Special Assistant

National Cemetery Administration; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 144,000 - 187,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

PCS relocation services

Job summary

National Cemetery Administration in Washington, DC, is seeking a Special Assistant to support the Office of the Chief of Administration. The role involves confidential advisory duties, research, and coordination with senior VA officials on a wide array of matters impacting NCA.

You will assist with briefing materials, travel coordination, and special conferences, while ensuring timely execution of assignments and supporting senior leadership in public engagements.

Qualifications

• There is no educational substitution at this grade level.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Special Assistant to VA leadership, handling sensitive and confidential assignments.
• Provide evaluative studies, confidential advice and technical counsel impacting NCA.
• Coordinate with DCoA and senior staff to arrange USMA/PDUSMA attendance at NCA events.
• Develop briefing presentations and materials for engagements with internal and external stakeholders.
• Travel to district offices or cemeteries for meetings or conferences; support special conferences and briefings.

Job description

• Hiring Agency: National Cemetery Administration
• Department: Department of Veterans Affairs
• Location: Washington, District of Columbia

This position is located at the National Cemetery Administration in Washington, District of Columbia.

Key Responsibilities

This position serves as a Special Assistant in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), National Cemetery Administration (NCA), Office of the Chief of Administration (CoA), located in Washington, DC. The incumbent contributes to a wide variety of assignments, including those of a sensitive and confidential nature. The incumbent completes evaluative studies, provides confidential advice, technical counsel, and assistance on various issues that impact the NCA.

Works with other staff (Special Assistants, Staff Assistants, Administrative Officers, and Program Analysts) to provide exceptional service to NCA executive leadership for VA and NCA. This position works under the general supervision of the Deputy Chief of Administration (DCoA).

As Special Assistant, the incumbent performs special projects on behalf of the Under Secretary of Memorial Affairs (USMA), Principal Deputy Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs (PDUSMA), Chief of Staff (CoS), Chief of Administration (CoA), involving topics related to VA and NCA's mission.

Conducts research, analyzes issues, gathers facts, and considers a broad spectrum of factors when drawing conclusions and making recommendations, including public, congressional, and public policy stances. Coordinates closely with the DCoA to facilitate appropriate attendance by the USMA and PDUSMA at NCA public events. Accompanies the USMA and PDUSMA on official travel and captures action items for future follow-up.

Works with key officials to ensure that all aspects of USMA travel meet the USMA's expectations. Coordinates with NCA PDUSMA, CoS, CoA, and within NCA to provide the USMA with specific topics, issues, concerns, and mission‑specific data required for preparation before engaging with internal and external stakeholders. Develops briefing presentations and other associated materials as requested.

Assists the CoS and CoA in preparation and support of special conferences, meetings, briefings, and discussions to include public engagements. Coordinates visits from agency officials involving key staff members and synchronizes staff efforts. Travels to District offices and/or cemeteries to attend meetings and/or conferences.

Provides quality control for the USMA, PDUSMA, CoS, and CoA travel schedule, prepares itineraries, travel folders, logistical support, and prepares vouchers. Offers key advice and consultation on USMA, PDUSMA, CoS, and CoA briefing presentations and associated aspects of engagements.

Develops, implements, coordinates, and monitors functions essential to the management and control of activities required to support and ensure the accurate portrayal of NCA's vision, mission, long‑term goals, and programs to the public. Coordinates closely with the CoS, CoA, and Speech Writer, frequently attending meetings, briefings, and other significant forums.

Assignments are based on close coordination and input from subject matter experts, often gathering information from a variety of sources and choosing appropriate information based on the audience, strategic messages, and themes. Performs other duties as assigned. Work schedule: Required to work Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Compressed/Flexible Schedule: Not available Telework: Ad hoc Remote/Virtual: This is not a virtual or remote position.

Position Description Title/PD#: Special Assistant/PD1699107 The full performance level of this position is GS – 14. Relocation Expenses: May be authorized The Department of Veterans Affairs offers Permanent Change of Station (PCS) relocation services. Permanent Change of Station is the relocation of a household due to government convenience in connection with a transfer between duty stations or facilities.

For more information go to http://vaww.fscdirect.fsc.va.gov/pcs.aspRelo.

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized.

Financial Disclosure Report: Not required.

Requirements & Education

There is no educational substitution at this grade level.

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with National Cemetery Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $143913 – $187093/yr.

Is this position remote or telework eligible?

This position is eligible for telework.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-11-02.

How many openings are available?

There are 2 openings for this position.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Fed Transition' hiring path.