Executive Support & Project Specialist; McLean VA

Description & Requirements

Maximus is seeking a highly organized, polished, and proactive Executive Support & Project Specialist to support C-suite leadership in a fast-paced executive environment. This role operates at the intersection of executive operations and project coordination and is ideal for someone who thrives on structure, anticipates needs, and enjoys bringing order and rhythm to complex workflows.

The successful candidate will provide high-level executive support while coordinating initiatives that require strong organization, follow-through, and collaboration across teams. This position offers the opportunity to shape and set initiatives, not just support them, while operating in a high-visibility leadership environment where precision, responsiveness, and executive presence are essential.

The role is hybrid, based in McLean, VA, with occasional travel (approximately 10–15%) to support leadership events and initiatives.

• Support and coordinate all project management initiatives.
• Schedule, plan, and coordinate project activities.
• Create and maintain project tracking tools and documentation.
• Develop solutions to a variety of problems of moderate scope and complexity.
• Contribute to the completion of organizational projects and goals.
• Communicate on complex or sensitive issues or draft responses for supervisor or manager.
• Manage the business operations of a C-suite executive office, exercising independent judgment to prioritize initiatives, allocate resources, and manage stakeholder access.
• Prepare executive briefing materials, decision memos, and strategic communications, synthesizing complex information to support informed decision-making.
• Serve as a primary operational liaison between the executive office and internal/external stakeholders, making autonomous decisions regarding routing, responses, and escalations.
• Coordinate and support leadership meetings and initiatives, including planning agendas, managing logistics, and ensuring alignment with organizational priorities.
• Make operational decisions on behalf of the executive office, applying discretion, judgment, and strategic thinking.
• Handle confidential and sensitive matters with the highest level of professionalism and mature judgment.

• Bachelor s degree in related field.
• 3-5 years of relevant professional experience required.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience considered in lieu of education.
• Experience delivering high-level executive support to C-Suite leaders while effectively managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Experience using project or program management tools (e.g., Smartsheet, MS Project) to coordinate large projects or cross-functional initiatives, track timelines, and provide updates to senior leaders.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and comfort using technology to support executive operations.
• Experience leveraging AI technologies, including Microsoft Copilot.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships across teams and with senior stakeholders.
• Professional, polished, and resourceful demeanor, demonstrating sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to operate independently and collaboratively.
• Comfortable working in a hybrid environment based in McLean, VA, with occasional travel (10–15%) to support executive initiatives.

Maximus is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics.

Maximus compensation is based on various factors including but not limited to job location, a candidate s education, training, experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value analysis including seniority and merit systems, as well as internal pay alignment. Annual salary is just one component of Maximus s total…