Program Manager-Subject Matter Expert

Aptive; United States; Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Aptive is seeking a full-time Subject Matter Expert – Program Manager to lead cross-functional teams for large-scale federal process improvement programs. You will apply Agile practices to plan programs, manage risks, and monitor performance in a high-stakes environment.

The successful candidate will be a proactive problem solver with experience in communications, change management, and client relationships. Hybrid role based in Camp Springs, MD, contingent hire.

Qualifications

• 10 years of experience in program management or related roles.
• Experience with federal business process improvement programs.
• Proven ability to apply Agile practices to large programs.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage complex programs supporting federal clients, ensuring alignment with agency goals and federal requirements.
• Lead cross-functional teams, coordinating efforts across directorates, federal components, and external partners.
• Oversee program lifecycle activities including planning, execution, risk management, and performance reporting.
• Develop strategic roadmaps and governance structures for programs.
• Maintain governance artifacts and support governance bodies through reporting and reviews.
• Implement and mature Agile methodologies across program teams.
• Drive policy and process alignment and assist in operational readiness activities.
• Develop data-driven strategies to enhance operational efficiency and deliver improvements.
• Identify risks, issues, and improvement opportunities and mitigation strategies.
• Provide oversight across multiple projects, ensuring timely delivery and testing support.
• Support Agile ceremonies and maintain Agile artifacts.
• Establish KPIs and monthly status assessments.
• Deliver comprehensive documentation including business requirements and process flows.

Skills

Program management

Agile methodologies

Risk management

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Change management

Client relationship management

Immigration policy

Public trust clearance

Education

Master's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, IT, or a related field

Tools

SAFe

Job description

Job Summary

Aptive is seeking a full-time Subject Matter Expert – Program Manager with demonstrated experience leading cross-functional teams and managing competing priorities for large-scale federal business process improvement efforts. This individual must also have proven ability to use Agile methodologies to plan programs, manage risks, and monitor performance.

The Program Manager role requires a self-starter, proactive problem solver and action-oriented team player with previous experience in communications, change management, business process improvement, and client relationship management. This position needs an individual that is committed to providing superior service, poised under pressure and has a positive and flexible attitude.

This is a contingent hire position.

This will be a hybrid role.. The client headquarters is located in Camp Springs, Maryland.

Primary Responsibilities

• Direct and manage complex programs supporting federal clients, ensuring alignment with agency goals and federal requirements.
• Lead cross-functional teams, coordinating efforts across directorates, federal components, and external, state, and local partners.
• Oversee program lifecycle activities, including planning, execution, risk management, and performance reporting.
• Develop strategic roadmaps, implementation plans, and program governance structures.
• Maintain governance artifacts (e.g., project charters, RACIs, gate reviews) and support governance bodies through transparent reporting and performance reviews.
• Implement and mature Agile methodologies, ensuring integration of Agile practices across program teams.
• Drive policy and process alignment as well as facilitate process optimization and operational readiness activities.
• Develop data-driven strategies to enhance operational efficiency and deliver measurable improvements.
• Identify risks, issues, and improvement opportunities as well as recommend mitigation strategies and operational enhancements.
• Provide oversight across multiple concurrent projects, ensuring timely delivery of requirements, testing support, integration, deployment, and post-implementation evaluations.
• Support Agile ceremonies and maintain Agile artifacts such as sprint plans, retrospectives, and risk logs.
• Establish performance monitoring mechanisms, key performance indicators, and metrics as well as monthly program status assessments.
• Deliver comprehensive documentation including business requirements, process flows, and functional specifications.

Minimum Qualifications

• 10 years of experience.
• Master's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, IT, or a related field
• 5 years experience with immigration policy, exposure to the agenices and officies operating in the immigration ecosystem, and the DHS system used for identity mangement and immigration status.
• Project Management Professional certification required.
• SAFe certification preferred.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills at the executive level.
• Strategic thinker with a forward-looking approach to marketing trends and technologies.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically.
• Ability to manage competing deadlines.
• Experience supporting complex projects and transformation efforts within the federal government with a focus on immigration
• Comfortability with supporting complex client relationships.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a public trust clearance and DHS suitability.
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S.

Desired Qualifications

• Strong critical thinking, analytical and time management skills.
• Proven ability to organize, prioritize and work well with others.
• Ability to communicate thoughts, ideas and solutions logically both written and orally.
• Ability to stay calm under pressure and in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to receive feedback from clients and implement changes quickly and effectively.
• Ability to get up to speed quickly on complex issues.
• Desire to work in a fast-paced, rapidly evolving environment.

Client Information

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is responsible for overseeing lawful immigration to the United States under the provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). USCIS ensures the integrity of the U.S. immigration system by granting immigration and citizenship benefits, providing accurate immigration case information, and promoting citizenship awareness.

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: 2012Employees: 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.