Program Manager

Program Manager

As a Program Manager supporting the VA's AI Citizen Developer Ecosystem (TOPR 0049), you will serve as the designated lead responsible for assisting the Department of Veterans Affairs in executing targeted program goals across an integrated federal healthcare environment. You will plan, initiate, manage, execute, and close out programs that directly support the VA's mission to deliver world-class care to Veterans through innovative, AI-driven solutions. This role operates at the intersection of healthcare transformation and federal program governance, requiring close coordination with VA stakeholders, contracting officers, and technical teams.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned, results-oriented program leader who thrives in complex, matrixed organizations and brings a structured yet adaptive approach to managing large-scale healthcare IT and transformation initiatives. You are a proactive communicator and strategic thinker who can translate program objectives into actionable plans while navigating the priorities and compliance requirements of a federal healthcare environment.

Primary Responsibilities

JOB DUTIES:

• Serve as the designated Program Manager and primary point of contact for the VA, leading end-to-end program lifecycle activities including planning, initiation, execution, monitoring, and closeout in support of the AI Citizen Developer Ecosystem task order.
• Develop, maintain, and execute comprehensive program management plans, integrated master schedules, risk registers, and status reports to ensure program objectives are met on time, within scope, and on budget.
• Facilitate and lead program governance activities including stakeholder briefings, steering committee meetings, milestone reviews, and executive-level reporting to VA leadership and contracting officials.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams — including AI developers, data analysts, clinical SMEs, and IT personnel — to align workstreams and deliver integrated solutions that support VA's healthcare mission and citizen developer strategy.
• Identify, assess, and manage program risks, issues, and dependencies; develop mitigation strategies and escalate critical blockers to VA stakeholders in a timely and structured manner consistent with federal program management standards.
• Ensure program compliance with VA policies, federal acquisition regulations, cybersecurity requirements, and relevant healthcare data privacy standards (e.g., HIPAA), while supporting continuous process improvement across the program lifecycle.

Minimum Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum 10 years of experience in healthcare-relevant program management, including planning, initiating, managing, executing, and closing out programs in support of an integrated Health Care System; minimum 6 years supporting a large corporation or government agency.
• Master's Degree in Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, Information Technology, Public Administration, or a closely related field required.
• Demonstrated experience supporting federal agency programs, with preference for candidates who have directly supported Department of Veterans Affairs or other federal healthcare agency initiatives.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a VA Position of Public Trust clearance (or active background investigation on file); must be able to comply with VA security and credentialing requirements prior to program access.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future need for visa sponsorship.
• Active Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent quality project/program management certification (e.g., PgMP, FAC-P/PM, DAWIA) required at time of hire.

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.