Subject Matter Expert – Program Implementation

Job Summary

As a Subject Matter Expert in Program Implementation supporting the VA's Office of Suicide Prevention, you will lead the design, release, and implementation of new programs and projects directed by senior leadership — directly advancing the VA's mission to reduce Veteran suicide through evidence-based, nationally coordinated care management initiatives. Operating within the Elevated Risk Care Management portfolio, you will drive programmatic outcomes by connecting strategic planning, performance measurement, and budget linkages across a large-scale, integrated federal healthcare system. This is a high-impact consulting role at the intersection of public health policy, national program execution, and VA enterprise operations. The ideal candidate is a seasoned healthcare program implementer who thrives in complex, matrixed federal environments and brings a collaborative, data-informed approach to translating senior leadership priorities into measurable, mission-aligned results. You are equally comfortable engaging with executive stakeholders and diving into the operational mechanics of planning, programming, budgeting, and evaluation (PPBE) cycles.

Primary Responsibilities

Lead end-to-end release and implementation management for new programs and projects identified by senior leadership within the Office of Suicide Prevention's Elevated Risk Care Management portfolio. Apply in-depth knowledge of the Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) process and Management Funding Reviews (MFR) to align programmatic initiatives with budget cycles and resource allocation decisions. Support the development, refinement, and tracking of strategic performance measures and targets that demonstrate improved programmatic outcomes across VA's national care management enterprise. Establish and maintain linkages between programming activities, budget planning, and program evaluations to ensure cohesive, accountable execution of Suicide Prevention initiatives at the national level. Engage with senior VA leadership, program offices, and inter-agency stakeholders to provide subject matter expertise on national healthcare program implementation strategy, risk identification, and course-correction recommendations. Develop and deliver implementation-related documentation including project plans, briefings, status reports, and policy-aligned guidance materials to support program governance and leadership decision-making.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum 10 years of professional experience in healthcare program management, with at least 5 years of hands-on experience implementing health care-focused programs at the national level within a large-scale integrated health care system. Master's Degree required in Public Health, Health Administration, Public Administration, Healthcare Policy, or a closely related field. Demonstrated experience working with or supporting a federal healthcare agency (VA, DoD, HHS, or equivalent), with a proven track record of navigating federal program governance, oversight structures, and stakeholder environments. Ability to obtain and maintain a VA Personal Identity Verification (PIV) credential and successfully complete a VA background investigation; must meet all VA system access and suitability requirements prior to performing work. Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship; U.S. citizenship may be required to satisfy VA background investigation and credentialing requirements. In-depth, demonstrable knowledge of the Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) process and Management Funding Reviews (MFR) as applied within a federal or large integrated health system context.

Desired Qualifications

1. Prior direct experience supporting the VA Office of Suicide Prevention, VA Mental Health Operations, or a comparable federal behavioral health program at the national level. 2. Familiarity with VA enterprise performance management frameworks, including VHA Strategic Analytics for Improvement and Learning (SAIL) or related performance reporting systems. 3. Experience developing or operationalizing strategic performance measures tied to clinical or public health outcomes within a federal healthcare environment. 4. Knowledge of VA or federal program evaluation methodologies, including logic models, program assessments, and outcome reporting aligned to OMB or GAO standards. 5. Advanced proficiency in synthesizing complex policy, budget, and programmatic data into executive-level briefings and decision-support materials for senior federal leadership.

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.