Program Assistant

Cherokee Federal; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 89,000 - 108,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Paid time off

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Life and AD&D insurance

Disability coverage

Paid holidays

EAP

FSA/HSA options

Professional development

Job summary

Cherokee Federal is seeking a Program Assistant in Washington, DC to support OES/SA engagements with administrative and event-management duties. The role requires a Secret clearance and a Bachelor’s degree, with emphasis on establishing efficient processes and meticulous record-keeping.

The position involves travel coordination, interagency coordination, and preparation of documentation and reports for senior officials, with a strong focus on compliance and policy support.

Qualifications

• Active full or interim Secret security clearance or an active full or interim Secret security clearance within the last 12 months.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Proven experience designing, implementing, and recommending improvements to business procedures and/or systems for tracking communications, decisions, and approvals by a wide range of stakeholders.
• Excellent interpersonal and oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in computer- and web-based applications including Microsoft Office suite and Adobe Acrobat.
• Must be a US Citizen.
• This position requires an active Secret clearance.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer; may occasionally require standing or moving about the office for extended periods.
• Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

Responsibilities

• Manage the process for handling incoming and outgoing communications and correspondence related to OES/SA’s role in interagency deliberative processes and groups related to space policy formulation and implementation.
• Perform logistical functions for on-going projects, interagency meetings, activities, and events, including management of travel and representational funds and the ordering of supplies and materials for office use.
• Manage all leave and time & attendance (TATEL) processes and paperwork for OES/SA as the office’s official timekeeper.
• Schedule and arrange travel for members of OES/SA, prepare and submit vouchers in E2 Solutions, and ensure timely submission of all receipts and required travel documents.
• Stay current on travel regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Assist other officers in the drafting of data-driven information memos and policy recommendations for the State Department.
• Schedule and organize large meetings, conferences, bilateral dialogues, training activities, delegations, workshops, and other events; coordinate with subject-matter experts to manage time, location, venues, materials, and reports.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Oral communication

Written communication

Adobe Acrobat

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

MS Office

Adobe Acrobat

Job description

Job Title: Program Assistant

Job Code: MI1154

Location: Washington, DC

Reports to: Program Manager

FLSA Status: Exempt

Supervisory: No supervisory/management authority

Prepared Date: 10/8/2026

A government contract requires that this position be restricted to U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents. You must provide documentation that you are a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident to qualify.

This position requires an active Secret clearance.

Position Summary:

The Program Assistant will provide services to support the implementation of all OES/SA domestic and international engagements through administrative, logistical, and conference and event management support to office projects, programs, priorities, and processes.

Compensation & Benefits:

Salary for Program Assistant:$98,457.12

Benefits That Set Us Apart

When considering your next opportunity, compensation is only part of the picture. We offer a benefits package designed to invest in your future and support your life outside of work.

Highlights include:

• Up to a 6% 401(k) company match to help you build long-term financial security
• Paid time off as part of our comprehensive benefits package, so you have the flexibility to rest, recharge, and enjoy what matters most
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus prescription drug coverage
• Basic life and AD&D insurance, with supplemental life options
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• Paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) options
• Professional development, training, and certification support
• Voluntary benefits including accident, critical illness, and identity theft protection

Because taking care of our employees isn’t just a promise, it’s part of who we are.

Benefits are subject to change and eligibility requirements apply.

Essential Functions, Duties & Responsibilities:

Includes the following:

Administrative Support:

• Manage the process for handling incoming and outgoing communications and correspondence related to OES/SA’s role in interagency deliberative processes and groups related to space policy formulation and implementation.
• Perform logistical functions for on-going projects, interagency meetings, activities, and events, to include management of travel and representational funds and the ordering of supplies and materials for office use.
• Manage all leave and time & attendance (TATEL) processes and paperwork for
• OES/SA as the office’s official timekeeper.
• Schedule and arrange travel for members of OES/SA, prepare and submit vouchers in E2 Solutions, and ensure timely submission of all receipts and
• required travel documents. Stay current on travel regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Assist other officers in the drafting of data-driven information memos and policy recommendations for the State Department.

Conference and Event Management:

• Schedule and help organize large meetings, conferences, bilateral dialogues, training activities, delegations, workshops, and other events. Coordinate with subject-matter experts in OES/SA to select time and location, notify participants, reserve venues, ensure all required materials and services are provided in a timely manner, attend meetings and take notes, and prepare reports of the proceedings. Some travel may be required.
• Develop calendars and track all outreach and liaison activities planned by OES/SA.
• Assemble and track taskers for briefing materials for trips, conferences, meetings, and other liaison and outreach functions.
• Drafts and prepares recommended talking points, analysis, correspondence, memoranda, and outreach materials.

International Agreements Coordination:

• Coordinate and implement internal procedures for the timely drafting, clearance, and approval of legally binding and non-binding agreements between the U.S. government and foreign countries on space exploration and use.
• Collect and track metrics to ensure accountability, tracking, and monitoring of current and proposed future bilateral and multilateral agreements, including their status of approval by relevant U.S. departments and agencies, to ensure their timely approval and/or renewal, as needed.
• Maintain basic understanding of U.S. law, regulations, policy, and procedures associated with the negotiations of international agreements and treaties, including the Department’s Circular 175 procedure.
• Utilizes automation, data, and information systems and tools to improve the efficiency of OES/SA administrative support and office operations;
• Manages processes for handling incoming and outgoing communications and correspondence related to OES/SA’s role in interagency deliberative processes and groups on space policy formulation and implementation.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

No supervisory/management authority

Basic Qualifications:

• Active full or interim Secret security clearance or an active full or interim Secret security clearance within the last 12 months.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Proven experience designing, implementing, and recommending improvements to business procedures and/or systems for tracking communications, decisions, and approvals by a wide range of stakeholders.
• Excellent interpersonal and oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in computer- and web-based applications including Microsoft Office suite and Adobe Acrobat.
• Must be a US Citizen.
• This position requires an active Secret clearance.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer; may occasionally require standing or moving about the office for extended periods.
• Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience drafting and/or coordinating the input of multiple stakeholders into official U.S. government policy or program documents.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Prior work experience in civil, commercial, or national security aspects of outer space.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, including follow-up on pending tasks and the ability to develop and manage end-to‑end processes for the flow of task‑related information.
• Ability to operate significantly under own initiative and as part of a team, crafting proposals and recommending effective approaches to tasks with minimal guidance.
• Skill and ability in managing multiple concurrent activities of varying complexity, including changing priorities and short turn‑around times.
• Familiarity with Department of State policies and procedures, including Circular 175 treaty negotiation procedures.

Work Environment:

Work is performed primarily in a climate-controlled environment.

Company Information:

Behind every government mission stands skilled, mission-driven talent: people whose expertise and dedication turn complex challenges into successful outcomes. Cherokee Nation System Solutions LLC, part of Cherokee Federal, the federal contracting division of Cherokee Nation Businesses, is that team. We modernize aging systems, deliver care where it’s needed most, and keep missions supplied, staffed, and moving across defense, intelligence, and civilian agencies. For more than 60 federal clients, we take on the work others won’t, and deliver where it counts. If that’s the kind of work you’re looking for, you’ve found your team. Learn more at cherokee-federal.com.

#CherokeeFederal #LI-SM2 #AppC

Cherokee Federal is a military friendly employer. Veterans and active military transitioning to civilian status are encouraged to apply.

Legal Disclaimer:All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Many of our job openings require access to government buildings or military installations. Candidates must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

In compliance with Washington D.C.’s Wage Transparency Act, the estimated annual salary range for this position is $98,457 – $98,457. Actual compensation is based on qualifications and experience.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

Cherokee Federal is a federal contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA). As required by VEVRAA, we take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans. Protected veterans are encouraged to self-identify during the application process.

Cherokee Federal takes affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to self-identify during the application process.

Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities or those with sincerely held religious beliefs. To request an accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at [e-mail].

This position is subject to pre-employment drug testing. Cherokee Federal maintains a drug-free workplace in accordance with applicable federal and state laws and regulations.

This position may be contingent upon the successful completion of a background investigation. The scope of the investigation will be commensurate with position requirements and applicable law.