Deputy Project Manager

Position Title: Deputy Project Manager Location: Hybrid – (Washington DC, VA, MD)

COMPANY OVERVIEW

At APV, we’re more than a technology company - we’re a mission-driven powerhouse transforming organizations through advanced technology and human ingenuity. Our expertise spans AI/ML, data architecture, low-code/no-code development, Agile DevSecOps, and cloud services, delivering scalable and meaningful solutions.

In our Emerging Technology Lab, innovation drives progress. Our teams create intelligent chatbots, AI-powered assistants, robotic process automation (RPA), essay graders, and data analytics platforms. If you’re passionate about solving complex challenges and shaping the future, APV is the place for you. Since 2007, we’ve partnered with federal and state agencies to deliver IT, training, and consulting solutions that achieve mission-critical outcomes. Built on accountability, integrity, and quality, we go beyond expectations.

With 70+ prime contracts and a proven record of client success, APV continues to grow - and we’re looking for exceptional talent to grow with us.

At APV, we Always Provide Value

SUMMARY

APV is seeking a Deputy Project Manager to support the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). As the Project Manager’s principal operational lead, the Deputy owns day-to-day contract execution, supervises assigned staff and People Managers, and manages staffing, reporting, and quality so the Project Manager can focus on client relationships, strategic direction, and program growth.

Work spans DHS headquarters and component offices, including staffing and recruitment; personnel processing and payroll; benefits; eOPF, records management; employee and labor relations; workforce planning and analytics; and Core HCM modernization.

DUTIES

Delivery and client coordination

· Turn contract requirements and client priorities into work plans with clear owners, milestones, and deadlines; maintain an integrated schedule and follow up on at-risk items.

· Review work products for accuracy, completeness, and responsiveness before submission.

· Serve as an operational point of contact for client counterparts; lead meetings, document decisions, and prepare concise executive briefings with options and recommendations.

People leadership

· Supervise assigned APV staff and direct People Managers and project leads; set clear expectations for quality, responsiveness, and deadlines.

· Hold regular check-ins, coach staff, support performance reviews, and address concerns through documented expectations and follow-up.

· Coordinate employee relations, attendance, and corrective actions with the Project Manager and APV Human Resources.

Staffing and clearances

· Maintain the staffing roster and vacancy tracker; identify skill gaps, coverage risks, and replacement needs early.

· Support recruiting by clarifying requirements, reviewing candidates, and coordinating interviews with APV recruiting and the client.

· Confirm all clearance, suitability, and component-specific requirements (for example, CBP) with DHS and component personnel security offices before offers are extended, and manage onboarding and offboarding through authorized start dates.

Financial, reporting, and risk management

· Track labor hours, burn rates, and forecasts; explain variances and reconcile timekeeping and billing records with APV finance.

· Consolidate monthly reports and dashboards; track workload, backlog, timeliness, and quality using consistent, verified measures.

· Maintain risk, issue, and decision logs; flag changes to scope, staffing, cost, or schedule to the Project Manager with a recommendation.

Decision authority

· The Deputy directs assigned APV work, makes routine delivery decisions, and represents the Project Manager when delegated. Contractual commitments, scope or funding changes, and decisions beyond delegated authority go to the Project Manager and authorized officials.

· Government personnel retain government decision authority; APV retains responsibility for its employees.

Work environment and security

· Candidates must live in the metropolitan area (DC, Maryland or Virginia) and be available during client support hours. The onsite or hybrid schedule and any travel will be set by APV based on contract and client requirements.

· The selected candidate must obtain and maintain the required personnel security determination, credentialing, and system access.

EDUCATION

· Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, public administration, project management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

· At least eight years of progressively responsible experience in federal human capital services or federal contract delivery, including at least three years of direct supervisory experience (assigning work, evaluating performance, and addressing performance issues).

· Experience supporting DHS or a comparable multi-component federal department (for example, DOJ, Treasury, DoD, or USDA), including component-specific requirements and separate personnel security offices.

· Working knowledge of federal HR operations and the ability to coordinate specialists across several functional areas.

· Experience managing schedules, deliverables, staffing plans, budgets, and risks against a performance work statement or statement of work.

· Exceptionally organized and detail-oriented; manages competing priorities and deadlines with accuracy and minimal oversight.

· Flexible and adaptable to shifting client priorities; strong problem-solving, writing, and briefing skills.

· Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, and SharePoint.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

· Direct experience supporting DHS, the Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer, or DHS components, including HR shared services or surge staffing.

· PMP or a comparable credential; advanced degree or HR certification.

· Experience with Core HCM or federal HR modernization, and with Microsoft Project, Power BI, or Tableau.

ABOUT APV

APV is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or marital status.