Executive Assistant Opportunity with the U.S. House of Representatives

Are you a highly organized, detail-oriented professional seeking a challenging and rewarding role at the forefront of American governance? The U.S. House of Representatives, specifically the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), is seeking a dedicated Executive Assistant to provide critical support. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the essential operations that underpin the legislative branch, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in a dynamic environment. If you possess strong administrative skills, a commitment to confidentiality, and a desire to serve, this role may be the perfect fit for your career aspirations.

About the Agency: The Office of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

The Office of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) serves as the operational backbone for the U.S. House of Representatives. With over 800 dedicated technical and administrative staff, the CAO provides a comprehensive suite of services essential for the functioning of the House. These services span a wide range of critical areas, including information technology, financial management, human resources, payroll, procurement, logistics, and administrative counsel. The CAO's mission is to deliver high-quality operational support and innovative business solutions to the thousands of House Members, Officers, and staff who rely on these services daily. This position is specifically located within the Immediate Office of the CAO, a key hub for strategic operations and oversight.

Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BC/DR)

Within the Immediate Office, the Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BC/DR) division plays a crucial role in ensuring the resilience and operational readiness of the House. This team is responsible for developing and implementing contingency plans, managing disaster recovery efforts, and continuously improving the technical infrastructure, systems, information security, emergency communications, and overall business continuity capabilities. Their work is vital in safeguarding the legislative process against disruptions and ensuring uninterrupted service.

Job Responsibilities

As an Executive Assistant in the BC/DR division, you will provide essential, high-level administrative support to senior leadership, including the Chief Continuity Officer, Director of Continuity Operations, and Director of Continuity Plans. Your responsibilities will be diverse and critical to the team's success:

• Confidential Support: Manage and prepare sensitive and confidential reports, memoranda, correspondence, and technical documentation, ensuring accuracy and professionalism.
• Workflow Management: Maintain organized systems for correspondence, administrative workflow, records management, and project tracking.
• Communication & Coordination: Keep management informed of relevant workplace issues, initiatives, and policy or procedural changes. Act as a liaison with other CAO organizations and House offices.
• Scheduling & Calendar Management: Manage complex calendars for senior leaders, scheduling appointments, meetings, conferences, and teleconferences efficiently.
• Customer Service & Protocol: Greet and assist office visitors and customers courteously, planning and facilitating appropriate professional protocol as needed.
• Information Routing: Route and track incoming correspondence and technical inquiries to the correct personnel or offices within the CAO and the House.
• Office Services: Coordinate miscellaneous office services, including the development, implementation, and monitoring of internal administrative practices and procedures.
• Special Projects: Undertake and complete other official duties and special projects as assigned by management.

This role does not involve direct supervisory responsibilities but requires significant collaboration and support for executive-level decision-making and operations.

Requirements

To be considered for this vital role, candidates must meet the following minimum qualifications:

• Education/Experience: A Bachelor’s degree in a field related to the position is required. Alternatively, an equivalent level of professional work experience will be considered.
• Administrative Experience: A minimum of 3-5 years of relevant professional administrative experience is necessary. Candidates with 7-9 years of such experience will be strongly preferred.
• Valid Driver's License: A valid driver's license is a mandatory requirement for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

While not strictly required, candidates who possess the following qualifications will have a significant advantage:

• Senior-level professional administrative experience.
• Previous experience working within the Legislative Branch environment.
• Demonstrated proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite, including advanced knowledge of applications like Microsoft Visio and Teams.
• A solid understanding of the Legislative Process and the broader Legislative Environment.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
• The ability to quickly review, comprehend, and retain complex information regarding House Rules, Committee directives, and CAO policies and procedures.
• Proven ability to analyze complex problems, evaluate diverse viewpoints and proposals, and recommend appropriate solutions or changes.
• A demonstrated capacity to establish and maintain effective working relationships with senior staff and high-ranking government officials.
• A track record of handling sensitive and confidential matters with tact, sound judgment, and discretion.
• Strong problem-solving skills coupled with genuine enthusiasm for the mission of the CAO and the House.

Skills and Competencies

Success in this role hinges on a blend of technical and interpersonal skills. Key competencies include:

• Technical Proficiency: Mastery of the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Visio, Teams) is essential for daily tasks, document creation, and communication.
• Legislative Acumen: Knowledge of the Legislative Process and the specific environment of the House is highly advantageous.
• Communication Excellence: Superior oral and written communication skills are required for drafting correspondence, reports, and interacting with stakeholders.
• Organizational Prowess: Skills in records management, workflow coordination, and project tracking are crucial for maintaining order and efficiency.
• Analytical Thinking: The ability to analyze problems, assess situations, and propose effective solutions is vital.
• Interpersonal Skills: Aptitude for building and maintaining professional relationships with colleagues, senior officials, and external contacts.
• Discretion & Judgment: The capacity to handle confidential information with the utmost tact, discretion, and sound judgment.
• Time Management: Efficiently managing multiple priorities, complex schedules, and deadlines.
• Customer Focus: Providing courteous and professional assistance to office visitors and constituents.

Salary Overview

The position offers a competitive annual salary within the range of $108,762 to $120,960, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Benefits

While specific benefit packages can vary, employment with the U.S. House of Representatives typically offers:

• A stable and predictable work environment.
• The opportunity to contribute to public service and national governance.
• Potential for professional development and career advancement within the legislative branch.
• The satisfaction of supporting critical operational functions.

It is important to note that continued employment is contingent upon successfully obtaining and maintaining the required Top Secret security clearance, which includes a criminal history records check and potentially a pre-employment drug test.

Physical Requirements and Security

• Physical Demands: You must be willing to occasionally travel, sometimes with short notice, and participate in contingency operations. This may include the ability to lift up to 50 pounds and load equipment.
• Security Clearance: This position necessitates obtaining and maintaining an applicable U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance. U.S. citizenship is a prerequisite for clearance application. Successful completion of a criminal history records check and potentially a pre-employment drug test are mandatory for continued employment.

Application Process

To apply for this Executive Assistant position, please follow these steps:

1. Submit Resume: Qualify candidates are requested to submit their resume online.
2. Follow Instructions: Carefully adhere to the specific instructions provided within the official job announcement link.
3. Provide Documentation: Ensure all necessary documents, such as your resume, are included with your application.

What to Expect Next:

Upon review of your application, qualified candidates will be contacted directly by the hiring team to discuss the next steps in the evaluation process. The evaluation will be conducted through a structured interview process.

Application Tips for Success

To maximize your chances of success in this application process:

• Tailor Your Resume: Meticulously align your resume with the job description. Highlight administrative experience, emphasizing any roles within government, legislative bodies, or similar complex organizations.
• Showcase Software Skills: Clearly list and detail your proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite, especially Visio and Teams. If you have experience with other relevant software or project management tools, include them.
• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers and data to demonstrate the impact of your administrative work. For instance, 'Managed calendars for 5 senior executives,' or 'Processed an average of 100 documents weekly.'
• Highlight Confidentiality: Provide examples of how you have handled sensitive or confidential information in previous roles, demonstrating your discretion and judgment.
• Address KSAs: Directly address the Knowledge, Skills, and Ability (KSA) requirements mentioned in the announcement. Use specific examples from your experience to illustrate your capabilities.
• Proofread Meticulously: Ensure your resume and any other submitted documents are free of grammatical errors and typos. A high degree of attention to detail is expected for this role.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the core responsibilities of this Executive Assistant role? A1: The Executive Assistant provides comprehensive, confidential administrative support to senior leadership within the Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery division of the U.S. House of Representatives' CAO. This includes managing correspondence, schedules, records, and assisting with special projects.

Q2: What is the salary range for this position? A2: The annual salary for this Executive Assistant position ranges from $108,762 to $120,960.

Q3: Where is this job located? A3: The position is based in Washington, District of Columbia.

Q4: Is a security clearance required? A4: Yes, this role requires the successful applicant to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance. U.S. citizenship is a prerequisite.

Q5: What is the work schedule and travel expectation? A5: The position is likely full-time. While the specific schedule isn't detailed, occasional travel and participation in contingency operations are expected, which may involve physical tasks like lifting up to 50 pounds.

Q6: What type of experience is most valued for this role? A6: Experience in high-level administrative support, particularly within government or legislative environments, proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, strong communication skills, and a proven ability to manage confidential information are highly valued.

This Executive Assistant position within the U.S. House of Representatives offers a unique and impactful career opportunity for a skilled administrative professional. By providing essential support to the critical Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery functions, you will play a vital role in ensuring the stability and operational readiness of the legislative branch. If you are ready to leverage your expertise in a demanding yet fulfilling capacity and meet the required qualifications, including the ability to obtain a Top Secret security clearance, we encourage you to apply. Join a team dedicated to service and excellence in the heart of the nation's capital.