Program & Project Manager/Media Coach

Job Summary

Aptive is seeking a Program / Project Manager with Media Coaching experience in leading programs through strategic input, project management, operational planning, and management of studio broadcasting. Leverage a minimum of 8+ years of relevant experience to lead a program for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Information Technology (OIT) and the Talent Management Office. The Program / Project Manager will lead a diverse technical and creative team to administer and support a cloud hosted serverless solution, technical support of a studio located in Shepherdstown, WV that delivers training instruction, meetings, townhalls and conferences.

In this role, you will provide Program / Project Management and Media Coaching. As a Program / Project Manager you will cultivate client relationship building and deliver the key aspects of federal program management. You will creatively approach situations within the larger context of customer experience (CX) and service improvement, think critically about our approach and our work, and suggest new ways to approach our solutions and demonstrate effectiveness. As a Media Coach you will play a pivotal role in developing the media presence and communication skills of our executives and spokespersons. You will work closely with key stakeholders to enhance their media engagement techniques, refine messaging, and ensure effective communication with various audiences across different media platforms.

This position is located in Shepherdstown WV, with limited travel to Washington D.C. as required (less than 10%) per client request.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide program and project leadership in all aspects of planning, preparation, coordination, and execution of multiple tasks and anticipate the needs as driven by client leadership requests.
• Supervise and schedule diverse teams of staff and subcontractors and oversee all components of basic, stand-alone, and day-to-day activities to ensure performance in accordance with contract requirements.
• Create meaningful relationships with clients.
• Deliver and maintain a Project Management Plan - outlining approach, timeline, and tools to execute program success.
• Provide narrative and graphical format that displays the schedule, milestones, risks, and resource support.
• Plan client meetings by anticipating needs as driven by the recurring tasks, coordinate meetings with team members, develop data requests and document new tasks throughout the engagement.
• Oversee and ensure the quality of project activities and work product and approve and submit all client deliverables.
• Produce project documentation, reporting, briefs, meeting materials, analysis, graphics, best practice presentations, benchmark info, interim and final deliverables.
• Support client growth initiatives by identifying additional opportunities and scoping/responding to follow-on tasks.
• Develop and execute customized media training programs for executives, spokespersons, and team members to improve their media communication skills, interview techniques, and on-camera presence.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to craft clear, concise, and impactful messaging that aligns with the organization's values, goals, and target audiences.
• Conduct mock interviews and simulations to help participants practice handling various types of media interactions, from press conferences to one-on-one interviews.
• Provide personalized coaching on body language, tone of voice, facial expressions, and other non-verbal communication aspects to ensure effective on-camera presence.
• Develop and deliver crisis communication training, equipping participants with the skills to navigate challenging and sensitive media situations.
• Advise on media engagement strategies, including identifying relevant media outlets, tailoring messages for different platforms, and maximizing positive coverage.
• Offer constructive feedback and ongoing coaching to individuals, tracking their progress and refining their media skills over time.
• Keep up to date with media trends, industry developments, and best practices in communication to ensure the training content is relevant and effective.
• Work closely with the communications team to align media coaching with overall communication strategies and support the organization's branding efforts.
• Familiarize presenters with the virtual environment, live in-studio production, presentation templates and answer all questions associated to technology and production.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, Computer Science, Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field (advanced degrees and certifications a plus)
• 8+ years of experience working as a Program / Project Manager
• Proven experience as a media coach, communication consultant, or related role, with a minimum of 2+ years in media training.
• Experience and able to communicate with and support a wide range of staff providing technical and creative deliverables.
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills
• Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills
• A capable self-starter with a drive to get all types of work done and high attention to detail.
• Experience preparing, editing, and reviewing project documentation, reports, briefs, meeting materials, analysis, graphics, best practice presentations, benchmark info, interim and final deliverables.
• In-depth knowledge of media landscape, interview techniques, and various communication platforms.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with executives and individuals at all levels.
• Excellent presentation and facilitation skills, with the ability to engage and inspire participants.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with an eye for detail and a passion for clear and impactful messaging.
• Tech-savviness and familiarity with production, recording and playback equipment for coaching sessions.
• Ability to work on-site 8:00 am through 5:00 pm EST, Monday through Friday, excluding Federal holidays.
• Ability to obtain and maintain public trust clearance.
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S.

Desired Qualifications

• PMP certification
• Experience in communicating detailed and technical concepts to a diverse audience.
• Ability to adapt training content for different audiences.
• Proven ability to organize, prioritize, and work well with others.
• Ability to get up to speed quickly on complex issues; desire to work in a fast-paced, rapidly evolving environment.
• Ability to shape compelling narratives and foster positive relationships for media deliverables.
• Experience in a project manager role for a US Government customer
• Experience with Office of Information & Technology (OIT) Office

About Aptive

Aptive is a modern federal consulting firm focused on human experience, digital services, and business transformation. We harness creativity, technology, and culture to connect people and systems to impact the world. We're advisors, strategists, and engineers focused on people, above all else.

We believe in generating success collaboratively, leaving client organizations stronger after every engagement and building trust for the next big challenge. Our work inspires people, fuels change and makes an impact. Join our team to be part of positive change in your community and our nation.

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.