Sr. Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Sr. Subject Matter Expert (SME)The Acquisition Project / Program Management Subject Matter Expert (SME) provides high-level expertise to instructional design teams, supporting the development and instruction of Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) training programs for federal acquisition leadership. This role requires exceptional qualifications or highly unique expertise, typically recognized as industry-leading, to deliver strategic advice, technical guidance, and comprehensive analysis.Essential FunctionsAcquisition ExpertiseProvide Federal Acquisition Institute subject matter expertise to instructional design teams.Support the development and instruction of training programs for acquisition leadership.Offer feedback and guidance based on expertise to enhance training quality.Strategic and Technical GuidanceProvide strategic advice, technical guidance, and expertise to program and project staff.Conduct detailed analysis, evaluation, and recommendations for improvements, optimization, development, and/or maintenance efforts for client-specific or mission-critical challenges/issues.Consultation and AnalysisConsult with clients to define needs or problems.Supervise studies and lead surveys to collect and analyze data, providing advice and recommending solutionsCore ResponsibilitiesLead day-to-day coordination of the ISD/SME team and maintain clarity on priorities, ownership, deadlines, and dependencies.Oversee curriculum-development activity across assigned courses, including SME content, PowerPoint decks, Instructor Guides, Training Guides, Activity Guides, assessments, and supporting materials.Coordinate SME-to-ISD and ISD-to-development handoffs and ensure related course components remain aligned.Monitor schedules and deliverables; identify risks early; recommend sequencing or schedule adjustments when dependencies affect delivery.Facilitate resolution of content, access, quality, staffing, and workflow issues; elevate items that require project or Government direction.Maintain leadership visibility through weekly reporting, trackers, meeting support, and documented risks/decisions.Coordinate with Government leads, project leadership, SMEs, ISDs, developers, and other stakeholders as needed.Support quality assurance, version control, production readiness, and IACET/documentation requirements.Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesExpert project/program management skillsAbility to partner and communicate with project clients, and navigate customer relationshipsHighly developed interpersonal and organizational skillsAbility to speak publicly with confidence and professionalismProven ability to prioritize projects and tasks based on workflow and current deadlinesSelf-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple and competing prioritiesExcellent oral and written English language communications skillsProven ability to lead and work as part of a teamExceptional interpersonal skills, with a focus on rapport-building, listening, and questioning skillsQualification and ExperienceEducation:MS/MA/MBA or demonstrated equivalent work experienceExperience:10+ years’ experience at the Director-Level Manager level in either a federal acquisition office (GS-15 and above) or private sector equivalentAt least five (5) years demonstrated work experience with Senior Level Program Management and Senior Level AcquisitionPreferred:Five (5) or more years of VA-specific experience.FAC PPM level 3 certificationDawia Program Management level 3 certificationPhysical Demands and Work Environment:Primarily office-based with prolonged periods of sitting and standing.Travel for in-person work, to Frederick, MD or other VA locations, occasionallyAbility to operate a computer, maintain a stationary position, and communicate effectivelyMay require lifting up to 25 lbs. when handling materialsOffice Software and Systems ExperienceProficiency in Microsoft Office 365 suiteExperience with virtual platforms such as MS Teams, WebEx, Zoom, and Blackboard Collaborate.Flexibility to adapt to new systems and technologies as neededAbout S2Shttp://shoulder2shoulderinc.com/Job Type: Full-timeBenefits:401(k)401(k) matchingDental insuranceHealth insuranceHealth savings accountLife insurancePaid time offVision insurance