Force Projection Sector Head Executive Admin

Are you a resourceful and professional Administrative Assistant ready to contribute at the Executive level to a high-impact team?

Do you thrive in fast-paced environments where excellence, discretion, and proactive problem-solving are valued?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

We are seeking a skilled Executive Assistant to support the Force Projection Sector (FPS) Head in leading a 1,900+ person sector. Building on an 80-year history of significant accomplishments, FPS is focused on solving the most critical national security challenges and defending the nation against increasingly complex adversary threats.

This Executive Assistant role is critical in helping us achieve this mission. You will serve as a key interface for FPS executive leadership-acting as a trusted partner and ensuring operational excellence and professionalism in all aspects of executive support.

The Executive Assistant will serve as an authoritative voice on existing policies and procedure and interface seamlessly and professionally with a broad range of individuals to coordinate within our sector, other executives across the Laboratory, and with external organizations, sponsors, and stakeholders.

As the FPS Sector Head Executive Assistant, you will...

• Perform high-level calendar management and scheduling, including document preparation, engagement coordination, and interface with internal and external executives, sponsors, and support staff.
• Manage the flow of people and information through the Sector Office. Assess issues, identify solutions, and maintain administrative oversight for a variety of operational functions.
• Organize and provide logistical support for meetings across APL to support Sector Head engagements.
• Prioritize organizational needs and conflicting demands while meeting tight deadlines.
• Review and evaluate correspondence, reports, and written materials with implications for sector programs and personnel.
• Arrange travel and manage associated logistics.
• Serve as a liaison with sponsors, stakeholders, Lab leadership, and staff-providing follow-up support as needed.
• Collaborate with Executive Assistants supporting members of the APL Executive Council.
• Act as a resource for Laboratory and Sector practices and procedures; provide guidance to FPS administrative staff as needed.
• Work collaboratively across the FPS administrative community by continuing to strengthen the team of 40+ administrative personnel and serve as a role model and mentor.
• Develop and implement process improvements to enhance FPS administrative support operations.
• Serve as the arrangements project manager for the annual Submarine Technology Symposium, co-leading the planning and coordination of the annual symposium, serving as Executive Assistant to the General Chair and Co-chair, and as Assistant Arrangements Chair.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you have...

• A high school diploma with 10+ years of progressively responsible administrative experience, or an Associate's degree with 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated success supporting executive leadership and interfacing with high-level sponsors and stakeholders.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with experience preparing high-level correspondence and presentations.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities independently.
• Proven ability to thrive in high-profile, fast-paced environments with professionalism and discretion.
• Strong knowledge of administrative policies, financial processes, travel coordination, and purchasing procedures.
• Ability to manage budgets, reconcile costs, and maintain accurate operational data.
• Strong team collaboration skills in dynamic, highly interactive settings.
• Attention to detail and consistent follow-up and follow-through.
• Ability to handle sensitive personnel and organizational data with maturity and confidentiality.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and other administrative tools.
• Hold an active Secret clearance and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You will go above and beyond our minimum qualifications for the job if you have...

• A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• Extensive experience with government sponsors and familiarity with classified systems and protocols.
• Strong working knowledge of APL or FPS-specific administrative policies and procedures.
• Prior experience supporting FPS office operations and collaborations with government sponsors.
• An active Top Secret level security clearance or higher

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.