Subject Matter Expert (SME)

About the role

Aptive is seeking a Subject Matter Expert (SME) to provide specialized expertise in support of SAMHSA's 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Awareness initiative. The SME will serve as a recognized authority in their area of specialization, apply that expertise to evaluate and advance the program's communications strategies, creative approaches, and outreach efforts, and work closely with SAMHSA's 988 Communications Team, the Program Manager, and other key personnel.

Responsibilities

• Analyze agency and program needs to determine functional requirements
• Evaluate new methodologies for problem resolution
• Develop recommendations for process improvements and innovative solutions aligned with SAMHSA's public health priorities
• Contribute expertise to workstreams spanning paid campaign strategy, formative research, audience segmentation, message development and testing, partner coordination, and performance evaluation
• Identify resources required for specific tasks
• Advise on emerging tools and technologies relevant to 988 communications
• Ensure program approaches remain in compliance with organizational and federal requirements

Qualifications

• 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
• Ability to analyze organizational or program needs and translate them into functional requirements, strategic recommendations, or actionable solutions
• 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)

Benefits

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.