Senior Program Assistant (Center for Professional Excellence & Student Learning) 2-Year Term

If you would enjoy working in a dynamic environment and are looking for an opportunity to become part of a stellar team of professionals, we invite you to apply online today.

Posting Period:

July 29, 2026 - Until Filled

Employee Type:

NEASO NEA Staff Organization, OO110 Center for Professional Excellence & Student Learning (CPE)

Position Type:

Term (Fixed Term)

Salary Range:

$68,061.00 - $102,919.00

Rank:

NEASO Rank 5

Position Details:

Position Emphasis: This position supports NEA’s strategic objective to focus the energy and resources of its 3 million members toward the promotion of public education by performing high-level and detailed administrative and programmatic support to the NEA Center for Professional Excellence and Student Learning (CPESL).

Position Summary: The essential functions of this position include providing high-level administrative, program, technical, and financial support for the Center for Professional Excellence (CPESL) programs and projects. The incumbent is primarily responsible for providing comprehensive administrative, financial, and programmatic support to the Professional Excellence Organizers' Initiative. The position requires a high level of discretion and confidentiality, the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment, meticulous attention to detail, and excellent writing skills. The incumbent responsibilities include handling advanced scheduling, writing and editing reports and correspondence, constructing project plans, determining implementation strategies, processing consultant and travel expenses, making hotel and travel arrangements, and creating PowerPoint presentations. The incumbent will coordinate administrative functions such as scheduling meetings, providing meeting support, and maintaining program documentation; supporting financial management activities through budget tracking, invoice and stipend processing, and maintenance of financial records; administering participant stipends and ensuring compliance with program requirements; coordinating contractor and vendor-related activities, including converting contractor documentation from Google platforms to SharePoint and other formats as needed to support deliverable tracking; assisting with planning and execution of trainings, convenings, and other program events; and maintaining program data while supporting reporting, analysis, and other data management needs. The incumbent provides assistance to the CPESL Manager for Business Affairs in providing departments within the Center with program support, including, but not limited to, developing tracking systems for various departmental reports; coordinating department projects; providing administrative support to high-level executives; implementing NEA policies and procedures; preparing advocacy related and departmental spreadsheets; tracking of fiscal resources with NEA external partners, as well as preparing and compiling data and developing and maintaining databases. To carry out these responsibilities, the incumbent uses a personal computer and associated software and travels occasionally.

This position is a DC-based position with NEA's headquarters building serving as the central workplace.  Individuals hired for certain positions may request approval to telework in accordance with the policies and guidelines of the staff unit to which the position is assigned.  Approval must be authorized by the respective manager and the NEA Executive Director, if required.  For additional information, contact NEA Human Resources.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the following is provided: The position involves creative and analytical thinking; oral and written communication skills; meticulous attention to detail; human relations skills; use of computer keyboard; sitting, standing or walking for long periods; stooping, bending, and reaching; and stamina to work long hours and ability to travel by various conveyances, e.g., automobile, plane.

Minimum Education Requirement: Associate of Arts degree, preferably in business administration or related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills may be obtained. Minimum Qualifications: Three years of progressively responsible program and administrative experience that must include support to a high-level executive, writing and editing skills, presentation material development, participating in program development, determining implementation strategies, and providing technical program assistance concerning the particulars of a program. Other Requirements: Minimum typing speed 40 wpm. Skill and clerical tests will be administered. Work samples (e.g. spreadsheets, databases, or presentation materials) may be required at the interview. Availability to work extended hours on evenings and weekends. Occasional travel required.

Selection Criteria: Tier 1 (Essential): Proven experience providing a wide range of advanced-level administrative program support. Demonstrated use of sound judgment for decision-making and ability to follow through on tasks with minimal supervision. Demonstrated high-level technology skills for managing calendars, appointments, and schedules, word processing, spreadsheet, database development/maintenance, and development of presentation materials (preferably using Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint software), and electronic communications. Demonstrated ability to handle confidential matters. Effective interpersonal and customer service skills to interact with all levels of staff, governance, and NEA membership. Demonstrated web skills and experience with multimedia, digital, and online platforms. Demonstrated skill in coordinating meetings and travel logistics. Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team. Ability to handle multiple and complex tasks simultaneously under stringent timeframes and changing conditions. Ability to create reports and resources for the purposes of tracking work. Experience collecting and synthesizing data. Proven current experience providing specialized program, administrative, and financial support, including processing vouchers and vendor payments. Proficient knowledge and use of Unit 4 ERP (BizPro) for accounts payable processing. Tier 2 (Significant): Experience with Cvent software for conference/meeting planning and Smartsheet for project/work management and collaboration. Knowledge of the overall work of the Center for Professional Excellence. Demonstrated ability to work with and staff NEA leadership and/or governance. Tier 3 (Desirable): Knowledge of the mission and programs of the National Education Association.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the following is provided:  The position involves skill in using a computer and/or laptop; oral and written communication skills; skills in proofreading and editing; use of clear and articulate speech; interpersonal relations skills; reasoning and problem-solving skills; ability to work in a fast-paced environment; ability to sit for long periods, stoop, bend, reach and carry light materials (up to 10 lbs.); and ability to travel by various methods of transportation, e.g., airplane, car.

NEA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and encourages applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, or disability. Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal. To apply for this position or to search for other openings, please go to our jobs page at Careers at NEA (myworkdayjobs.com)  

NEA Participates in E-Verify. Read more here E-Verify Participation & Right to Work.

NEA complies with the DC Wage Transparency Act of 2023.