Executive Assistant to the CEO / Office Manager (Temp-to-Hire)

Location: Arlington, VA

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer

About Our Client

Our client is a well-capitalized defense and aerospace startup, newly establishing a robust domestic operations entity in the US market to facilitate entry for international partners. Backed by an established global parent company, the company is poised for significant growth, scaling from an early-stage startup into a major enterprise. The leadership team is comprised of seasoned industry experts.

Role Summary

This position serves as the sole administrative anchor for the US entity, combining executive support for the CEO with foundational office management responsibilities. The ideal candidate will manage administrative logistics, complex international travel, and facility operations. The role requires a proactive professional with a "hands-on" approach, managing office operations while supporting senior leadership. For the right candidate, this position offers potential professional development paths toward Director-level leadership in areas such as Operations, HR, or Finance, as the organization scales.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Executive Support: Manage the CEO's calendar, email, and communications to prioritize and manage their time.
• Office Management: Oversee daily headquarters operations, including vendor relations, facilities, space inspections, and reception.
• Travel Coordination: Coordinate complex domestic and international travel logistics and partner with the international parent company's administrative team.
• Presentation & Event Support: Prepare briefing materials, agendas, and presentation decks for speaking engagements.
• Strategic Team Growth: Assist with the onboarding of new hires and prepare the office infrastructure to scale, with future responsibility for hiring and managing an administrative team.

Qualifications

• US Citizenship is strictly required due to defense sector compliance
• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• 5+ years supporting C-suite executives, ideally within defense/national security or related sectors
• Direct, formal and responsive communication style
• High emotional intelligence and assertiveness. Ability to push back constructively, take complete ownership of logistics, and manage a fast-paced executive workload.
• Comfortable joining an early-stage startup without pre-existing HR or administrative infrastructure.
• Experience with temp-to-hire structures and a target start date of June 22.
• Security Clearance is a plus. All applicants must be clearable.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive BCBS CareFirst health benefits.
• 401(k) with a 4% dollar-for-dollar match.
• Unlimited PTO
• Some remote flexibility available following a ramp-up period