Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Aptive • Full-time • Remote • $90k - $120k / year • 6d ago

Job Summary

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.

Primary Responsibilities

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.

Minimum 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
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)

Desired Qualifications

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