Program Analyst, Sr – Research Program Operations

Program Analyst, Sr – Research Program Operations

Aptive Resources is seeking a Program Analyst, Sr to support research program operations for the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Research and Development (ORD) Health Systems Research team, supporting the Field Enterprise Research Support Services contract. The role supports ORD’s implementation science and health systems research activities by providing program-level coordination, operational analysis, and performance tracking across project processing, peer review coordination, special projects, budget-related workflows, and data management functions.

This position supports day-to-day program operations by leading and coordinating project workflows, supporting review and processing of project and budget requests, synthesizing program data, and identifying opportunities to improve program effectiveness. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to independently manage work streams, coordinate across stakeholders, and support program-level decision‑making through analysis and recommendations in a structured, fast‑paced environment. The role also serves as a day‑to‑day coordination partner to HSR leadership, supporting project management, special projects, and scientific review processes.

This position requires strong client interaction skills and a demonstrated ability to work autonomously while supporting multiple program priorities and stakeholders. An ideal candidate will be a self‑directed learner who can quickly get up to speed through independent research, with guides and broad orientation provided by the client team. Final programmatic and scientific decisions rest with VA leadership; this role provides coordination, analysis, and recommendations in support of those decisions.

This is a 100% remote position.

• 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 suport application and peer review processes.
• Coordinate and support application and peer review processes, including tracking submissions, ensuring completeness, and facilitating communication across stakeholders.
• Draft and distribute communications and notifications (e.g., award announcements, panel review logistics, applicant and fellow notifications) for VA review as appropriate, using clear, accurate language suited to a scientific audience.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and lead or support development and implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs), job aids, and training materials.
• Assist with AAAS fellow program coordination activities, including screening fellow applications for completeness, sending out notifications to candidates, coordinating orientation details, and drafting guidelines for candidates for VA review and approval.
• Assist HSR staff in understanding and applying reporting guidelines for funded projects, including preparing job aids and reminders.
• Support special projects and cross‑team priorities for HSR leadership, including planning, milestone tracking, and status updates.
• Prepare program‑level reports, summaries, and analyses related to project activities, budget‑related workflows, and program operations.
• Support automation and streamlining of workflows…