Project Manager / Senior Program Analyst – Research Portfolio Management & Operations

Aptive Resources is seeking a Project Manager / Senior Program Analyst to support strategic research portfolio management and operational coordination activities for the Department of Veterans Affairs. This role will focus on revamping VA research processes and providing project management and operational support across multiple stakeholders and initiatives.

Responsibilities:

• Support implementation of research portfolio management frameworks, documentation standards, reporting structures, and operational processes
• Coordinate and support project management activities for research portfolio management and research operations initiatives supporting ORD leadership
• Develop and maintain project plans, action trackers, timelines, milestones, and status reporting across multiple workstreams
• Facilitate meetings, track action items, support follow-ups, and coordinate communication among leadership, program offices, and field stakeholders
• Assist with development of standardized reporting and tracking mechanisms for research activities and portfolio analyses
• Support research portfolio review and analysis activities, including data organization, categorization, synthesis, and reporting
• Assist with development of SOPs, governance documentation, job aids, and process improvement initiatives
• Support change management and implementation activities associated with new policies, standards, and operational frameworks
• Prepare weekly status reports, executive summaries, presentations, and other leadership deliverables
• Identify risks, dependencies, operational gaps, and opportunities for process improvement
• Support workflow optimization and tracking activities using tools such as Excel, SharePoint, and Teams

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in public health, health administration, business administration, public administration, research administration, life sciences, or a related field
• 4+ years of experience supporting research administration, project management, program operations, healthcare operations, or program analysis activities in a complex organization
• Experience coordinating projects or operational workstreams involving multiple stakeholders and complex policy change initiatives
• Experience supporting healthcare research operations, research administration, research policy, or related programs
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage tasks, develop and maintain project tracking tools, reporting mechanisms, or operational dashboards
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and SharePoint
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently in a remote environment while managing multiple priorities and deadlines
• Ability to obtain and maintain a public trust clearance
• Legal authorization to work in the United States
• Experience supporting VA, VHA, ORD, federal healthcare, or academic research environments
• Familiarity with healthcare research policy, scientific review processes, or research governance frameworks
• Experience supporting organizational change or implementation initiatives
• Project management or change management certification such as PMP, Prosci, Lean Six Sigma, Agile, or equivalent
• Experience supporting policy development, governance initiatives, or strategic planning activities
• Experience developing SOPs, process documentation, or operational workflows
• Experience supporting reporting, portfolio analysis, or program evaluation activities
• Ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• High degree of professionalism, discretion, and mature judgment in handling sensitive information