Heather Jacobs

Program Manager/Director of Acquisition Talent Management Office

Professional Overview

Heather Jacobs is an accomplished program management professional with expertise in acquisition workforce development and talent management. In her current role as the Program Manager/Director of Acquisition Talent Management Office at the Department of the Navy Research, Development, and Acquisition (RD&A), she is responsible for overseeing critical initiatives aimed at enhancing the capabilities and career progression of the organization's acquisition workforce.

Experience Summary

Current Role

As the Program Manager/Director of Acquisition Talent Management Office, Heather is tasked with designing and implementing strategies to attract, develop, and retain top-tier talent within the Navy's acquisition domain. She leads a team of professionals to identify skill gaps, develop targeted training programs, and implement career development initiatives that empower the acquisition workforce to excel in their roles. Heather's efforts have significantly contributed to the RD&A's ability to acquire and maintain a highly skilled and adaptable acquisition workforce, directly supporting the organization's mission.

Career Progression

Prior to her current role, Heather held several key positions within the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) and the Department of the Navy RD&A. As a Team Lead in the Career Development Office at NAVAIR, she spearheaded initiatives to enhance the professional growth and career progression of the acquisition workforce. In her previous role as a Program Analyst and DAWIA Program Manager at NAVAIR, she demonstrated her expertise in acquisition workforce management and compliance. Heather's diverse background and progressive responsibilities have equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of the acquisition domain and the ability to drive impactful change.

Academic Background

Heather holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, with a focus on Management and Human Resources. Her academic credentials, coupled with her extensive professional experience, have equipped her with a well-rounded skill set and a deep understanding of the complexities inherent in talent management and workforce development within the government acquisition sector.

Areas of Expertise

• Acquisition workforce development and management

• Talent strategy and succession planning

• Training program design and implementation

• Career development and coaching

• Compliance and regulatory oversight

• Stakeholder engagement and cross-functional collaboration

Professional Impact

Throughout her career, Heather has made significant contributions to the optimization of the Navy's acquisition workforce. Under her leadership, the Acquisition Talent Management Office has successfully implemented initiatives that have improved employee engagement, enhanced skill development, and fostered a culture of continuous learning and growth. Her efforts have directly contributed to the organization's ability to maintain a highly skilled and adaptable acquisition workforce, enabling the RD&A to execute its mission more effectively.

Conclusion

With her extensive experience, strategic vision, and commitment to excellence, Heather Jacobs is a valuable asset to the Department of the Navy RD&A. As the Program Manager/Director of Acquisition Talent Management Office, she continues to drive initiatives that maximize the potential of the organization's acquisition workforce, positioning it for long-term success in a dynamic and challenging environment.