Special Assistant

Job Title

Special Assistant

Location

SILVER SPRING, MD 20910 US (Primary)

Category

Administrative / Clerical

Job Type

Full-Time

Compensation Minimum (USD)

$110,000

Compensation Maximum (USD)

$125,000

Education

Master's Degree

Minimum Citizenship Status Required

U.S. Citizen

Security Clearance Required

Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance

Job Description

Founded in 1979, Science and Technology Corporation (STC) delivers an extensive range of award-winning advanced scientific, engineering, and technical support services to the U.S. Government and Industry customers. Our proven expertise and experience span scientific research, development, test and evaluation in areas such as earth and atmospheric sciences, engineering, data science and software engineering. Will you join our world-class team?

• Employment Category: Full-Time/Regular (40 hours/week)

• Location: Silver Spring, MD
  On-site support is required; full-time presence is preferred, but part-time on-site arrangements may be acceptable.

• Travel: Some local and domestic travel may be required.

• Security Clearance: Must be able to obtain and maintain a national agency check and background investigation after hire.

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship required.

• Salary: $110,000 - $125,000

 

Job Description:

STC is seeking a highly skilled Special Assistant to the Director and Deputy Director to provide high-level analytical, operational, and executive support to senior leadership at NOAA’s Weather Program Office (WPO). The ideal candidate will have deep experience in executive coordination, program planning, communications, and strategic project support. This role requires an individual who thrives in a dynamic environment, can manage complex and sensitive tasks, and maintains exceptional attention to detail while balancing multiple priorities.

 

The NOAA Weather Program Office (WPO) is a programmatic office located in NOAA Research that supports world-class weather research to save lives, reduce property damage, and enhance the national economy by selecting and funding research that supports and fosters collaborations with NOAA’s research laboratories and the weather enterprise (i.e., NOAA, other Federal agencies and entities, state and local governments, academia, and the private sector). WPO’s Programs work closely with the National Weather Services to develop and transition weather research to improve knowledge about tropical cyclones, severe storms, extreme precipitation, air pollution, and social science – and to integrate weather, water, and climate forecasting and mitigation.

Benefits:

• Paid Time Off Starting at 80 hrs/yr, 11 Federal holidays, and 56 hrs/yr Sick Leave
• 401K with up to 4% employer matching contribution
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance, Short Term/Long Term Disability
• Flexible spending account
• Health savings account
• Tuition reimbursement

 

Job Requirements

• Provide senior leadership with analytical and executive support, including briefings, logistics, meeting preparation, congressional inquiries, and action tracking management.
• Assist in planning, coordinating, and executing meetings, workshops, and retreats — including logistics, scheduling, agenda development, audio/visual preparations, meeting summaries, and action tracking.
• Manage calendars for the Director and Deputy Director, arrange travel, and provide training/assistance to WPO staff on the travel management process.
• Support special projects such as grant proposal announcements and coordination, strategic planning initiatives, and annual events.
• Prepare and deliver briefing materials for high-profile meetings with Congress, NOAA leadership, Federal agencies, Non-Federal organizations, and international partners.
• Configure and support IT systems for meetings and coordinate guest speakers and presenters, including scheduling, presentation materials, foreign travel clearances, and travel needs.
• Develop, edit, and proofread communications and reports; coordinate the distribution and maintenance of key documents, meeting materials, and summaries.
• Prepare presentations, talking points, status reports, and messaging for senior leadership on office programs and activities.
• Use advanced skills in Microsoft PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Google Workspace, and database/spreadsheet tools to develop professional-quality briefings and tracking systems.
• Research, compile, and synthesize scientific, policy, and planning information into concise and effective briefing materials, reports, and presentations.
• Serve as liaison between OAR leadership and WPO; take detailed notes for the Director and Deputy Director during executive-level meetings.
• Assist senior leadership with policy, congressional, and partnership-related topics, meetings, presentations, and data calls.

 

 

Essential Requirements:

• 10 years of relevant professional experience in executive support, program coordination, or related disciplines.
• Proven ability to solve complex system/process challenges in business, policy, scientific, or engineering contexts.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills, with experience in planning, designing, and improving systems or processes.
• Demonstrated experience leading or directing teams and managing multiple priorities under general supervision.
• Ability to work with a high degree of creativity, discretion, and judgment to meet organizational goals.
• Familiarity with policy/compliance requirements and government procedures.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including technical writing and the preparation of high-level briefing materials.
• Proven experience interacting with government agencies and high-level officials.

 

 

Education:

• MA/MS or Ph.D. degree (or equivalent experience) in a relevant field is required.

We are equal opportunity/affirmative action employers, committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under state or local law.