Implementation Lead

About the role

RESULTS. INNOVATION. VALUES. ACCOUNTABILITY.

That's RIVA.

We're a mission-driven IT services company and systems integrator supporting digital transformation and modernization for federal government agencies. Since 2009, we've partnered with our customers to solve complex challenges through smart, practical innovation to deliver real outcomes where they matter most. Our teams are made up of industry-leading experts who are passionate about doing great work and making a difference. We don't just develop solutions, we support efforts that strengthen communities and serve the public good.

RIVA's culture is built on four core values: Results, Innovation, Values, and Accountability. They guide how we work, how we collaborate, and how we measure success. Our employee-first approach is rooted in trust, ownership, and meaningful work. By investing in our people and fostering a flexible, supportive environment, employees have the opportunity to grow their skills, contribute ideas, and make an impact from day one. all while supporting missions that matter.

Position Summary

The Implementation Lead turns the approved design into a working nationwide capability. This person directs the build, configuration, testing, and deployment of FBIB systems and the stand-up of the physical enrollment network and badge production operation, first for the 2028 Census Test and then for the 2030 Census. The role owns release readiness and the scaling of sites, equipment, and processes to meet peak demand.

Core Responsibilities

• Plan and execute stand-up of the nationwide enrollment network, including fixed, retail-based, mobile, pop-up, and Island Area sites across CONUS, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, CNMI, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
• Run a repeatable site activation sequence for every location: lease, build-out, equipment deployment, security and readiness assessment, facility authorization, staff training, and opening. Activate sites ahead of each hiring surge.
• Direct the development, configuration, and integration of scheduling, capture, transmission, badging, and onboarding portal applications using Agile and DevSecOps practices, with two-week sprints, continuous builds, automated testing, and test cases traced to requirements.
• Lead test planning and execution in line with Census Bureau test and evaluation standards, including integration, performance, user acceptance, and operational readiness testing with Government partners.
• Manage defects in line with Census Bureau IT defect management standards and coordinate releases with the Government's integration and implementation schedule.
• Produce the System Deployment Plan with named primary and backup resources, and build the go-live checklist and entry and exit criteria jointly with the Census Bureau.
• Deliver the non-employee onboarding portal to full operation by September 2027 for the 2028 Dress Rehearsal, then expand it for 2030 Census volume.
• Stand up centralized badge production, including printer deployment, templates, supplies, quality review, and secure shipping.
• Coordinate equipment procurement, imaging, kitting, deployment, and logistics for capture stations and site hardware.
• Manage staffing and retail partners who supply on-site enrollment staff and locations.
• Use 2028 Census Test results to validate processes, coverage, integrations, staffing model, and scheduling, and drive changes into the 2030 baseline.
• Develop site standard operating procedures, operator training content, and go-live checklists with the Operations and Maintenance Lead.
• Plan and execute enhancements requested by the Government throughout the period of performance.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in information systems, engineering, operations management, or a related field.
• 10 or more years of experience leading IT system implementations, including at least 5 years leading multi-site or nationwide deployments.
• Experience leading software releases with Agile methods and coordinated hardware and field deployments.
• Experience planning and running integration and operational readiness testing with Government stakeholders.
• Working knowledge of logistics, equipment deployment, and site activation at scale.
• Ability to obtain a Department of Commerce (DOC) Background Investigation and Census Special Sworn Status.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience standing up biometric enrollment centers, retail partner networks, or mobile collection units.
• Prior Decennial Census or other surge operation deployment experience.
• PMP, SAFe, or CSM certification.
• Familiarity with Census systems such as CHEC and CAMPIN.
• Experience managing a hybrid network of dedicated, retail, mobile, and hiring-event enrollment sites.

This position is a contingent hire opportunity on a proposal proposal effort.

Pay and benefits

The salary or salary range for this role reflects an estimated range informed by multiple compensation factors. Final offers may vary based on considerations such as relevant experience, education and training, critical skillsets, and overall business needs.