Senior Administrative Assistant - Executive Support - DARPA

Job Summary

We are seeking a Senior Administrative Assistant to provide high‑level administrative and logistical support to a headquarters‑level defense research office. This role ensures smooth day‑to‑day operations, including IT coordination, visitor management, access control, and event logistics.

Key Responsibilities (Narrative)

In this role, you will support the day‑to‑day administrative operations of a busy office. You will track and coordinate IT service requests, ensuring issues are documented and followed through to resolution or escalation within expected timeframes. You will manage visitor access and security procedures, making sure visitors are properly greeted, escorted, and processed in accordance with policy, and that security incidents are avoided.

You will coordinate building and system access for staff and support personnel, ensuring that individuals have the necessary access at onboarding and that access is removed promptly upon departure. You will also help prepare for meetings, briefings, and presentations by managing schedules, assembling read‑ahead materials, and coordinating necessary clearances or access.

Additionally, you will assist with travel coordination and event logistics, helping to arrange the administrative aspects of trips, conferences, off‑sites, workshops, and other events. You will be expected to provide professional, responsive support in a fast‑paced, classified environment, often interacting with senior leaders and external partners.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Education:

  • High school diploma required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.

• Experience:

  • At least 6 years of progressive high‑level administrative support experience, including research, handling information requests, and core administrative functions.
  • Experience supporting senior personnel (e.g., GS‑15 or equivalent).
  • Demonstrated experience creating, compiling, and editing computer‑generated documentation, including technical text and graphics.

• Security Clearance:

  • Active Secret or Top Secret clearance, as required by the position and work location.

• Skills:

  • Excellent customer service skills and professional demeanor.
  • Strong oral and written communication abilities.
  • Excellent organizational and time‑management skills.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and scheduling tools.
  • Comfort working in a classified, high‑tempo environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience supporting senior Department of Defense leaders or advanced research organizations.
• Experience with visitor control, access management systems, and office security procedures.