Suicide Prevention and Leadership Subject Matter Expert and Facilitator
Hybrid Remote •
Washington, DC
Description
Vistra is seeking a Suicide Prevention & Leadership SME to serve as a senior subject matter expert supporting the development, delivery, and refinement of training, facilitation, and curriculum for suicide prevention, postvention, and trauma-informed leadership initiatives.
Key responsibilities include:
- Provide expert-level content knowledge, instructional leadership, and facilitation support across a range of high-visibility efforts, including Transformational Leadership Training, Trauma-Informed Train-the-Trainer programs, and other prevention-aligned learning engagements.
Requirements
- Master’s or Ph.D. degree and 10+ years of related experience.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience designing and delivering training programs or curricula, with demonstrated experience in adult learning principles and trauma-informed instructional design.
- Working knowledge of prevention and postvention concepts and terminology, including trauma, grief, shame, and risk reduction strategies during periods of elevated suicide risk.
- Demonstrated expertise in suicide prevention, behavioral health, postvention, or a closely related field.
- Extensive experience delivering facilitation, training, workshops, and high-engagement sessions across diverse audiences.
- Proven ability to deliver or support Trauma-Informed Train-the-Trainer curricula with confidence and subject matter depth.
- Strong understanding of trauma-informed leadership, trauma reactions, survivor response, and psychologically safe facilitation practices.
- Experience designing, developing, and implementing curriculum and adult learning content, including instructor-led, hybrid, or experiential training formats.
- Familiarity with Transformational Leadership Training concepts and frameworks.
- Ability to provide expert, tactful insight in emotionally sensitive or high-stakes discussions related to suicide, trauma, or crisis response.
Additional Preferred Qualifications:
- Prior experience working in or adjacent to military environments, with fluency in military culture, structure, and expectations.
- Experience interacting with interagency partners, senior leaders and executives.
- Ability to communicate complex behavioral-health and leadership concepts clearly to senior leaders, military personnel, and operational teams.
- Certification or advanced training in relevant frameworks such as Psychological First Aid, TAPS Postvention Model, Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM), Safety Planning Intervention (SPI), Cognitive Behavior Therapy-Suicide Prevention (CBT-SP), or equivalent.
- Demonstrated experience developing or evaluating culturally responsive curriculum and training content tailored to Service members, families, leadership and multiple military career fields.
- Familiarity with Department of Defense (DoD) policies, guidance, and resources related to suicide response and prevention.