Sr. Executive Assistant (Program Administrator) - Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc.

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.

The Acquisition and Technology Analysis Group within JOID specializes in the application of multi-disciplinary analytic skills to support multiple clients within the Department of Defense (DoD). These clients include the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)), Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (OUSD(A&S)), DARPA, the Joint Staff, and USINDOPACOM.  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.

SPA has an immediate need for a Senior Executive Assistant to provide onsite support in Arlington, VA. 

The candidate will serve as the Sr. Executive Assistant to the DARPA Chief of Commercial Strategy, and will work as part of an exciting team to provide daily administrative and executive support to the Commercial Strategy leadership team and help advance the Commercial Strategy mission. Will apply deep domain expertise and a commitment to advancing U.S. national and economic security. The Sr. Executive Assistant works closely with the Chief of Staff to coordinate and efficiently manage the Chief of Commercial Strategy’s (Chief) schedule, priorities, and relationships. Serve as the primary point-of-contact for internal and external constituencies seeking to engage the Chief. Maintain the Chief’s calendar including scheduling meetings, speaking events, and travel via the Defense Travel System (DTS). Evaluate requests to prioritize needs, effectively allocate the Chief’s time, and delegate engagements as appropriate. Coordinate Commercial Strategy work priorities with the Chief of Staff, Action Officer(s), and other DARPA staff. Assist the Front Office with planning, development of presentations, and special projects. Exercise discretion in managing the Chief’s contacts and relationships. Perform event planning and drafting of internal correspondence. Provide administrative support to the Commercial Strategy leadership team, and maintain confidentiality in handling sensitive personal and organizational information.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Active Secret security clearance
• 3+ years of experience providing executive support and calendar management to C-suite, SES, or Congressional leaders
• Detail-oriented with exceptional planning and communication skills
• Experience managing special projects, executive meetings, and external groups for an executive
• Prior experience organizing and managing operations consisting of in-person and remote staff
• Exhibits superior confidentiality, judgement, and discretion in performing duties
• Previous experience preparing pitch decks, background materials, and proposals
• High proficiency with MS Office, project management, and productivity tools

Desired Qualifications: 

• Active Top Secret security clearance
• Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, or economics 
• 1 year of experience directly supporting a CEO, founder, or government executive at DARPA, I-ARPA, ARPA-H, or ARPA-E
• Knowledge of DoD or other US Government operations and processes, familiarity with DARPA desired