Governance SME at Initiate Government Solutions

, District of Columbia, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

15 Dec, 25

Salary

0.0

Posted On

16 Sep, 25

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

IT Governance, Risk Management, Compliance, API Management, Security, Cloud Platforms, Data Governance, Analytical Skills, Communication Skills, Documentation Skills, Stakeholder Management, Policy Development, DevSecOps, CI/CD Practices, Organizational Skills

Industry

IT Services and IT Consulting

Description

Description Founded in 2007, Initiate Government Solutions (IGS) a Woman Owned Small Business. We are a fully remote IT services provider that delivers innovative Enterprise IT and Health Services solutions across the federal sector. Our focus is on data analytics, health informatics, cloud migration, and the modernization of federal information systems. IGS uses ISO 9001:2015, 20000-1:2018, 27001:2013, 28001:2007, CMMI/SVC3, CMMI/DEV3 best practices, and PMBOK® methods to provide clients with a strategy to build solid foundations to grow capabilities and revenue. Our range of IT services and delivery methodologies are tailored to our customers’ unique needs to achieve maximum value. IGS is currently recruiting for a remote Governance Subject Matter Expert (SME) to lead the development and implementation of governance frameworks for the Lighthouse Public API Platform at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This role is critical to ensuring secure, compliant, and efficient API operations across VA systems, with a strong focus on policy development, stakeholder engagement, and continuous improvement. Assignment of Work and Travel: This is a remote access assignment. The Candidate will work remotely daily and will remotely access VA systems and therein use approved VA provided communications systems. Travel is not required; however, the candidate may be required to attend onsite client meetings as requested. This program is a transformative initiative by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs aimed at modernizing and streamlining access to VA data and services through secure, reliable, and scalable APIs. As a member of the team, you will play a key role in designing, developing, and supporting API solutions that empower veterans, partners, and internal stakeholders to access critical information and services efficiently. In this role, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams—including product managers, engineers, security specialists, and business analysts—to deliver high-quality API products in alignment with federal standards and VA objectives. You will contribute to the program’s mission of improving veteran experiences by enabling digital innovation, ensuring compliance, and promoting best practices in API development and platform management. This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on veteran care and benefits delivery, while working in a dynamic, mission-driven environment that values collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. Responsibilities and Duties (Included but not limited to): Governance Framework Development: Design, implement, and maintain governance models, policies, and procedures for the Lighthouse Public API Platform. Define standards for API design, documentation, publishing, and lifecycle management. Policy Documentation: Create and update comprehensive documentation covering API usage, access control, versioning, data privacy, security, and lifecycle governance. Access Control & Identity Management: Implement robust authentication and authorization mechanisms. Manage API keys, tokens, and user roles to ensure secure access. Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with VA leadership, technical teams, legal, and external partners to align governance strategies with organizational goals. Communicate governance requirements and updates to stakeholders. Documentation & Training: Maintain up-to-date documentation of governance policies and procedures. Develop and deliver training materials for API consumers and internal teams. Continuous Improvement: Monitor emerging trends, technologies, and regulatory changes to recommend updates to governance frameworks and ensure ongoing compliance and relevance. Requirements Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Public Administration, or a related field (Master’s preferred). 5+ years of experience in IT governance, risk, and compliance, preferably in federal or public sector environments. Deep understanding of API management, security, cloud platforms, and data governance principles. Strong analytical, communication, and documentation skills. Familiarity with federal regulations and standards such as FISMA, NIST, HIPAA, and FedRAMP. Experience with audit processes, policy development, and stakeholder management. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. Familiarity with the Lighthouse API platform and its governance requirements. Experience with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure) and API gateways. Understanding of DevSecOps and CI/CD practices. Excellent communication skills and attention to detail Analytical mind and problem-solving aptitude Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust security clearance Strong organizational skills Preferred Qualifications and Core Competencies: Active VA Public Trust Prior experience supporting federal agencies, especially the Department of Veterans Affairs. Familiarity with VA Lighthouse tools and infrastructure. Prior, successful experience working in a remote environment Successful IGS employees embody the following Core Values: Integrity, Honesty, and Ethics: We conduct our business with the highest level of ethics. Doing things like being accountable for mistakes, accepting helpful criticism, and following through on commitments to ourselves, each other, and our customers. Empathy, Emotional Intelligence: How we interact with others including peers, colleagues, stakeholders, and customers’ matters. We take collective responsibility to create an environment where colleagues and customers feel valued, included, and respected. We work within a diverse, integrated, and collaborative team to drive towards accomplishing the larger mission. We conscientiously and meticulously learn about our customers’ and end-users’ business drivers and challenges to ensure solutions meet not only technical needs but also support their mission. Strong Work Ethic (Reliability, Dedication, Productivity): We are driven by a strong, self-motivated, and results-driven work ethic. We are reliable, accountable, proactive, and tenacious and will do what it takes to get the job done. Life-Long Learner (Curious, Perspective, Goal Oriented): We challenge ourselves to continually learn and improve ourselves. We strive to be an expert in our field, continuously honing our craft, and finding solutions where others see problems. Compensation: There are a host of factors that can influence final salary, including, but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, and certifications. Benefits: Initiate Government Solutions offers competitive compensation and a robust benefits package, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision care, matching 401K and profit sharing, paid time off, training time for personal development, flexible spending accounts, employer-paid life insurance, employer-paid short and long term disability coverage, an education assistance program with potential merit increases for obtaining a work-related certification, employee recognition, and referral programs, spot bonuses, and other benefits that help provide financial protection for the employee and their family. Initiate Government Solutions participates in the Electronic Employment Verification Program.

Responsibilities

The Governance SME will lead the development and implementation of governance frameworks for the Lighthouse Public API Platform at the Department of Veterans Affairs. This role involves designing, implementing, and maintaining governance models, policies, and procedures to ensure secure and compliant API operations.