Cognitive Domain Lead (Remote)

Maximus; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexibility

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Wellness programs

Growth opportunities

Licensure support

Job summary

Maximus seeks a Cognitive Domain Lead to advance brain health initiatives and cognitive performance for SOF readiness, resilience, and career longevity. You will oversee development, delivery, and continuous improvement of programs integrating cognitive, physical, and psychological domains.

Requirements include a bachelor's degree, 7–10 years of relevant experience, and an active U.S. Secret security clearance or eligibility. You must be a U.S. citizen and reside in the Continental US.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field
• 7–10 years of relevant professional experience
• Advanced knowledge of cognitive performance, brain health, neuroscience, human performance, psychology, or related discipline
• Strong strategic planning, program management, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Experience using data, research, and evidence-based practices to guide decisions and measure outcomes
• Ability to operate effectively in a multi-domain, cross-functional environment
• Must be a U.S. Citizen per contract requirements
• Must possess an active U.S. Government Secret security clearance or be eligible to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operational aspects of a project and scope including planning activities and artifacts
• Oversee and manage large multi-project programs including planning, organizing, staffing, leading, and controlling program activities
• Create and execute project work plans and revise as appropriate to meet changing needs
• Identify resources needed and assign individual responsibilities
• Develop and maintain a master and individual resource plan and required documents for projects
• Baseline all projects and capture actual metrics for historical metrics and LoE forecasting
• Review deliverables before providing to management and customers

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Data-driven decisions

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

PMI methodology

Job description

Maximus is seeking a Cognitive Domain Lead to join our team. The Cognitive Domain Lead is a senior-level professional supporting the Preservation of the Force and Family (POTFF) program. This role leads the development, delivery, and continuous improvement of cognitive performance and brain health initiatives that enhance Special Operations Forces (SOF) readiness, resilience, performance, and career longevity. The position focuses on brain health monitoring and protection, attention, working memory, situational awareness, adaptability, and rapid decision-making. The Domain Lead aligns cognitive performance services with POTFF’s mission to optimize and sustain SOF readiness, longevity, and performance through integrated, holistic human performance programs.

This position is pending upon contract award.

U.S. citizenship is required. Candidates must possess an active U.S. Government Secret security clearance or be eligible to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance as required for contract performance.

Why Maximus?

• Flexibility That Fits Your Life – Work/life balance support with flexibility designed to meet your personal and professional needs.
• Robust Health & Insurance Benefits – Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription plans, a partially funded HSA, Life Insurance, and additional insurance discounts.
• Build Your Financial Future – 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with Company Match.
• Generous Time Away From Work – PTO, paid holidays, extended sick leave, and Short- and Long-Term Disability coverage.
• Wellness Beyond the Workplace – Resources supporting physical, emotional, and financial well-being through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Recognition That Matters – Employee recognition programs that celebrate achievements and contributions.
• Invest in Your Growth – Tuition Reimbursement and professional development opportunities.
• Employee Discounts & Perks – Exclusive savings, special offerings, and employee-only benefits.
• Wellness Programs & Resources – Programs and tools designed to support overall health and wellness.
• Career Development Opportunities – Training programs, workshops, conferences, and ongoing learning opportunities.
• Licensure & Certification Support – Maximus covers the costs associated with renewing required licenses and certifications.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage day-to-day operational aspects of a project and scope including facilitating and preparing all planning activities and artifacts.
• Oversee and manage large multi-project programs including planning, organizing, staffing, leading, and controlling program activities.
• Create and execute project work plans and revise as appropriate to meet changing needs and requirements.
• Identify resources needed and assign individual responsibilities.
• Develop and maintain a master and individual resource plan and required documents for projects.
• Baseline all projects and capture actual metrics for historical metrics and Level of Effort (LoE) forecasting.
• Review deliverables prepared by team before providing to management and customers.
• Effectively apply the PMI methodology and enforce project standards on all projects.
• Prepare for engagement reviews and quality assurance procedures.
• Minimize risk exposure on projects.
• Communicate relevant project information to management, stakeholders, and customers.
• Resolve and/or escalate issues within a reasonable amount of time taking in consideration impact on the project.
• Ensure project documents are complete, current, and stored appropriately.
• Track and maintain lessons learned and utilize lessons learned on subsequent projects.
• Ensure all projects are properly closed out.
• Supervise staff by providing direction, input, and performance feedback.
• Serve as escalation point to prioritizing workloads and resolving issues.
• Act as liaison for assigned vendor(s), including performance and SLA monitoring, and supporting system and business process changes.
• Participate in the drafting of vendor contracts, addendums, SOWs, RFPs/RFIs, change requests, and requirements.
• Lead continuous improvement teams.
• Provide strategic direction, planning, and oversight for cognitive domain programs and services.
• Develop and implement evidence-based initiatives that improve cognitive readiness, brain health, resilience, and operational performance.
• Integrate cognitive services with physical, psychological, spiritual, social, and family performance domains.
• Collaborate with SOF personnel, families, leadership, medical and behavioral health providers, and other stakeholders to ensure program relevance and impact.
• Establish performance measures, analyze program data, evaluate outcomes, and recommend continuous improvements.
• Identify and advance innovative approaches to training, prevention, care delivery, and return-to-duty support.
• Represent the cognitive domain in leadership forums, working groups, briefings, and program reviews.
• Ensure consistent program standards through centralized oversight while supporting decentralized execution across operational settings.
• Bachelor's degree in related field.
• 7-10 years of relevant professional experience required.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience considered in lieu of degree.
• Advanced knowledge of cognitive performance, brain health, neuroscience, human performance, psychology, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience leading programs, multidisciplinary teams, or complex human performance initiatives.
• Strong strategic planning, program management, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience using data, research, and evidence-based practices to guide decisions and measure outcomes.
• Ability to operate effectively in a multi-domain, cross-functional environment.
• Understanding of high-performance populations, operational tempo, and occupational stressors.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen per contract requirements.
• Must possess an active U.S. Government Secret security clearance or be eligible to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance as required for contract performance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting SOF, military, federal, or similarly demanding operational populations.
• Experience briefing senior leaders and translating technical findings into actionable recommendations.

Please note: For this position Maximus will provide equipment to use.

Home Office Requirements:

• Internet speed of 25mbps or higher required / 50 Mpbs for shared internet connectivity (you can test this by going to www.speedtest.net)
• Minimum 5mpbs upload speed
• Connectivity to the internet via Category 5 or 6 ethernet patch cable to the home router
• Private and secure work area and adequate power source
• Must currently and permanently reside in the Continental US
• Must have a smartphone which will be required to log into Maximus systems

EEO Statement

Maximus is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics.

Pay Transparency

Maximus compensation is based on various factors including but not limited to job location, a candidate's education, training, experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value analysis including seniority and merit systems, as well as internal pay alignment. Annual salary is just one component of Maximus's total compensation package. Other rewards may include short- and long-term incentives as well as program-specific awards. Additionally, Maximus provides a variety of benefits to employees, including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, a retirement savings plan, paid holidays and paid time off. Compensation ranges may differ based on contract value but will be commensurate with job duties and relevant work experience. An applicant's salary history will not be used in determining compensation. Maximus will comply with regulatory minimum wage rates and exempt salary thresholds in all instances.

Accommodations

Maximus provides reasonable accommodations to individuals requiring assistance during any phase of the employment process due to a disability, medical condition, or physical or mental impairment. If you require assistance at any stage of the employment process—including accessing job postings, completing assessments, or participating in interviews,—please contact People Operations at [e-mail].