Aptive seeks an experienced Communications Specialist to support the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in executing the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Restructure for Impact and Sustainability Effort (RISE). This role supports enterprise-wide transformation initiatives to streamline operations, enhance accountability, and improve care delivery through a modernized, Veteran-centric organizational model.
Primary Responsibilities:
The Communications Specialist supports change management and strategic communications efforts across all RISE implementation workstreams. This position is responsible for developing, coordinating, and delivering clear, consistent, and actionable communications that guide stakeholders through a complex organizational transformation. The role ensures messaging aligns with executive priorities, supports workforce engagement, and promotes transparency across all phases of implementation.
The Communications Specialist will develop and execute communication strategies and products that support leadership engagement and stakeholder alignment (e.g., executive briefings, stakeholder messaging, town hall materials, FAQs, toolkits, etc.). The Specialist conducts stakeholder analyses, contributes to change impact assessments, and develops targeted messaging to meet stakeholder needs. The Specialist collaborates closely with executive leaders, project managers, workstream leads, and cross-functional stakeholders to ensure alignment of messaging across VHA Central Office (VHACO), Operations Centers, and Veteran Integrated Service Networks (VISNs), including support for governance activities and continuous improvement throughout the phased implementation lifecycle (Plan, Pre-Assess, Assess, Implement, Evaluate).
The ideal candidate is a proactive, detail-oriented communicator with strong writing and analytical skills, capable of translating complex organizational changes into clear, actionable messaging for diverse audiences within a fast-paced, high-visibility environment.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Affairs, Business, Healthcare Administration, or related field
- 4–6 years of experience supporting strategic communications, change management, or organizational transformation initiatives
- Experience developing executive-level communications materials (briefings, presentations, reports)
- Experience supporting stakeholder engagement and communication strategies in complex organizations
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated ability to tailor messaging to diverse audiences
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality products under tight timelines
- Legal Authorization to work in the U.S.
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience supporting VA or VHA and/or familiarity with federal healthcare environments and large-scale transformation efforts
- Experience supporting change management frameworks and stakeholder adoption strategies
- Experience with communication analytics, sentiment analysis tools, or stakeholder engagement platforms
- Certification or training in change management methodologies (e.g., Prosci, ADKAR)
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: 2012
Employees: 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.