Program Operations Specialist for National Security Space

Are you searching for a meaningful career in support of work that provides impactful contributions to space, defense, and other areas of national interest?

Would you like join a team that encourages knowledge sharing, continual learning, and personal growth? 

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL! 

We are looking for a dedicated and detail-oriented National Security Space Mission Area (NSS MA) Operations Coordinator to join our team. This individual will play a key role in supporting the NSS MA by managing a variety of tasks related to program and project operations, administration, logistics, finances, and proposal development. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills, a strong background in project management, and the ability to work with cross-functional teams to ensure the successful execution of projects and programs. 

As the Operations Coordinator, you will perform the following:

• Mission Area Operations:
  • Develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure deadlines are met and sponsor requirements are satisfied.
  • Supervise administrative staff, ensuring task delegation and efficient operations within the NSS team.
  • Manage NSS office space needs to ensure optimal use and organization.
  • Oversee preparations for NSS Executive Committee (EC) and Executive Leadership Team (ELT) meetings, ensuring all logistics are handled.
• Program and Project Administration:
  • Gain a thorough understanding of programs/projects, and assist in preparing and organizing information for internal and external program/project reviews.
  • Plan, organize, and facilitate meetings, conferences, and seminars for both internal and external stakeholders.
  • Interface with sponsors to collect presentation materials, ensure necessary clearances are completed, manage scheduling and reservations, and handle all logistics.
  • Attend meetings, deduce requirements, and document action items for follow-up.
• Logistics and Collaboration:
  • Work with other APL organizations (e.g., security, quality, communications, contracts) to organize various levels of support for project success.
  • Manage and coordinate Distinguished Visitor (DV) visits, handling logistics, scheduling, and ensuring all requirements are met.
  • Oversee NSS conferences, including tracking event logistics and providing necessary support to ensure a successful outcome.
  • Lead preparation and logistical coordination for NSS triannual events, ensuring all resources and materials are in place.
• Mission Area Finances:
  • Assist in managing the NSS fee budget, tracking expenses, and ensuring that fiscal requirements are adhered to.
  • Analyze project plans to detect potential deviations and take corrective actions based on the latest financial data.
• Communications Support:
  • Develop a strong understanding of the technical work being performed by the program and communicate the methodology, impact, and significance to internal and external stakeholders.
  • Act as the main liaison for SES communications and marketing, managing messaging and promoting NSS activities.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Possess a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional level experience.
• Have 7 years of experience in a professional environment, with extensive knowledge of operations, administrative processes, and/or program/project support.
• Have experience with program and project management, including logistics, finance, and administration.
• Have strong organizational and time management skills with a proven ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Are highly organized and able to prioritize multiple (often competing) responsibilities.
• Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey technical information to non-technical stakeholders.
• Are able to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Have attention to detail and strong problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrate the ability to independently analyze, summarize, and make recommendations on processes, procedures, and project-related activities.
• Are forward-thinking, seeking opportunities to create improvements, propose and test solutions, and implement appropriate changes.
• Are proficient in the MS Office Suite, able to quickly and comfortably learn internal systems, and curious-minded with a desire to continue to grow/develop new skills as the job demands.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Top Secret level security clearance by your start date, and ultimately obtain a TS/SCI/SAP level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information.  Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Possess an Advanced degree or equivalent professional level experience.
• Familiarity with the national security space community or direct experience with the Space Force, Air Force, Navy, MDA, NRO, OSD, Joint Staff, or Intelligence CommunityProven success in orchestrating cross-enterprise teams to achieve results.
• Are knowledgeable of APL practices, procedures, and services.
• Have experience working with classified programs, to include review and distribution of products on internal and external classified systems.

Why work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

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All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. 

APL is committed to promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity of perspectives, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu. Only by ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Salary : $62,900 - $180,300