Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Aptive is seeking a Subject Matter Expert (SME) to provide specialized expertise in support of SAMHSA's 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Awareness initiative. SMEs on this program serve as recognized authorities in their areas of specialization — which may include suicide prevention, behavioral health, substance use, public health communications, audience research, or related disciplines — and apply that expertise to evaluate and advance the program's communications strategies, creative approaches, and outreach efforts. Working closely with SAMHSA's 988 Communications Team, the Program Manager, and other key personnel, the SME brings deep subject matter knowledge to bear across a program designed to increase awareness and utilization of 988 among individuals at risk for suicide or substance misuse, their families, and the communities and providers who serve them.

Key responsibilities include analyzing agency and program needs to determine functional requirements, evaluating new methodologies for problem resolution, and developing recommendations for process improvements and innovative solutions aligned with SAMHSA's public health priorities. The SME will contribute expertise to workstreams spanning paid campaign strategy, formative research, audience segmentation, message development and testing, partner coordination, and performance evaluation — ensuring that all program activities are grounded in evidence-based practices and responsive to the needs of priority populations. Additional responsibilities include identifying resources required for specific tasks, advising on emerging tools and technologies relevant to 988 communications, and ensuring that program approaches remain in compliance with organizational and federal requirements. The ideal candidate is a credentialed expert with senior-level experience in behavioral health, public health communications, or a closely related field, and a demonstrated ability to apply specialized knowledge to complex, large-scale federal programs.

• Advanced degree (Master's or higher) or equivalent training and certification in a relevant field such as public health, behavioral health, communications, social work, psychology, health education, or a related discipline
• Minimum of 5 years of senior-level experience in a relevant area of expertise directly applicable to the scope of the 988 Awareness Support program
• Recognized expertise in one or more of the following areas: suicide prevention, behavioral health crisis services, substance use prevention, public health communications, health behavior change, or audience research and segmentation
• Demonstrated experience evaluating and applying new methodologies or evidence-based approaches to address complex public health or communications challenges
• Experience analyzing organizational or program needs and translating them into functional requirements, strategic recommendations, or actionable solutions
• Ability to develop and communicate recommendations for process improvements and adoption of new solutions or technologies
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey complex subject matter knowledge clearly to diverse audiences including government stakeholders, creative teams, and the general public
• Experience contributing expertise to multi-disciplinary teams in a fast-paced, client-facing environment
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust security clearance (Tier II)

• Prior experience supporting federal health communications programs, particularly with SAMHSA
• Deep familiarity with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, the behavioral health crisis services continuum, or SAMHSA's strategic communications objectives
• Experience informing or contributing to public awareness campaigns focused on suicide prevention, mental health, or substance use, including formative research, message development, and concept testing
• Knowledge of the Stages of Behavior Change framework and its application to public health communications campaign design and evaluation
• Familiarity with reaching and engaging priority or underserved populations at elevated risk for suicide or substance misuse, including culturally responsive communications approaches
• Experience advising on or contributing to OMB Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) submissions related to research or data collection activities
• Familiarity with federal communications standards including Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Plain Writing Act of 2010
• Experience supporting partner coordination efforts with grantees, states, territories, Tribes, or community-based organizations
• Knowledge of emerging digital platforms, AI tools, or other technologies relevant to public health communications and campaign dissemination

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: 2012Employees: 300+ nationwide

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.