Subject Matter Expert (SME)/ Senior Project Manager

Job Title: Public Health Subject Matter Expert (SME)
Company: Arch Systems
Client: Enterprise Transformation Coordination and Activation Services
Location: Remote
Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Overview

Arch Systems is seeking an experienced Public Health Subject Matter Expert (SME) to provide strategic leadership, technical guidance, and program oversight in support of a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) initiative. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience within the federal public health ecosystem, including leadership roles at federal health agencies, and demonstrated expertise supporting public health emergency preparedness and response efforts.

This role will serve as a trusted advisor to program leadership, collaborating with federal, state, tribal, local, and territorial (STLT) partners to enhance public health capabilities, emergency response, and strategic initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the senior public health advisor for CDC programs and initiatives.
• Provide strategic guidance on public health policy, emergency preparedness, and response activities.
• Lead cross-functional teams supporting complex federal public health programs.
• Collaborate with CDC leadership and other federal agencies to ensure successful program execution.
• Engage with State, Tribal, Local, and Territorial (STLT) public health agencies to strengthen partnerships and program outcomes.
• Provide subject matter expertise during public health emergencies, outbreaks, and disaster response efforts.
• Support planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of public health initiatives.
• Develop executive-level briefings, reports, recommendations, and strategic documentation.
• Advise program leadership on emerging public health trends, policy changes, and best practices.
• Represent the organization in meetings with federal stakeholders and external partners.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal regulations, public health standards, and CDC guidance.
• Mentor project teams and provide technical leadership across multidisciplinary efforts.

Required Qualifications

• Doctorate (Ph.D., DrPH, MD, DVM, ScD, or equivalent) required.
• At least one degree in a scientific discipline such as:
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Biology
  • Microbiology
  • Environmental Health
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Health Sciences
  • Medicine
  • Nursing
  • Veterinary Medicine
  • Or another closely related scientific field.
• Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in public health leadership.
• Demonstrated leadership experience within a U.S. Federal Health Agency (CDC, HHS, NIH, ASPR, FDA, or similar).
• Extensive experience working within the CDC ecosystem, including collaboration with CDC centers, offices, and public health programs.
• Direct experience supporting public health emergency preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.
• Experience working with State, Tribal, Local, and Territorial (STLT) public health organizations.
• Proven experience leading large, complex federal public health initiatives.
• Strong understanding of federal public health policies, regulations, and program management practices.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, stakeholder engagement, and presentation skills.
• Experience developing executive briefings, strategic plans, and policy recommendations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience serving as a Program Director, Senior Advisor, Branch Chief, Division Director, or equivalent leadership role within CDC or another federal health agency.
• Experience supporting CDC cooperative agreements and grants.
• Familiarity with emergency management frameworks including the National Response Framework (NRF) and Incident Command System (ICS).
• Experience supporting infectious disease surveillance, epidemiology, emergency operations, health security, or preparedness initiatives.
• PMP, PgMP, FAC-P/PM, or equivalent project/program management certification.
• Active Public Trust or higher federal security clearance (preferred).