Engagement and Innovation Director (Job 899)

DLH delivers improved health and national security readiness solutions for federal programs through science research and development, systems engineering and integration, and digital transformation. Our experts in public health, performance evaluation, and health operations solve the complex problems faced by civilian and military customers alike by leveraging advanced tools – including digital transformation, artificial intelligence, data analytics, cloud enablement, modeling, and simulation, and more. With over 3,200 employees dedicated to the idea that “Your Mission is Our Passion,” DLH brings a unique combination of government sector experience, proven methodology, and unwavering commitment to innovation to improve the lives of millions.

Overview

We are seeking a visionary Engagement and Innovation Director to drive our expansion in the Health Information Technology (Health IT) space. The ideal candidate brings a strong background in strategic initiatives, operational efficiency, and transformational leadership. With deep experience in government and healthcare technology, this individual will lead new business pursuits, shape competitive proposals, and cultivate key federal relationships. This role is ideal for a former IT Program Director, VP of Strategic Initiatives, VP of Enterprise Systems, or Chief Strategy Officer seeking to make a lasting impact in the evolving health tech landscape.

Responsibilities

•    Influence business development efforts for Health IT opportunities, including service desk and enterprise systems contracts.
•    Build and maintain strategic relationships with key stakeholders to influence RFPs and agency planning.
•    Drive proposal strategy and development, aligning solutions to customer needs and priorities.
•    Leverage experience to foster customer relationships and support long-term growth.
•    Guide and validate internal investments in innovation and future-facing technologies.
•    Represent the company as a thought leader at conferences, summits, and industry events.
•    Provide strategic vision and leadership to strengthen the company’s position in the federal Health IT market.
•    Collaborate across teams to develop strategies that revitalize organizations and empower teams.
•    Lead operational transition activities for new contract awards, ensuring effective resourcing, staffing plans, technical onboarding, and seamless handoff from capture to program execution.
•    Provide tactical program leadership support during early contract phases to establish operational readiness, client engagement protocols, and performance tracking mechanisms.
•    Serve as a trusted advisor to Program Managers and operational teams, providing hands-on guidance to address challenges, mitigate risks, and ensure contract deliverables are met.
•    Step into temporary program leadership roles as needed to provide operational continuity, client engagement, and team oversight during periods of transition or leadership gaps.
•    Partner with portfolio leaders to drive operational excellence across programs, contributing to resource planning, staffing strategies, contract compliance, and client relationship management.
•    Collaborate cross-functionally with business development, talent acquisition, contracts, and technical teams to align operational execution with contract requirements and corporate objectives.

Qualifications

•    Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Business, Public Health Informatics, or related field, with 16+ years of relevant experience.
•    FAC/PPM III Certified or equivalent federal program management certification.
•    10+ years of progressive experience in IT strategy, program management, and business development.
•    Demonstrated success in project planning, operational efficiency, and organizational transformation.
•    Proven ability to influence high-value proposals and secure strategic wins.
•    Strong public speaking skills; adept at engaging with executive and government audiences.
•    Experience working with CDC, HHS, NIH, or similar federal health agencies.
•    In-depth understanding of enterprise systems and government IT systems.
•    Well-established network in federal health IT and procurement environments.

Key Competencies
•    Strategic Visioning
•    Transformational Leadership
•    Operational Efficiency
•    Project Planning & Execution
•    Team Empowerment
•    Health IT Innovation & Modernization

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