Senior Stakeholder Engagement & Communications Specialist

Job Summary As a Senior Stakeholder Engagement & Communications Specialist supporting the VA's Center for Care and Payment Innovation (CCPI) within the Strategic Planning Division (SPD), you will serve as a strategic communications leader responsible for planning and executing high-impact engagement activities across a complex federal healthcare ecosystem. You will develop and deliver Congressional briefing materials, SES-level presentations, and guiding-coalition communications that advance CCPI SPD innovation engine efforts within Planning, Innovation & Modernization (PIM), working with other SPD components to connect pilot design, resourcing, evaluation, strategic planning, and enterprise decision making. This role operates at the intersection of federal legislative affairs, executive-level stakeholder management, and large-scale organizational change within one of the nation's largest integrated healthcare systems. The ideal candidate is a seasoned communications strategist who thrives in high-visibility, fast-paced federal environments and brings a disciplined, audience-first approach to translating complex program information into compelling narratives for diverse stakeholders. You are equally comfortable advising senior executives, drafting Capitol Hill briefing packages, and building the coalition relationships necessary to sustain long-term transformation initiatives. Primary Responsibilities Develop, coordinate, and deliver Congressional briefing materials, talking points, and testimony support documents that clearly communicate Center for Care and Payment Innovation (CCPI/Strategic Planning Division (SPD) program goals, milestones, and outcomes to legislative audiences. Design and execute a comprehensive stakeholder engagement strategy that identifies key internal and external stakeholders, maps influence and interest levels, and prescribes targeted communication approaches aligned to VA transformation objectives. Produce executive-grade presentations, issue briefs, and decision memoranda for SES-level leaders, the VA Under Secretary, and other senior federal officials, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and strategic alignment with program priorities. Lead guiding-coalition communications by facilitating cross-functional working groups, drafting coalition messaging frameworks, and ensuring consistent, coordinated narratives across VA program offices, VISNs, and partner agencies. Monitor the federal legislative and policy landscape for developments relevant to VA/federal value-based health care solutions that transform and improve care while reducing cost and administrative burden, and provide timely analysis and recommended communications responses to program leadership. Establish and maintain communications cadence plans, editorial calendars, and stakeholder feedback mechanisms to measure engagement effectiveness, surface risks to program adoption, and continuously refine messaging strategies. Minimum Qualifications Minimum 8 years of progressive experience in government or healthcare communications and stakeholder engagement, with demonstrated success supporting large-scale federal program initiatives. Bachelor's Degree (BA/BS) in Communications, Public Affairs, Political Science, Public Administration, Healthcare Administration, or a closely related field required. Demonstrated experience working with or within VA, another federal cabinet-level agency, or a federal healthcare system, with direct exposure to legislative affairs, executive communications, or program transformation communications. Ability to obtain and maintain a VA Personal Identity Verification (PIV) credential and pass a VA background investigation; existing VA or federal facility access eligibility is strongly advantageous. Must be authorized to work in the United States; this position does not offer visa sponsorship. Proven track record developing Congressional briefing packages and SES-level communications products, with the ability to distill technically complex program information into clear, audience-appropriate narratives under tight deadlines. Desired Qualifications 1. Prior VA-specific or federal legislative-affairs experience, including direct engagement with Congressional staff, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), or the Office of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. 2. Familiarity with VA strategic planning or innovation program objectives and/or priorities and/or data-driven and value-based health care solutions that transform and improve care while reducing cost and administrative burden. 3. Experience applying structured change management communication frameworks (e.g., Prosci/ADKAR, Kotter's 8-Step) within a federal or large integrated healthcare environment. 4. Advanced proficiency in executive communication design tools and federal document standards, including Section 508 accessibility compliance for all deliverables. 5. Master's Degree in Communications, Public Affairs, Public Administration, or a related discipline, or equivalent advanced professional development in federal communications. About Aptive 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. 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.