OAR Chief of Staff Program Coordinator (SME I)

FWI (FedWriters, Inc.); Silver Spring (MD); On-site; USD 82,000 - 86,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Long-term and Short-term Disability

Life Insurance

401(k) Plan

Holiday Pay

Paid Time Off

Job summary

FedWriters, Inc. (FWI) in Silver Spring, MD, seeks an OAR COS Program Coordinator to craft briefing materials, memos, and talking points for NOAA leadership.

The role demands tight deadlines, synthesis of multi-source information, and travel with NOAA HQ leadership for high-stakes meetings. The position requires 4+ years of professional or academic experience, a BA/BS in a technical or business field, and the ability to obtain a Low-risk federal clearance.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in a technical or business discipline; advanced degrees or certifications may qualify for shorter periods of required experience
• 4+ years of professional and/or academic experience

Responsibilities

• Prepare briefing materials, memos, and talking points for review by OAR leadership and NOAA leadership in preparation for meetings, events, and decisions
• Provide regular oral and written updates to OAR leadership on NOAA Headquarters activities, requests, and emerging priorities
• Review, analyze, and synthesize information from a variety of sources into portfolio summaries, implementation plans, and other documents for submission to leadership and counterparts within and outside of NOAA
• Provide substantive and logistical staff support for the preparation, execution, and follow-up of meetings, workshops, and events for the NOAA Administrator related to OAR activities, including travel with NOAA Headquarters leadership
• Coordinate with other NOAA Program Coordination Officers and the NOAA COS and Deputy COS on cross-cutting headquarters activities and priorities
• Coordinate and communicate regularly with OAR headquarters, labs, and programs to understand and advance OAR mission, work, and activities
• Apply specialized knowledge to gather facts, analyze program information, and develop recommendations and strategies that help OAR leadership navigate headquarters priorities effectively

Skills

Briefings for execs

Analytical synthesis

Leadership staff support

Interagency coordination

Discretion and judgment

Written communication

Education

BA/BS in technical or business

Job description

Overview

You are someone who thrives in the fast-moving center of a major federal science agency — someone who can synthesize a 50-page research portfolio into a crisp two-page brief for the NOAA Administrator, keep track of a dozen competing priorities across OAR headquarters, and make sure that nothing falls through the cracks when the Chief of Staff needs it most. As the OAR Chief of Staff Program Coordinator, you will work directly within the OAR COS office in Silver Spring to advance OAR's objectives at NOAA headquarters, providing high-level briefing materials, real-time programmatic updates, and logistical and substantive support for some of the most consequential meetings in NOAA leadership's calendar. This is a role for a sharp, discreet, and highly organized professional who understands the rhythm of federal senior leadership and can deliver exactly what is needed — at exactly the right moment. FWI is expanding rapidly and has been recognized as a 2024 and 2025 Top Workplace by the Washington Post, offering excellent growth opportunities in a collaborative environment.

Work Schedule and Location

In-person presence required at SSMC3, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910

Normal work hours are Monday through Friday, 8 hours per day / 40 hours per week, excluding federal holidays

Travel required, including potential travel with NOAA Headquarters leadership; all unplanned travel must be approved in writing by the COR at least 10 calendar days in advance

Responsibilities

• Prepare briefing materials, memos, and talking points for review by OAR leadership and NOAA leadership in preparation for meetings, events, and decisions
• Provide regular oral and written updates to OAR leadership on NOAA Headquarters activities, requests, and emerging priorities
• Review, analyze, and synthesize information from a variety of sources into portfolio summaries, implementation plans, and other documents for submission to leadership and counterparts within and outside of NOAA
• Provide substantive and logistical staff support for the preparation, execution, and follow-up of meetings, workshops, and events for the NOAA Administrator related to OAR activities, including travel with NOAA Headquarters leadership
• Coordinate with other NOAA Program Coordination Officers and the NOAA COS and Deputy COS on cross-cutting headquarters activities and priorities
• Coordinate and communicate regularly with OAR headquarters, labs, and programs to understand and advance OAR mission, work, and activities
• Apply specialized knowledge to gather facts, analyze program information, and develop recommendations and strategies that help OAR leadership navigate headquarters priorities effectively

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS in a technical or business discipline — Public Administration, Political Science, Environmental Science, Communications, or a closely related field preferred; advanced degrees or certifications may qualify for shorter periods of required experience
• 4+ years of professional and/or academic experience

Desired Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience providing direct support to senior federal government leadership, including preparation of briefings, memos, and talking points for executive‑level audiences
• Strong analytical and synthesis skills; ability to distill complex, multi-source programmatic information into clear, concise, and actionable documents under tight deadlines
• Experience providing staff support for senior leadership meetings, including substantive preparation, day‑of coordination, and structured follow‑up
• Familiarity with NOAA, OAR, or federal agency headquarters operations, including interagency coordination processes and senior leadership workflow
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail; demonstrated ability to manage multiple competing priorities in a fast‑paced senior leadership environment
• Discretion and sound judgment when handling sensitive organizational information and leadership communications
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to produce professional, polished documents for senior government audiences on short timelines
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Low‑risk federal security clearance; in-person presence at SSMC3, Silver Spring, MD required

FWI is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets.

Why Join Our Team

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Holiday Pay
• Paid Time Off

Pay Range

$81,556.80 - $85,849.26