NOAA WPO Executive Assistant

Are you a Smartsheet whiz with a knack for analyzing programs and transitioning them to bigger and better things? This could be your perfect role.

The purpose of this position is to provide high-level executive administrative support and business process management in the areas of organizational operations, strategic planning, and performance management systems.

The NOAA Weather Program Office (WPO) is a programmatic office located in NOAA Research that supports world-class weather research to save lives, reduce property damage, and enhance the national economy by selecting and funding research that supports and fosters collaborations with NOAA's research laboratories and the weather enterprise (i.e., NOAA, other Federal agencies and entities, state and local governments, academia, and the private sector). WPO's Programs work closely with the National Weather Service to develop and transition weather research to improve knowledge about tropical cyclones, severe storms, extreme precipitation, air pollution, and social science -- and to integrate weather, water, and climate forecasting and mitigation.

This position will serve as the primary executive administrative support for WPO leadership while functioning as the organization's business process architect and Smartsheet subject matter expert. The incumbent will provide comprehensive administrative coordination for the Director and Deputy Director, develop and maintain enterprise-wide performance management systems, and design organizational workflows that enhance efficiency and accountability across all WPO operations. This role is critical to WPO's strategic goal of implementing robust data management systems to enhance planning and decision-making capabilities.

FWI has been recognized as a Top Workplace by the Washington Post in 2024 and 2025, offering excellent growth opportunities in a collaborative environment.

Work Schedule and Location:

Hybrid: This full-time hybrid position will work Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with 2 days onsite at the NOAA Silver Spring location.

Responsibilities

• Maintain comprehensive calendar management for the Director and Deputy Director, providing high-level executive administrative support including meeting preparation, travel coordination, correspondence management, and priority setting for leadership activities.
• Serve as WPO's Smartsheet subject matter expert, developing and maintaining sophisticated dashboards, workflows, and automated reporting systems for Quarterly Progress Reports (QPRs) and executive decision-making.
• Develop and improve foundational business processes for WPO by collaborating with subject matter experts to design and codify standardized operating procedures (SOPs) for critical administrative functions, including contract and grants management, budget organization, and IT management.
• Design and implement organizational workflows to enhance efficiency and accountability across administrative and project-oriented tasks, managing the full lifecycle of incoming and outgoing taskers with prioritization and tracking systems.
• Develop and maintain enterprise-wide performance and knowledge management systems to provide leadership with a holistic view of the business portfolio, including support for the Portfolio Analysis and Research Transitions (PART) program's Project Directory.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) in a technical or business discipline such as business administration, information systems, public administration, or related field.
• At least 8+ years of professional and/or academic experience in executive support, business process management, or organizational operations. Advanced degrees or certifications may qualify for shorter periods of required experience.
• Advanced expertise in Smartsheet, including dashboard development, workflow automation, and complex reporting capabilities.
• Proven experience in executive administrative support, including calendar management, meeting coordination, and high-level correspondence.
• Strong understanding of business process design, workflow optimization, and organizational efficiency principles.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail and accuracy.

Desired:

• Advanced degree (MBA, MPA, or MS) in business administration, public administration, information systems, or related field.
• Professional certification in project management (PMP), business analysis (CBAP), or related disciplines.
• Experience working in federal government environment, particularly with NOAA or other scientific agencies.
• Background in performance measurement, strategic planning, or organizational development.
• Experience with data analysis, visualization tools, and business intelligence platforms.

Why Join Our Team

At FWI, we place the highest importance on creating an exceptional employee experience. You'll have opportunities to achieve your career aspirations through internal promotions, professional development, and other recognition and rewards programs. Join our team and take advantage of the many benefits we offer, including:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Holiday Pay
• Paid Time Off

FWI is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets.

Pay Range

$42-$52/hour depending on experience