Program Manager

Aptive is seeking a Program Manager to lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of communications, marketing, and advertising services in support of SAMHSA's 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Awareness initiative. This is a high-visibility public health program aimed at increasing awareness, understanding, and utilization of 988 across the United States and its territories; particularly among individuals at risk for suicide or substance misuse. The Program Manager will serve as the primary point of accountability for the overall program, directing a multidisciplinary team across task areas that include paid marketing campaign strategy, organic and digital engagement, event planning, partner coordination, and data visualization. This role requires close collaboration with SAMHSA's 988 Communications Team and other federal stakeholders to ensure all program activities align with public health priorities and deliver measurable impact.

Key responsibilities include establishing and overseeing program goals, objectives, performance standards, and deliverable schedules; managing program costs and budget; directing managers and staff across media, marketing, creative production, web, and outreach workstreams; and ensuring contract compliance throughout the period of performance. The ideal candidate brings extensive experience directing large-scale federal communications or public health programs, proven ability to lead cross-functional teams in a fast-paced and mission-driven environment, and a strong track record of delivering results that support behavior change and population health outcomes.

• Master's degree in communications, public health, marketing, business administration, or a related field
• Minimum of 10 years of related experience in program or project management
• Demonstrated experience planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating large-scale communications, marketing, or public awareness programs
• Proven ability to direct and manage multiple programs or projects simultaneously, including oversight of managers and multidisciplinary staff
• Experience establishing and managing program goals, objectives, performance standards, budgets, and deliverable schedules
• Familiarity with federal contract environments, including contract compliance, reporting requirements, and coordination with Contracting Officer's Representatives (CORs)
• Experience with communications program workstreams including paid media, marketing, graphics, website design, video production, outreach, market research, and/or analysis
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce and present status reports, project plans, and performance documentation for government stakeholders
• Ability to manage risk, adapt strategies based on shifting program priorities, and maintain program continuity in a dynamic public health environment
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust security clearance (Tier II)

• Prior experience supporting federal health communications programs, particularly with SAMHSA
• Experience leading public awareness or behavior change campaigns related to suicide prevention, mental health, substance use, or other public health priorities
• Familiarity with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, SAMHSA's mission, or federal behavioral health initiatives
• Experience managing paid media campaigns across digital, social, traditional, and emerging channels, including media buying, optimization, and evaluation
• Knowledge of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and accessibility requirements for federal communications materials
• Experience coordinating with grantees, states, territories, Tribes, and community partners on campaign localization and co-branding efforts
• Familiarity with OMB Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) processes as they relate to research and testing activities
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent
• Experience with quality control planning and continuous improvement practices in a federal contracting environment
• Demonstrated experience supporting program transitions, including development of transition plans and closeout documentation

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

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.