Senior Administrative Assistant – Executive Support - DARPA

Chimera Enterprises International; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Chimera Enterprises International is looking for a Senior Administrative Assistant in Arlington, Virginia. This position provides high‑level administrative and logistical support to a defense research office, ensuring smooth operations including IT coordination, visitor management, and event logistics.

The ideal candidate will have at least 6 years of experience in administrative support and be comfortable in a classified environment. An active Secret or Top Secret security clearance is required.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years of progressive high‑level administrative support experience.
• Experience supporting senior personnel (e.g., GS‑15 or equivalent).
• Active Secret or Top Secret clearance required.

Responsibilities

• Support day‑to‑day administrative operations of a busy office.
• Track and coordinate IT service requests.
• Manage visitor access and security procedures.
• Assist with travel coordination and event logistics.

Skills

Excellent customer service skills

Strong oral and written communication abilities

Excellent organizational and time-management skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office and scheduling tools

Comfort working in a classified, high-tempo environment

Education

High school diploma required; Bachelor’s degree preferred

Job description

Job Summary

We are seeking a 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.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the day‑to‑day administrative operations of a busy office.
• Track and coordinate IT service requests, ensuring issues are documented and followed through to resolution or escalation within expected timeframes.
• Manage visitor access and security procedures, making sure visitors are properly greeted, escorted, and processed in accordance with policy, and that security incidents are avoided.
• Coordinate building and system access for staff and support personnel, ensuring that individuals have the necessary access at onboarding and that access is removed promptly upon departure.
• Help prepare for meetings, briefings, and presentations by managing schedules, assembling read‑ahead materials, and coordinating necessary clearances or access.
• Assist with travel coordination and event logistics, helping to arrange the administrative aspects of 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.
  • Comfort 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.