Ascension LLC is seeking a detail-oriented and analytically driven Junior Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support the Defense Health Agency (DHA), Armed Services Blood Program Division (ASBPD). This role is critical in delivering analytical, research, and program support services that inform decision-making, improve operational performance, and strengthen mission outcomes.

The ideal candidate is an early-career professional who brings strong research, analytical thinking, and problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to translate data into actionable insights. This individual will support senior leadership, program managers, and stakeholders by conducting analysis, synthesizing findings, and contributing to strategic initiatives aligned with ASBPD’s mission of ensuring a safe, reliable, and globally available blood supply for military operations .

This position is ideal for candidates seeking to grow into a senior SME role while contributing to mission-critical healthcare and readiness operations within the Department of Defense.

Position Summary

The Junior SME provides analytical and research support across program management, data analysis, communications strategy, and business process improvement initiatives. The role supports efforts such as data-driven program evaluation, stakeholder engagement, reporting, and operational optimization.

The ideal candidate is:

• Highly organized and detail-oriented
• Self-driven and capable of working in fast-paced, ambiguous environments
• Skilled at synthesizing qualitative and quantitative data
• Comfortable supporting multiple priorities and stakeholders simultaneously

This role supports activities such as:

• Blood program data analysis and reporting
• Strategic communications and outreach support
• Business process improvement initiatives
• Records and information management

The SME will leverage tools such as Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Power BI, and research methodologies to support data collection, analysis, and reporting efforts aligned with DHA requirements.

Key Responsibilities / Day-to-Day Activities

• Conduct qualitative and quantitative research to support program initiatives
• Analyze datasets to identify trends, gaps, and actionable insights
• Develop reports, briefings, and presentations for stakeholders and leadership
• Support data validation, cleansing, and integration activities
• Assist in developing performance metrics, KPIs, and dashboards
• Participate in stakeholder meetings, working groups, and interviews
• Document findings and contribute to strategic recommendations
• Support business process improvement and workflow analysis efforts
• Maintain documentation in compliance with records management requirements
• Assist with communications materials, outreach strategies, and campaign support
• Coordinate tasks and track deliverables to ensure timely execution
• Support compliance with PII/PHI and federal data protection requirements