leadership.

Minimum Qualifications

10+ years of experience in healthcare program management, with demonstrated expertise in areas relevant to integrated health system operations, care coordination, or behavioral health program support. Master's Degree in Public Health, Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, or a closely related field required. Minimum 6 years of experience supporting a large corporation or federal government agency, with a strong preference for direct experience working within or alongside the Department of Veterans Affairs or another federal health agency (e.g., HHS, DoD). Ability to obtain and maintain VA network access and meet all applicable VA background investigation and suitability requirements; active government security clearance or prior federal suitability determination is a plus. Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship; U.S. citizenship may be required to meet VA facility access and background check standards. Active Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent recognized project/program management credential (e.g., PgMP, FAC-P/PM) required at time of application.

Desired Qualifications

• Prior experience supporting VA Office of Suicide Prevention, VA Mental Health, or a related federal behavioral health program. • Familiarity with VA program governance frameworks, including VA Directives, VHA Handbooks, and federal acquisition regulations (FAR) as they relate to program execution. • Experience with VA enterprise systems such as VistA, CPRS, or the VA's Suicide Prevention Application Network (SPAN) or similar clinical data tools. • Knowledge of evidence-based care management models for high-risk populations, including safety planning, lethal means counseling, or collaborative care frameworks. • Experience preparing executive-level briefings, program status reports, or Congressional deliverables in a federal healthcare contracting environment.

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.