Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Accounts
Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
Student Loan PayDown
Tuition Reimbursement and Learning Opportunities
Skills Development & Certifications
Employee Referral Program
Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach
Emergency Back-Up Childcare Program
Mobility Stipend
Full Job Description
Job Family: Operational Effectiveness (ESA)
Travel Required: Up to 10%
Clearance Required: Active Secret
What You Will Do:
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is looking for an Leadership Support Specialist to work in a high-paced environment with an office known for its high caliber of work. In this role you'll work directly with the agency CIO in support of the following tasks:
Executive & Administrative Support: Serve as the primary executive support lead for the CIO and IT Director by managing complex calendars and priorities, coordinating executive engagements, preparing correspondence and meeting materials, and proactively anticipating and driving follow-through on leadership actions and strategic objectives.
Executive Briefings & Strategic Communications: Lead the development and delivery of executive presentations, briefings, and strategic communications by synthesizing input from functional leads and subject-matter experts, managing review and approval processes, and ensuring the accuracy, consistency, and quality of leadership-facing deliverables.
Event Coordination: Plan, coordinate, and execute IT Directorate (ITD)-wide meetings, leadership events, and knowledge-sharing initiatives by managing stakeholder inputs, presentations, logistics, schedules, communications, and preparation activities to ensure effective engagement and successful delivery of organizational objectives.
Knowledge Management & Information Organization: Manage and enhance ITD knowledge management resources by maintaining SharePoint sites, operational documentation, templates, and reference materials, while improving information accessibility, usability, and continuity to support effective collaboration and organizational knowledge sharing.
IT Initiatives & Stakeholder Coordination: Coordinate and support IT modernization initiatives by managing stakeholder engagement, project communications, milestones, dependencies, risks, and change management activities, while providing leadership with timely status updates and decision-support materials.
Process Improvement & Automation: Drive continuous process improvement by developing and implementing streamlined workflows, automation solutions, and standardized tools and templates, leveraging Microsoft 365, SharePoint, Jira, and other approved technologies to enhance operational efficiency and briefing production.
Additional Responsibilities: Provide responsive executive and operational support by managing ad hoc leadership requests, coordinating cross-functional inquiries and special projects, and advancing emerging initiatives and mission-critical priorities across the organization.
What You Will Need:
An ACTIVE and MAINTAINED "SECRET" Federal or DoD security clearance
High school diploma
FIVE (5) or more years of administrative support experience. Experience should include:
Bachelor's degree can be used in lieu of THREE (3) years of experience
THREE (3) or more years creating, compiling, and editing computer-generated documentation including technical text and graphics
Ability to work in Arlington, VA 5 days/week
What Would Be Nice To Have:
Bachelor's degree with TWO (2) or more years of administrative support experience.
Proficiency in Microsoft Power BI, Excel, and basic coding/scripting (e.g., PowerShell, VBA, Power Automate, or Python) to develop dashboards, automate recurring administrative processes, analyze operational data, and produce reports that support executive decision-making and organizational efficiency.
The annual salary range for this position is $74,000.00-$124,000.00. Compensation decisions depend on a wide range of factors, including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, security clearances, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs.
What We Offer:
Guidehouse offers a comprehensive, total rewards package that includes competitive compensation and a flexible benefits package that reflects our commitment to creating a diverse and supportive workplace.
Benefits include:
Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance
Personal and Family Sick Time & Company Paid Holidays
Position may be eligible for a discretionary variable incentive bonus
Parental Leave and Adoption Assistance
401(k) Retirement Plan
Basic Life & Supplemental Life
Health Savings Account, Dental/Vision & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
Student Loan PayDown
Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development & Learning Opportunities
Skills Development & Certifications
Employee Referral Program
Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach
Emergency Back-Up Childcare Program
Mobility Stipend
About Guidehouse
Guidehouse is a management consulting firm headquartered in Washington, D.C. The firm provides consulting services to clients in the public and commercial sectors, with a focus on energy, financial services, healthcare, national security, and aerospace and defense. Guidehouse was founded in 2018 as a spin-off from PwC. The firm has over 7,000 employees and operates in more than 50 locations worldwide.
