AI Program Manager

Aptive; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Aptive seeks an AI Program Manager to lead technical programs for the VA, driving AI strategy, governance, and operations. This role bridges technical teams, VA stakeholders, and leadership to ensure timely, compliant AI initiatives aligned with federal guidance and VA priorities.

The ideal candidate will be highly organized, capable of translating complex AI concepts into actionable plans, and adept at briefing senior government officials with clarity and confidence.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience providing technical program leadership for complex tech programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end technical program management for AI strategy, governance, and operations initiatives.
• Develop and maintain program artifacts (plans, risk registers, status reports, roadmaps).
• Coordinate across VA business lines, technical teams, and federal partners to align with governance frameworks.

Skills

Technical program leadership

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional coordination

Risk management

Briefings to leadership

Project planning and scheduling

Job description

We are seeking an AI Program Manager to support the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in advancing its artificial intelligence strategy, governance, and operations initiatives. In this role, you will provide technical program leadership across complex AI-focused efforts, helping the VA responsibly plan, implement, and evaluate AI programs that directly impact the delivery of care and services to our nation's Veterans. You will serve as a key liaison between technical teams, agency stakeholders, and leadership to ensure AI initiatives are executed on time, within scope, and aligned with federal policy and VA mission priorities.

The ideal candidate is a highly organized, solutions-oriented program management professional who thrives in fast-paced federal environments and can translate complex technical AI concepts into actionable program strategies. You are equally comfortable leading cross-functional teams and briefing senior government officials with clarity and confidence.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end technical program management for AI strategy, governance, and operations initiatives across the VA, including planning, scheduling, resource coordination, risk management, and performance evaluation.
• Develop and maintain program management artifacts such as project plans, risk registers, status reports, roadmaps, and program briefs to keep stakeholders informed and programs on track.
• Facilitate coordination across VA business lines, technical teams, and federal partners to align AI program efforts with agency-wide governance frameworks, policies, and strategic objectives.
• Monitor and evaluate program performance against defined metrics and milestones, identifying gaps or risks and recommending corrective actions to government leadership in a timely manner.
• Support the development and implementation of AI governance structures, including intake processes, review boards, policy documentation, and accountability frameworks consistent with federal AI guidance (e.g., Executive Orders, OMB memos, and VA Directives).
• Prepare and deliver briefings, executive summaries, and decision support materials for senior VA officials and program stakeholders, translating technical program status into clear, actionable insights.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience providing technical program leadership, with a demonstrated track record of organizing, executing, and evaluating complex technical program efforts.
• No minimum education requirement specified; equivalent combination of education, certifications, and professional experience in program management or a related technical field will be considered.
• Prior experience supporting federal agency clients, preferably within the Department of Veterans Affairs or another federal health, defense, or civilian agency environment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain VA network access and meet all applicable federal background investigation requirements; active clearance or prior federal suitability determination is a plus.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States; this position does not offer visa sponsorship.
• Demonstrated success managing cross-functional teams and stakeholder relationships in a matrixed federal contracting or government program environment, with strong written and verbal communication skills.

Desired Qualifications

• PMP (Project Management Professional) or equivalent program management certification (e.g., PMI-ACP, SAFe PM/PO) strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with federal AI policy and governance frameworks, including OMB Memoranda on AI, Executive Order 14110 on Safe and Trustworthy AI, and VA AI governance directives.
• Experience supporting AI, data, or emerging technology programs within a federal health IT or Veterans-serving organization.
• Knowledge of Agile and hybrid program management methodologies as applied in federal contracting contexts.
• Experience developing governance documentation, program charters, or policy frameworks for technology initiatives in a large federal agency.

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.