OAR Chief of Staff Program Coordinator (SME I)

Overview

You are someone who thrives in the fast-moving center of a major federal science agency — someone who can synthesize a 50-page research portfolio into a crisp two-page brief for the NOAA Administrator, keep track of a dozen competing priorities across OAR headquarters, and make sure that nothing falls through the cracks when the Chief of Staff needs it most. As the OAR Chief of Staff Program Coordinator, you will work directly within the OAR COS office in Silver Spring to advance OAR's objectives at NOAA headquarters, providing high-level briefing materials, real-time programmatic updates, and logistical and substantive support for some of the most consequential meetings in NOAA leadership's calendar. This is a role for a sharp, discreet, and highly organized professional who understands the rhythm of federal senior leadership and can deliver exactly what is needed — at exactly the right moment.

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

Work Schedule and Location:

On-Site:

• In-person presence required at NOAA Headquarters,1401 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC
• Normal work hours are Monday through Friday, 8 hours per day / 40 hours per week, excluding federal holidays
• Travel required, including potential travel with NOAA Headquarters leadership; all unplanned travel must be approved in writing by the COR at least 10 calendar days in advance

FWI is expanding rapidly and has been recognized as a 2024, 2025 and 2026 Top Workplace, offering excellent growth opportunities in a collaborative environment. 

Responsibilities

• Prepare briefing materials, memos, and talking points for review by OAR leadership and NOAA leadership in preparation for meetings, events, and decisions
• Provide regular oral and written updates to OAR leadership on NOAA Headquarters activities, requests, and emerging priorities
• Review, analyze, and synthesize information from a variety of sources into portfolio summaries, implementation plans, and other documents for submission to leadership and counterparts within and outside of NOAA
• Provide substantive and logistical staff support for the preparation, execution, and follow-up of meetings, workshops, and events for the NOAA Administrator related to OAR activities, including travel with NOAA Headquarters leadership
• Coordinate with other NOAA Program Coordination Officers and the NOAA COS and Deputy COS on cross-cutting headquarters activities and priorities
• Coordinate and communicate regularly with OAR headquarters, labs, and programs to understand and advance OAR mission, work, and activities
• Apply specialized knowledge to gather facts, analyze program information, and develop recommendations and strategies that help OAR leadership navigate headquarters priorities effectively

Qualifications

Required: 

• BA/BS in a technical or business discipline — Public Administration, Political Science, Environmental Science, Communications, or a closely related field preferred; advanced degrees or certifications may qualify for shorter periods of required experience
• 4+ years of professional and/or academic experience

Desired: 

• Demonstrated experience providing direct support to senior federal government leadership, including preparation of briefings, memos, and talking points for executive-level audiences
• Strong analytical and synthesis skills; ability to distill complex, multi-source programmatic information into clear, concise, and actionable documents under tight deadlines
• Experience providing staff support for senior leadership meetings, including substantive preparation, day-of coordination, and structured follow-up
• Familiarity with NOAA, OAR, or federal agency headquarters operations, including interagency coordination processes and senior leadership workflow
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail; demonstrated ability to manage multiple competing priorities in a fast-paced senior leadership environment
• Discretion and sound judgment when handling sensitive organizational information and leadership communications
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to produce professional, polished documents for senior government audiences on short timelines
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Low-risk federal security clearance; in-person presence at SSMC3, Silver Spring, MD required

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

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

Pay Range

$81,556.80 - $85,849.26 depending on experience, education, and clearance level.