Management Analyst – Research Program Operations

Aptive Resources is seeking a Management Analyst to support research program operations for the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Research and Development. The role involves providing program-level coordination, operational analysis, and performance tracking across various project workflows and data management functions.

Responsibilities:

• Prescreen, review, and facilitate processing of project modification requests, budget requests, and project initiation materials related to implementation science work and/or peer review research initiatives
• Coordinate and execute program workflows related to project, budget, and peer review processes, ensuring alignment with established guidelines and timelines
• Collect, validate, analyze, and synthesize data from field activities to support reporting, performance tracking, and dissemination to stakeholders
• Maintain and update personnel and project tracking spreadsheets to support application and peer review processes
• Coordinate and support application and peer review processes, including tracking submissions, ensuring completeness, and facilitating communication across stakeholders
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and assist in the development and implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs), job aids, and training materials
• Prepare program-level reports, summaries, and analyses related to project activities, budget-related workflows, and program operations
• Support automation and streamlining of workflows using tools such as Excel, SharePoint, or other systems to improve efficiency and consistency of program operations
• Coordinate with program leadership and stakeholders to ensure timely and accurate processing of requests and deliverables
• Communicate clearly and professionally with internal and external stakeholders to resolve issues, ensure data accuracy, and support program objectives
• Assist the Director/Deputy Director of HSR with administrative and coordination support for the HSR project portfolio, as assigned

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, health administration, public health, research, finance, or a related field
• 4+ years of experience supporting program management or program analysis in a complex organization
• Demonstrated ability to take ownership of assigned tasks and workstreams, prioritize independently, and work proactively with minimal oversight
• Demonstrated experience with data validation, analysis, and maintaining structured tracking tools (e.g., Excel, SharePoint)
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, including Microsoft Excel (e.g., data management, formulas), Microsoft Teams, and SharePoint
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently in a remote environment while managing assigned tasks and deadlines
• Ability to obtain and maintain a public trust clearance
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S
• Experience supporting research program operations, including implementation science or health systems research
• Demonstrated project management experience, managing timelines, deliverables, and cross-functional workstreams. Formal PM certification (e.g., PMP) is a plus but not required
• Experience with grants management, grant portfolio administration, or research funding processes (e.g., NIH, VA, or another federal research funding organization)
• Experience in a scientific or research program management capacity (e.g., Scientific Project Manager or similar) in addition to, or rather than, a purely administrative research-support role
• Experience working in a federal research environment (e.g., VA, NIH)
• Experience supporting program performance tracking, reporting, or evaluation activities
• Experience supporting budget-related workflows, financial tracking, projections, or request review processes in a program environment
• Experience assisting with SOPs, job aids, or process improvement initiatives
• Comfort working with senior leadership, faculty, staff, students, medical professionals, and external agencies in complex organizations
• Ability to synthesize data and stakeholder input to support program improvements or operational decisions
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders in a fast-paced, matrixed environment
• Must possess discretion and sound judgment, as confidential information is routinely encountered