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Assistant Secretary Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

RWD Consulting

Administrative Assistant

Washington, DC

$20.50 - $27.50/hr

Serve as a liaison between the H Assistant Secretary and senior officials both within and outside the Department, keeping them informed of actions taken by the Assistant Secretary or views on ...

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Assistant Secretary information

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$12

$28

$76

How much do assistant secretary jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant secretary in Washington is $28.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.33 and $30.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Assistant Secretary vs Administrative Assistant?

AspectAssistant SecretaryAdministrative Assistant
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, relevant experience, sometimes specialized certificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent, some roles may require post-secondary education
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, large organizations, often in office settingsOffice settings across various industries, including corporate and nonprofit
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment departments, international organizations, large corporationsBusinesses, nonprofits, government offices
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, qualifications, and responsibilitiesJob duties, career path, and qualifications

The Assistant Secretary typically holds a higher-level position with specialized credentials and works in government or large organizations. An Administrative Assistant provides clerical support across various industries. While both roles support organizational functions, the Assistant Secretary has more strategic responsibilities and requires more advanced qualifications.

What does an Assistant Secretary do?

An Assistant Secretary is a senior official who supports the Secretary in managing specific departments or divisions within an organization or government agency. They often oversee administrative functions, coordinate policies, and assist with strategic planning, requiring strong leadership and organizational skills.

What Is an Assistant Secretary?

An assistant secretary is responsible for supporting administrator-level employees in an office setting. In this role, you are usually assigned to work for a specific department or employee. Your job duties include utilizing telecommunications systems to screen calls, take messages, schedule meetings, and transfer calls. You also perform other clerical service tasks like creating spreadsheets, delivering reports, negotiating contracts with a vendor for supplies, and drafting PowerPoint presentations. Qualifications for this career include excellent communication, grammar, and typing skills and at least a high school diploma or GED certificate. Experience is usually not necessary. You can find assistant secretary positions in any industry.

What are some common challenges faced by an Assistant Secretary when managing communication among multiple departments?

Assistant Secretaries often serve as a crucial liaison between various departments, which can present challenges such as coordinating schedules, ensuring clear and timely communication, and managing conflicting priorities. Staying organized and maintaining strong attention to detail are essential to prevent miscommunications and missed deadlines. Developing effective systems for tracking tasks and maintaining open channels with team members can help overcome these challenges and contribute to smoother operations across the organization.

What are Assistant Secretaries?

Assistant Secretaries are senior officials in government agencies, organizations, or corporations who assist higher-level secretaries or executives in managing specific departments or functions. Their responsibilities typically include overseeing daily operations, developing policies, coordinating with other departments, and providing leadership within their area of expertise. In government, Assistant Secretaries often handle significant policy areas and report directly to a Secretary or Deputy Secretary. They play a key role in implementing strategies and ensuring that goals are met efficiently. The specific duties can vary depending on the organization and sector.

What qualifications do I need to be an administrative assistant?

To become an administrative assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with strong organizational, communication, and computer skills. Proficiency in office software like Microsoft Office and experience with administrative tasks are often required, and some roles may prefer post-secondary education or relevant certifications.

Is EA a dead-end job?

An Assistant Secretary role is typically a mid- to senior-level administrative or managerial position within government or organizations, offering opportunities for career advancement and skill development. While some roles may have limited upward mobility depending on the organization, many Assistant Secretaries progress to higher executive positions or specialized areas with experience and additional qualifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant Secretary, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Secretary, you need excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in office administration, typically supported by a relevant degree or diploma. Familiarity with office software such as Microsoft Office Suite, calendar management systems, and sometimes shorthand or transcription tools is common. Strong interpersonal skills, discretion, and the ability to multitask help an individual excel in supporting executives and managing sensitive information. These skills ensure smooth office operations, effective communication, and the professional handling of confidential matters.
More about Assistant Secretary jobs
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What cities in Washington are hiring for Assistant Secretary jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Assistant Secretary job openings:
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Assistant Secretary jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Secretary job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,623 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary

PCI Government Services LLC

Washington, DC

$138K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Summary
The Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary provides support to the Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs and reports to the Program Manager. The position is 100% on-site.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Provide senior-level policy advice and analysis to the Assistant Secretary on political, economic, security, and humanitarian issues affecting African nations.
  • Draft, review, and edit briefing materials, talking points, decision memos, and correspondence for the Assistant Secretary's use in high-level meetings, congressional testimony, and diplomatic engagements.
  • Manage special projects and initiatives as assigned, including strategic planning efforts related to regional security, trade, democracy promotion, and humanitarian assistance.
  • Serve as a liaison between the Assistant Secretary's office and bureau offices, regional and functional bureaus, and U.S. missions in Africa.
  • Accompany the Assistant Secretary on official travel, providing real-time analysis and support during diplomatic engagements.
  • Monitor and analyze political and economic developments across the region, alerting the Assistant Secretary to emerging issues requiring senior attention.
  • Support the preparation of the Assistant Secretary for testimony before Congress, press engagements, and public speaking events.
  • Coordinate with Public Affairs and Press Office staff to ensure consistent messaging on Africa-related policy matters.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Assistant Secretary.
Education and Qualifications
  • Must be a U.S. citizen and possess or be able to obtain a Top Secret clearance. Preference will be given to those with active security clearance.
  • A Bachelor's degree is required; an advanced degree (Master's or higher) in International Relations, Political Science, African Studies, Public Policy, or a related field is strongly preferred.
  • Graduates of the Foreign Service Institute's senior leadership or area studies programs are viewed favorably, where applicable.
  • Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in foreign policy, international affairs, or a related field, with demonstrated expertise in African affairs strongly preferred.
  • Demonstrated experience advising senior officials on complex foreign policy matters.
  • Strong analytical, writing, and oral communication skills, including experience drafting materials for senior-level audiences.
  • Experience working within or closely with the U.S. government interagency process.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple high-priority tasks under tight deadlines with discretion and sound judgment.
  • Regional expertise in Sub-Saharan Africa, including knowledge of political, economic, and security dynamics, is highly desirable.
  • Foreign language proficiency in French, Portuguese, Arabic, or Swahili is a plus.
  • Willingness to travel internationally, including to posts in austere or high-threat environments.

PCI Federal (PCIF) and its subsidiaries are an equal-opportunity employer. PCIF does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, national origin, religion, marital status, sexual orientation or identity, Veterans or Disability status.

Preference may be extended to qualified Native American Indian candidates in accordance with applicable federal law.

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