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 DARPA DIRO Front Office Sr. Executive Assistant (EA) will provide support to the Director on a daily basis. Will work closely with the DIRO Front Office to ensure timely, proactive, and comprehensive administrative support to leadership. Will be expected to handle sensitive information while exercising professionalism and discretion. The dynamic nature of this role requires that the successful candidate be a self-starter, taking the initiative whenever possible and thinking ahead of what the mission needs are--all while displaying elite multi-project tracking and execution ability along with exemplary time management skills. Will apply professional demeanor across internal and external stakeholders. Cultivate productive working relationships across the Agency. Apply energetic approach and eagerness to tackle new projects and ideas, and proactively identify and solve problems. Routinely interact with executives, and display sound judgment and tact. Work directly with the Office Director (OD) daily to support all aspects of daily work routine: maintaining the OD’s calendar, including scheduling meetings, appointments, and speaking engagements. Determine priority of matters of attention for the OD, keep the OD advised of time-sensitive and priority issues, and exercise discretion in committing time and evaluating needs. Ensure appropriate follow-up, redirect matters to staff, or handle individually. The candidate will play a key role in the coordination of staff efforts both within and outside the office and Agency, and must assist in Front Office activities and processes including planning, prioritization, and executions as appropriate, and coordinate work with other DIRO and DARPA staff. 

Required:

• 5+ years of experience providing executive support and calendar management to C-suite, SES, or Congressional leaders
• HS Diploma or GED
• Active Secret security clearance
• Ability to come into the office five days a week
• Detail-oriented with exceptional planning and communication skills
• Experience managing special projects, executive meetings, and external groups for an executive
• Experience organizing and managing operations consisting of in-person and remote staff
• Exhibits superior confidentiality, judgement, and discretion in performing duties
• Experience preparing pitch decks, background materials, and proposals
• High proficiency with MS Office, project management, and productivity tools

Desired: 

• 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 U.S. Government operations and processes, and familiarity with DARPA