Contract Support Specialist

Overview

Job specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees. Specifications and not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.SUMMARY:This position serves as a highly motivated and detail-oriented Contract Support Specialist to support the Commercial Operations section of the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). DIU's goal is to position the Department of Defense (DoD) to be more open to the infusion of non-traditional technical ideas and talent, accelerate the adoption of advanced commercial technology within DoD, transform its capabilities, and strengthen the national security innovation base.

 

DIU Commercial Operations is an organization dedicated to fostering innovation and collaboration among DoD Mission Partners, Academia, Industry, new ventures & entrepreneurs, private capital investors, and other national security stakeholders to solve some of the most complex challenges facing the nation.

As a Contract Support Specialist, you will play a crucial role in providing support to senior Government leadership and assisting with the planning, coordination, and execution of various workflows.

 

The Project Analyst must be creative and enjoy working within an entrepreneurial environment, with exemplary time management skills and the ability to identify, anticipate, and fulfill needs. The ideal individual will have the ability to exercise good judgment in a diversity of situations, with excellent written and verbal communication, analytical, administrative, and organizational skills, and the ability to maintain a realistic balance among multiple priorities and equities in a high-tempo environment serving NSIN and DIU’s mission.

 

The successful candidate will build ongoing rapport and interact seamlessly and with a professional demeanor across a broad range of individuals including members of the Senior Management Team, government contractors, Federal civilian and military employees, and cross-government stakeholders. The role is expected to handle exquisitely highly sensitive, confidential, and institutional information while exercising professionalism and discretion.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:• Assist in the planning, coordination, and execution of NSIN and DIU programs and projects.Conduct research, gather data, and perform analysis to support program decision-making processes.• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop program plans, timelines, and deliverables.Track program progress, identify risks, and propose mitigations to ensure timely completion of objectives.• Prepare reports, presentations, and other materials for program stakeholders and senior leadership.• Support the development and implementation of program policies, procedures, and guidelines.Assist in the management of program budgets, including monitoring expenses and financial reporting.• Coordinate and facilitate meetings, workshops, and events related to program activities.Maintain accurate and up-to-date program documentation, including meeting minutes, action items, and project files.• Stay informed about industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies relevant to NSIN and DIU's mission.• You will proactively, timely and with high quality, provide broad support to help organize and proactively leaning to leverage Senior Leadership’s time & resources effectively.• Building effective working relationships with key stakeholders such as Senior Government Executives, contractors, and external parties.NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Other duties as assigned.May require regular travel. (Varies by location)QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND LICENSURE:• Bachelor’s Degree • Minimum of 5+ years of experience providing project management & analysis, administrative, operational, and/or logistical support; 10+ years of equivalent experience a plus.• Working level experience with the Defense Travel System (DTS)• Experience with interaction with the General Services Administration (GSA) for submitting deliverables or requests preferred.• Proven experience in program management, project coordination, or a related role.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to collect, organize, analyze, and disseminate information effectively.• US Citizenship required - must be able to obtain a DoD Secret clearance; active DoD Secret Clearance or above preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:• Advanced Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), G-Suite, Smartsheets and Salesforce. • Experience supporting senior Government Executives and/or corporate leadership, DOD a plus with a demonstrated ability to coordinate complex logistics in support of activities across multiple locations.• A poised, polished, and professional communication style. The candidat