Senior Executive Administrative Assistant

Ara; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 90,000 - 132,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking a Senior Executive Administrative Assistant to support the Office of the Secretary of War in developing and applying cutting-edge technology.

You will assist in compiling and routing technical documents and will arrange travel and support staff with issues from ARA facilities in the National Capital Region, on-site; telecommuting when approved. This contingent role starts in fall 2026 and requires DoD SECRET clearance with willingness to pursue

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 8-10 years of relevant experience OR 16+ years of experience providing administrative assistance to government agencies
• DoD SECRET clearance with willingness to apply for and obtain a TS clearance with SCI eligibility
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications
• Excellent verbal/written communications skills
• Experience passing clearances within the DoD and IC environments
• Good time management

Responsibilities

• Official travel coordination and use of the Defense Travel System (DTS) to facilitate personnel travel
• Documentation tracking, correspondence & information management
• Event, Meeting & Protocol Support
• Protocol & Office Administration

Skills

Microsoft Office

Verbal communication

Written communication

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor’s degree or 16+ years exp

Tools

Defense Travel System

Job description

Senior Executive Administrative Assistant

Job Category : Administrative Services

Requisition Number : SENIO010042

• Posted : August 19, 2026
• Full-Time
• On-site

Locations

Showing 1 location

Arlington, VA 22202, USA

Description

The Mission Concepts and Capabilities (MCC) Division of Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking a responsive, proactive Senior Executive Administrative Assistant to support the Office of the Secretary of War in the development and application of cutting-edge technology. In this position the employee will assist in compiling and preparing and routing technical documents both inside the organization and to other agencies. The employee will also make all travel arrangements and will assist the company employees with any issues they may have. This position will support the Office of Assistant Secretary of War for Critical Technologies on-site in the National Capital Region, from ARA facilities, and via telecommuting when approved.

This contingent position, expected to start in the fall of 2026.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree with 8-10 years of relevant experience OR 16+ years of experience in lieu of a degree of relevant experience providing administrative assistance to government agencies
• DoD SECRET clearance with willingness to apply for and obtain a TS clearance with SCI eligibility
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications
• Excellent verbal/written communications skills
• Experience passing clearances within the DoD and IC environments
• Good time management

Preferred Qualifications:

• 30+ years of relevant experience providing administrative assistance to government agencies
• Hands-on experience with the Defense Travel Management System

Essential Functions:

• Official travel coordination and use of the Defense Travel System (DTS) to facilitate personnel travel
• Documentation tracking, correspondence & information management
• Event, Meeting & Protocol Support
• Protocol & Office Administration

Compensation & Benefits:Pay Ranges: From $90,000.00 - $132,000.00 per year based on years of experience, degree and any special skills and knowledge that you may bring to the position. ARA offers competitive benefits that address our employees’ needs now and in the future.

COMPANY INFORMATION:

Applied Research Associates, Inc. is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs over 2000 professionals. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. The corporation also provides sophisticated technical products for environmental site characterization, pavement analysis, and robotics.

At ARA, employees are our greatest assets. The corporation realizes that employee ownership fosters greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives its employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take more active roles as owners. The culture is challenging; innovation and experimentation are the norm. Employees are eligible for contributions which not only add to the company’s success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The motto, "Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit" sums up the ARA experience.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.