Senior Administrative Assistant – Executive Support - DARPA

Chimera Enterprises International, Inc (Chimera); Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Chimera Enterprises International, Inc (Chimera) is seeking a Senior Administrative Assistant to provide high-level support to a defense research office in Arlington, Virginia. The role includes managing administrative operations, visitor access, and logistics.

The ideal candidate will have at least 6 years of experience supporting senior personnel and must possess an active Secret or Top Secret clearance. Strong organization, communication skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Office are essential.

Qualifications

• At least 6 years of high-level administrative support experience.
• Experience supporting GS-15 level personnel or equivalent.
• Active Secret or Top Secret security clearance required.

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day administrative operations of the office.
• Manage visitor access and security procedures.
• Coordinate building and system access for staff.
• Assist with meeting preparation and presentations.
• Provide logistical support for travel and events.

Skills

Excellent customer service skills

Strong communication abilities

Organizational skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Time-management skills

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Scheduling tools

Job description

Overview

Senior Administrative Assistant to provide high-level administrative and logistical support to a headquarters-level defense research office. This role ensures smooth day-to-day operations, including IT coordination, visitor management, access control, and event logistics.

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day administrative operations of a busy office, track and coordinate IT service requests, document issues, and ensure follow-through to resolution or escalation within expected timeframes.
• Manage visitor access and security procedures, ensuring visitors are greeted, escorted, and processed in accordance with policy; contribute to avoiding security incidents.
• Coordinate building and system access for staff and support personnel; ensure onboarding access and prompt removal upon departure.
• Assist with meeting preparation, briefings, and presentations by managing schedules, assembling read-ahead materials, and coordinating necessary clearances or access.
• Assist with travel coordination and event logistics for trips, conferences, off-sites, workshops, and other events.
• Provide professional, responsive support in a fast-paced, classified environment, often interacting with senior leaders and external partners.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Education: High school diploma required; Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Experience: At least 6 years of progressive high-level administrative support experience, including research, handling information requests, and core administrative functions; experience supporting senior personnel (e.g., GS-15 or equivalent); demonstrated experience creating, compiling, and editing computer-generated documentation, including technical text and graphics
• Security Clearance: Active Secret or Top Secret clearance, as required by the position and work location
• Skills: Excellent customer service skills and professional demeanor; strong oral and written communication abilities; excellent organizational and time-management skills; proficiency in Microsoft Office and scheduling tools; comfortable working in a classified, high-tempo environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience supporting senior Department of Defense leaders or advanced research organizations
• Experience with visitor control, access management systems, and office security procedures