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

Job Summary

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 (VA) Office of Research and Development (ORD), supporting executive leadership within the Chief Research and Development Officer (CRADO) organization under the Field Enterprise Research Support Services (FERSS) contract.

This role will support modernization efforts focused on revamping VA research scientific review processes, research portfolio management and analysis, and implementation of new research documentation and reporting standards across the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) research enterprise. The role provides project management, operational coordination, change management, and strategic program support across multiple stakeholders and initiatives. This individual will help organize and track complex activities across workstreams, facilitate stakeholder coordination, support leadership reporting, and contribute to development of standardized processes supporting VA research operations.

The ideal candidate will have experience supporting healthcare research operations, research administration, research policy, or research portfolio management initiatives within a federal, healthcare, academic, or VA environment.

This is a full-time (40 hours/week), 100% remote position.It is currently funded through September 29, 2026 under the current contract period of performance, with potential for extension into the next option year based on contract continuation and program needs.

Primary 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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.

Desired Qualifications

• 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.

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.