Program Support Specialist (Entry Level to SME) TS/SCI with Poly REQUIRED
The Program Support Specialist role at Confidential Client supports national security programs by providing administrative, operational, and analytical assistance across multiple experience levels from entry to subject matter expert. Responsibilities include managing schedules, data entry, compliance monitoring, stakeholder coordination, and advanced program analysis to ensure smooth program operations and adherence to regulatory guidelines. This position requires a TS/SCI with Poly clearance and offers a hybrid work model in Arlington, VA.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Admin (Defense & Intelligence / IT Services).
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Responsibilities
This Program Support Specialist role supports a confidential client's intelligence/defense programs. Multiple seniority levels are being recruited (Entry → SME). Responsibilities vary by level; examples below reflect typical workstreams you may perform.
Entry Level / Junior
- Provide general administrative support: answer phones, respond to routine emails, and route inquiries.
- Manage calendars, schedule meetings, reserve rooms, prepare agendas.
- Perform accurate data entry into program databases and maintain physical/digital filing systems.
- Format and assemble reports, presentations, and routine program documents.
- Support onboarding logistics and basic event coordination.
Mid-Level
- Produce and analyze program metrics, prepare weekly/monthly reports, and maintain case logs.
- Act as an escalation point for more complex programmatic inquiries; investigate records and escalate as needed.
- Monitor compliance with organizational procedures and assist with contract documentation.
- Coordinate cross-functional stakeholder communication and provide technical assistance to staff.
Senior / SME
- Lead program analysis, policy/procedure development, and strategic planning initiatives.
- Project-manage interagency efforts, high-risk contracts, and grant compliance activities.
- Serve as the central liaison between government partners, community stakeholders, and executive leadership.
- Design and automate advanced data models and comprehensive reports to evaluate program effectiveness.
- Exercise independent judgment on high-impact decisions and advise senior leadership.
Required Qualifications
Clearance
- Active TS/SCI with Polygraph is REQUIRED for all candidates.
Education & Experience (by level)
- Entry Level: HS/GED + 4 yrs relevant experience or Associate + 2 yrs or Bachelor's with 0 yrs.
- Junior: HS/GED + 6 yrs or Associate + 4 yrs or Bachelor's + 2 yrs or Master's with 0 yrs.
- Mid-Level: HS/GED + 8 yrs or Associate + 6 yrs or Bachelor's + 4 yrs or Master's + 2 yrs or PhD with 0 yrs.
- Senior: HS/GED + 10 yrs or Associate + 8 yrs or Bachelor's + 6 yrs or Master's + 4 yrs or PhD + 2 yrs.
- SME: HS/GED + 12 yrs or Associate + 10 yrs or Bachelor's + 8 yrs or Master's + 6 yrs or PhD + 4 yrs.
Technical & Professional Skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and SharePoint; familiarity with Google Workspace and CRM/ticketing systems preferred.
- Strong data entry and data manipulation skills; experience generating spreadsheets and programmatic reports.
- Excellent written and verbal communication, organization, and attention to detail.
- For senior/SME roles: advanced data analysis, program management, and independent decision-making capability.
Legal & Operational
- Ability to complete any required background investigations. Some assignments may include credit checks per applicable rules.
- Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. and able to meet on-site/hybrid work requirements for the Fort Myer / Arlington location.
Location, Compensation & Benefits
- Work location: Fort Myer / Arlington, VA (hybrid model acceptable).
- Employment type: Full-time.
- Compensation: $89,600.00 - $204,000.00 (U.S. estimate; actual offer depends on experience, level, and other factors).
- Benefits (typical for this client): competitive pay, comprehensive insurance options, 401(k) contributions, paid time off, parental leave, learning/tuition assistance, and wellness programs.
Why Apply Through Careertakes
- Careertakes represents this opportunity as a third-party recruiting platform — you’ll be employed directly by the confidential client if selected.
- We provide discrete, career-matched openings across defense and federal contracting sectors and can surface similar roles that match your clearance and experience.
- Careertakes follows best-practice recruiting standards: transparent requirements, pay range disclosure (where provided), and reasonable accommodation support for applicants with disabilities.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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