Executive Assistant (Entry/Mid Level)

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

The Joint, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Interagency Division provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID provides a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help our customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues.

SPA provides critical decision support to enabling and executing a strategy of technological superiority and enabling the delivery and sustainment of secure, resilient, and preeminent capabilities to the warfighter quickly and cost effectively. Our team of experienced military, technical, and operations research analysts is skilled in evaluating military problems, identifying the driving factors, devising innovative approaches, collecting applicable data, developing necessary software tools, and performing thorough and timely assessments to inform technology and acquisition governance decisions to ensure U.S. military forces retain military superiority in the future.

We have a near-term need for an Executive Assistant to provide onsite support out of the client site in Arlington, VA.

The candidate will work closely with a technical office within the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to support senior leaders and program managers in coordinating the daily operations of a fast-paced front office by providing timely, proactive, and comprehensive administrative support. The dynamic nature of this role requires that the successful candidate be a self-starter, taking the initiative and displaying elite multi-issue tracking and execution ability along with exemplary time management skills. Apply demonstrated proactivity to anticipate, identify and solve problems. Will routinely interact with executives, and must display sound judgment, tact, and a professional demeanor. Responsibilities include cultivating productive working relationships across the Agency, and the application of energetic approaches and eagerness to tackle new projects and ideas. Will work directly with an Office Director (OD) and Deputy Director (DD) to support all aspects of their daily work routine to include staffing the front office reception desk and managing calendars, phone calls, meetings, visitors, and travel. Other duties include tracking tasks and action items, reviewing and managing the flow of correspondence, facilitating approval of time and attendance records, reporting senior leadership engagements, coordinating submission of badge and office logistics requests, and similar office management functions. Prioritize matters requiring the attention of the OD/DD, keeping them advised of time-sensitive issues, and exercise discretion in committing their time and evaluating needs. This includes ensuring appropriate follow-up, redirecting matters to other staff, or handling them individually. This is a full-time on-site position in Arlington, VA. Limited travel (up to 5%) may be required.

Required:

• 5+ years of of administrative experience
• Active Secret clearance
• High School diploma or GED
• Prior experience providing direct support to executive-level personnel
• Expert proficiency with Microsoft Outlook and demonstrated experience with calendar management at the SES or equivalent level
• Demonstrated experience with the Defense Travel System, including processing vouchers and authorizations, general travel reservations, and coordinating with Commercial Ticketing Offices
• Proven confidentiality, judgement, and discretion in handling sensitive matters
• Ability to work with appropriate personnel to set up collateral and classified VTCs
• Able to report to the office for in-person work five days a week in Arlington, VA

Desired:

• An Associate's or Bachelor's degree
• Administrative experience in a fast-paced, DARPA-like R&D environment
• 3+ years of experience working with DARPA Office leadership
• Familiarity with DARPA's organizational structure and processes
• Proficiency with Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Word, and with Zoom (government)
• Eagerness to learn new skills and grow into positions of increased responsibility providing technical, programmatic, financial, and/or administrative Advisory and Assistance Services over a multi-year period at DARPA