Subject Matter Expert – Program Implementation

Aptive • Remote,

1d

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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.
• Familiarity with VA enterprise performance management frameworks, including VHA Strategic Analytics for Improvement and Learning (SAIL) or related performance reporting systems.
• Experience developing or operationalizing strategic performance measures tied to clinical or public health outcomes within a federal healthcare environment.
• Knowledge of VA or federal program evaluation methodologies, including logic models, program assessments, and outcome reporting aligned to OMB or GAO standards.
• Advanced proficiency in synthesizing complex policy, budget, and programmatic data into executive-level briefings and decision-support materials for senior federal leadership.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior