Subject Matter Expert – Change Implementation

Job Summary

As a Subject Matter Expert in Change Implementation, you will support the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Suicide Prevention within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) in executing complex organizational change initiatives aimed at improving Elevated Risk Care Management programs. Working at the intersection of public health and federal healthcare transformation, you will drive stakeholder engagement, impact analysis, and implementation planning to ensure change efforts are effectively adopted across VA facilities and teams. Your work will directly contribute to the mission of reducing Veteran suicide risk through operational excellence and structured change management. The ideal candidate is a seasoned change management professional who thrives in sensitive, mission-driven federal healthcare environments and brings a structured, data-informed approach to navigating organizational complexity. You are a confident communicator and collaborative problem-solver who can translate strategy into actionable implementation plans across diverse stakeholder groups.

Primary Responsibilities

Lead and support VHA's organizational change execution efforts by developing and maintaining comprehensive implementation plans aligned with the Office of Suicide Prevention's Elevated Risk Care Management priorities. Conduct thorough stakeholder analyses to identify key audiences, assess change readiness, and design targeted engagement strategies that promote buy-in and sustainable adoption across VHA clinical and administrative teams. Perform impact analyses to evaluate the effects of proposed and active change initiatives on VA staff workflows, operational processes, and the broader Veteran community, ensuring risks are identified and mitigated proactively. Provide expert input on organizational and programmatic risks arising from change activities, delivering actionable recommendations to program leadership to safeguard continuity of care and mission effectiveness. Collaborate with cross-functional VA program offices, clinical subject matter experts, and federal partners to coordinate change communication plans, training strategies, and sustainment activities that reinforce long-term implementation success. Monitor and report on change management progress using established metrics and feedback mechanisms, preparing briefings, status reports, and after-action documentation for VA leadership and contracting stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum of 10 years of experience in organizational change management, implementation science, or a closely related discipline, with demonstrated success leading large-scale change initiatives in complex organizations. Master's Degree in Organizational Development, Public Health, Public Administration, Healthcare Administration, Psychology, or a related field is required. Prior experience supporting federal agency clients, preferably within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Department of Defense (DoD), or another federal health-focused agency, is strongly desired. Ability to obtain and maintain a VA Position of Public Trust clearance (Tier 1 / MBI); candidates must be eligible for VA network access and comply with all VA security and privacy requirements. Must be authorized to work in the United States; this position does not offer visa sponsorship. Demonstrated experience conducting stakeholder analyses, organizational impact analyses, and structured implementation planning within healthcare, public health, or government program environments.

Desired Qualifications

1. PROSCI Certification or equivalent structured change management methodology certification (e.g., CCMP, LaMarsh) is strongly preferred. 2. Familiarity with VHA clinical operations, suicide prevention programs, or behavioral health service delivery models. 3. Experience applying change management frameworks within federally regulated or Joint Commission-accredited healthcare environments. 4. Proficiency with VA-standard collaboration and reporting tools such as SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, or similar platforms used in federal program management. 5. Prior experience supporting mental health, crisis intervention, or high-risk population programs in a federal or public sector context.

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.