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Assistant Program Officer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

The Action Officer will provide direct, high-level support to a DARPA Program Director managing a ... Executive Assistant Functions: * Manage the Program Director's calendar, priorities, and daily ...

Technical

Arlington, VA · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

The Senior Research Analyst will assist the Program Officer in managing deadlines and required documents of the research performers, communicating with the research performers, providing feedback on ...

Review and analyze financial documents, plans, and reports to identify deficiencies, excesses, trends, and imbalances that impact execution benchmarks. Assist Program Officers with annual phasing and ...

Program Analyst

Arlington, VA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

... Assist Program Officers with annual phasing and planning activities, including development of spend plans. • Respond to programmatic, technical, and financial data calls from multiple internal and ...

Review and analyze financial documents, plans, and reports to identify deficiencies, excesses, trends, and imbalances that impact execution benchmarks. Assist Program Officers with annual phasing and ...

Program Analyst

Arlington, VA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

... Assist Program Officers with annual phasing and planning activities, including development of spend plans. • Respond to programmatic, technical, and financial data calls from multiple internal and ...

Showing results 21-40

Assistant Program Officer information

See Virginia salary details

$21.3K

$45.3K

$62.5K

How much do assistant program officer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant program officer in Virginia is $45,329.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,200.00 and $47,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an assistant program officer do?

An Assistant Program Officer supports the planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs within an organization, often in the nonprofit, government, or educational sectors. They assist with administrative tasks, help coordinate program activities, maintain documentation, and communicate with stakeholders. Their role is vital in ensuring that programs run smoothly and achieve their goals. They may also help with budget tracking, reporting, and researching best practices for program improvement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant program officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Program Officer, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and experience in project management, program evaluation, and research. Familiarity with data analysis tools, grant management systems, and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite are commonly required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for managing multiple tasks and collaborating with stakeholders. These skills ensure programs are executed efficiently, objectives are met, and stakeholder relationships are maintained.

What are some common challenges faced by assistant program officers when managing multiple projects simultaneously?

Assistant Program Officers often juggle several projects at once, which can present challenges in prioritization and time management. Balancing competing deadlines, coordinating with diverse stakeholders, and adapting to shifting program needs require strong organizational skills and flexibility. Successful professionals in this role proactively communicate with team members, use project management tools, and regularly review progress to stay on track. Being open to feedback and willing to adjust plans as needed are also key to overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Assistant Program Officer vs Program Officer?

AspectAssistant Program OfficerProgram Officer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, relevant experienceBachelor's or master's degree, more experience
Work EnvironmentSupportive team, entry to mid-levelLeadership role, project management
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofits, NGOs, government agenciesSimilar sectors, more responsibility
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between an Assistant Program Officer and a Program Officer lies in their level of responsibility and experience. Assistant Program Officers typically support program activities and handle administrative tasks, while Program Officers oversee projects, manage teams, and make strategic decisions. Both roles are common in nonprofit and government sectors, with the Program Officer position requiring more experience and leadership skills.

What are the most commonly searched types of Program Officer jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Program Officer jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Assistant Program Officer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Assistant Program Officer job openings:

Infographic showing various Assistant Program Officer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,329 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

DARPA Junior Action Officer

Arlington, VA • On-site

Amentum
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

The Action Officer will provide direct, high-level support to a DARPA Program Director managing a portfolio of exceptionally high-dollar, high-visibility research and development programs. This role requires a highly organized, analytically strong professional capable of operating in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment with significant executive exposure.
The employee will serve as a critical integrator across technical, financial, acquisition, and operational domains to ensure program success, compliance, and strategic alignment, while also performing critical executive support functions to maximize the Program Director's effectiveness and time.
Key Responsibilities
Programmatic & Action Officer Duties:
  • Serve as the principal coordination point for all programmatic actions on behalf of the Program Director
  • Track, manage, and reconcile large-scale program funding (often exceeding hundreds of millions to billions of dollars) across multiple appropriations and fiscal years
  • Prepare, review, and staff acquisition documentation, funding actions, and executive correspondence
  • Ensure compliance with Department of Defense financial management regulations, acquisition policies, and audit requirements
  • Develop and maintain detailed program trackers, dashboards, and status reports for senior leadership
  • Coordinate with contracting officers, financial managers, technical performers, and external stakeholders
  • Support program reviews, briefings, and Congressional or senior DoD engagements
  • Identify risks, issues, and bottlenecks; propose actionable mitigation strategies
  • Draft decision memos, talking points, and strategic communications for senior leadership
  • Manage sensitive and classified information in accordance with security protocols

Executive Assistant Functions:
  • Manage the Program Director's calendar, priorities, and daily schedule in a high-tempo, high-demand environment
  • Coordinate and deconflict meetings, secure facilities, and classified spaces as required
  • Prepare briefing materials, read-ahead packages, and executive summaries for meetings and engagements
  • Serve as gatekeeper for taskings, ensuring proper prioritization and timely execution
  • Track suspense items, action items, and deliverables across multiple stakeholders and ensure follow-through
  • Coordinate domestic and international travel, including itineraries, clearances, and country-specific requirements
  • Draft, review, and route correspondence, emails, and official communications on behalf of the Program Director
  • Facilitate communication between the Program Director and internal/external stakeholders, including senior DoD leadership
  • Maintain organized records, files, and documentation in accordance with records management and security requirements
  • Anticipate executive needs and proactively resolve scheduling, administrative, or operational conflicts

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Engineering, Public Administration, Arts, or related field
  • 2-5+ years of experience supporting DoD programs, acquisitions, executive leadership in a company, or financial management
  • Strong familiarity with DoD administrative processes, task management systems, and correspondence protocols
  • Exceptional organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to operate independently and manage competing priorities under tight deadlines
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level briefing experience
  • Active Top Secret (SCI eligible)

Preferred Qualifications
  • Familiarity with advanced technology programs (AI, cyber, autonomy, space, or emerging tech)
  • Demonstrated excellence in executive scheduling, task management, and front office operations

Key Competencies
  • Strategic thinking and executive-level judgment
  • Discretion and professionalism in handling sensitive information
  • Cross-functional coordination and stakeholder management
  • Superior organizational and time-management skills
  • Proactive problem-solving and anticipation of leadership needs

Compensation Details:
$125K-$150K
The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.
Benefits Overview:
Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)
  • Educational reimbursement
  • Parental leave
  • Employee stock purchase plan
  • Tax-saving options
  • Disability and life insurance
  • Pet insurance

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.
Original Posting:
07/23/2026 - Until Filled
Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.
Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters.