Job Description

Blue Water Thinking is seeking an experienced and dedicated Program Management Subject Matter Expert (SME) with federal government and/or industry experience to join our team, supporting a large project at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The primary responsibility of this role is to leverage best practices from the Program Management Improvement Accountability Act (PMIAA) to provide solutions to organizational challenges and contribute to the implementation of strategic initiatives. The SME will leverage federal government and/or industry program management experience and best practices to improve Program/Project Manager (P/PM) capabilities at the VA, leading to successful execution of Government program goals.

Responsibilities:

• Facilitate implementation of PMIAA standards, policies, and guidelines to improve agency performance.
• Establish foundational resources that VA can leverage to produce desired outcomes and contribute towards achieving program goals and objectives.
• Strengthen P/PM capabilities by driving training, education, and process improvement initiatives.
• Leverage experience in the following areas to provide consultation and develop support resources:
  • Working with government mission owners in performing capability gap assessments and developing mission needs. 
  • Assessing alternative solutions and developing government program requirements.
  • Working with government cost and budget personnel in developing budget and lifecycle cost estimates.
  • Working with government contract officers in acquiring products or services in support of a government program. 
• Direct the activities of staff on specific tasks related to the designated field or discipline; mentor and provide guidance to junior staff.
• Monitor and evaluate the performance of contract activities to ensure they meet client requirements and objectives.
• Contribute to continuous improvement efforts by identifying opportunities for operational efficiencies and enhancing program delivery.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• 10+ years of relevant work experience in government program management.
• 5+ years of experience working at the GS-14 level or higher.
• Experience working with mission owners or executive sponsors in assessing capability gaps and mission needs, setting strategic goals, and establishing solutions.
• Experience in establishing a Program Management Office, including processes and governance structure.
• Experience managing a government program, ensuring effective project oversight (of cost, schedule, and performance) and delivering solutions aligned with mission needs.
• Expert familiarity with Industry project management processes, including Lifecycle Management techniques – i.e., Phases, Gate Reviews, Requirements Development, Cost Estimating, Scheduling.
• Experience managing teams to execute strategic goals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in a related field.
• Federal Acquisition Certification (FAC) for Program and Project Managers (P/PM) or Program Management Professional (PMP).
• Familiarity PMIAA standards and other mandates governing Federal Project Management.
• Experience with Agile project development methodology.

Eligibility:

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain the required federal public trust clearance for this role.

Compensation:

Salary for this position is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, location, the candidate’s particular combination of knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract specific affordability and organizational requirements. The proposed salary range for this position is outlined below.

Salary range: $150,000 - $175,000

Blue Water Thinking offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), paid time off, federal holidays, and a matching 401K plan.