Lead Policy Specialist

Job Summary

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), VHA, requires professional support services to assist the Deputy Under Secretary of Health (DUSH)-who is accountable for specific health care programs enabling and supporting virtually every aspect of patient care provided to Veterans- with the development, administration, and management of various emerging initiatives, some of which are legislatively mandated. Aptive serves as the Veterans Health Administration's (VHA) strategic partner to transform the country's largest and most complex organizations - with 1,600 care sites across 50 states and a staff of approximately 300,000 employees caring for over six million Veterans - into a clinically led, outcome-focused, and technology-enabled organization.

Aptive requires a seasoned professional to support VHA in developing an improved organization and implementing critical initiatives. This includes managing a team of policy analysts, measuring success and outcomes, and suggest process improvement of programs. To assist in managing multiple concurrent transformation initiatives, the team lead will plan and organize work, prioritize projects, and deliver and monitor business results. Interact with the client on a regular basis, including leading meetings, facilitate scheduling of activities and rebalancing resources. The team lead should exhibit a well-recognized ability to rapidly engage and leverage the knowledge of VHA program operations and the Administration's previously established goals and objectives to support a range of high-profile initiatives.

Primary Responsibilities

The ideal candidate has served as an innovative team lead for wide range of VA projects to gain experience and skillsets. Performs tasks related to managing a team of policy analysts and prioritizing their work regarding development of consistent policy documents related to a government agency. Tasks include:

• Client delivery and management, leading presentations and briefings
• Managing client expectations on timing, forecasting delivery and publication, assess pass back time in each step of policy and national standards development
• Managing the lifespan and content of VHA's policy documents and national standards
• Coaching and mentoring junior staff, analysis of specific issues, identification of alternatives, white paper development, development of policy review papers, development of policy directives and handbooks, and other analytical tasks focused on VA policy.
• Developing and maintaining templates to support delivery of high quality, senior executive-level deliverables
• Preparing briefings, studies, and reports for presentation by senior executive level and senior client officials
• Assessing performance and suggesting process improvement techniques using industry best practice methodologies and tools
• Work closely with the communications and implementation teams to help implement VHA's national standards of practice

Minimum Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree
• Must have 7+ years of relevant experience
• Must have the ability to support the development of policy documents and review the work and suggest edits for junior staff
• Experience drafting notes, implementation plans, and adhering to strict timelines
• Responsible for interfacing, both orally and via written communications with various stakeholders
• Demonstrated proficiency in the use and management of Microsoft Suite of products: Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Strong written and communication skills to include developing reports, briefings, and similar artifacts

Desired Qualifications

• Masters degree
• Experience with VHA Central Office

About Aptive

Aptive is a modern federal consulting firm focused on human experience, digital services, and business transformation. We harness creativity, technology, and culture to connect people and systems to impact the world. We're advisors, strategists, and engineers focused on people, above all else.

We believe in generating success collaboratively, leaving client organizations stronger after every engagement and building trust for the next big challenge. Our work inspires people, fuels change and makes an impact. Join our team to be part of positive change in your community and our nation.

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.