Task Order Project Lead / Program Manager

Role Description As a Task Order Project Lead / Program Manager supporting the VA's DEAN (Digital Experience and Artificially iNtelligent) Operations and Initiative Transformation effort (TOPR-0034), you will serve as the primary program management authority responsible for planning, executing, and closing complex, high-visibility initiatives within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Serve as the Task Order Project Lead (TOPL), providing day-to-day oversight and strategic direction for all program activities under TOPR-0034. Ensure deliverables are completed on scope, on schedule, and within budget. Plan, initiate, manage, execute, and close out programs in support of VHA's integrated health care system. Apply structured program management methodologies aligned with PMI standards and federal contracting requirements. Engage directly and regularly with VA and VHA senior leadership to provide program status updates, present risks and mitigation strategies, and facilitate data-driven decision-making. Develop and maintain comprehensive program management artifacts including project charters, integrated master schedules (IMS), risk registers, stakeholder engagement plans, and program status reports. Lead cross-functional teams and coordinate with internal workstreams, VA program offices, and partner contractors. Monitor program performance metrics, conduct lessons-learned reviews, and continuously improve program execution processes. Qualifications Minimum of 10 years of experience (with a Master's Degree) in planning, initiating, managing, executing, and closing programs within an integrated health care system or large-scale federal environment — OR — 4 years of demonstrated experience (with a BA/BS Degree). Master's Degree (preferred/primary path) in a relevant field such as Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related discipline. Minimum of 6 years (Master's path) or 4 years (BA/BS path) of direct experience supporting a large corporation or government agency. Ability to obtain and maintain a VA Position of Public Trust clearance (Tier 2 / MBI). Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship. Active Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or comparable quality-equivalent certification is required at time of hire. Desired Qualifications Familiarity with the standard operations, organizational structure, and mission of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Demonstrated track record of successful, sustained engagement with C-suite or Senior Executive Service (SES)-level leadership. Experience managing initiative transformation or organizational change management (OCM) programs within a federal health care context. Familiarity with VA program management frameworks, including VA Directive 6102 and VA acquisition regulations (VAAR). Proficiency with program management and collaboration tools commonly used in federal environments. Company Description 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. 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.