Executive Assistant to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

Job Description

Job Description

Why join our team?

With a mission that spans the globe, the USO provides a rewarding and fulfilling work environment. Our team is exceptional, and we offer generous paid time off, including volunteer days and military leave. We have a remarkable 401k match, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for training and education reimbursement. Our team members are passionate about putting the mission first, and we have a lot of fun while doing it. Working for the USO isn't just a job – it's a calling, and we believe in doing what you love and loving what you do.

A Certified Great Place to Work®

Don’t just take our word for it—our people have spoken. According to the Great Place to Work® 2025–2026 survey:

• 96% feel good about how we support the community
• 94% are proud to tell others they work at the USO
• 92% say their work has special meaning—it’s not “just a job”
• 91% felt welcomed from day one
• Over 88% agree all employees are treated fairly, regardless of race or gender

This position provides high-level executive support to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) who is responsible for Information Technology (IT), Government Relations and External Affairs, Human Resources (HR), and Strategic Planning. The role ensures effective coordination of enterprise priorities and also supports the CAO’s responsibilities as Executive Secretary to the Board of Governors and liaison to key committees.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities (*Essential Duties)

• Serve as the primary point of contact for the CAO, engaging with senior leadership, Board members, and external stakeholders. *
• Provide Executive Assistant support to the CEO in the absence of the CEO’s Executive Assistant. *
• Manage complex executive calendars, travel, and communications across multiple enterprise priorities. *
• Provide support to the Assistant Executive Secretary, Board of Governors in the conduct of board operations, and to the CAO for all assigned committees by preparing agendas, materials, minutes, and maintaining official records.*
• Draft executive correspondence, presentations, reports, and briefing materials. *
• Coordinate activities across IT, HR, Government Relations and External Affairs, and Strategic Planning functions. *
• Track strategic initiatives, action items, and deliverables across multiple teams.
• Plan and execute meetings and events, ensuring preparation and follow-up. *
• Manage administrative workflows including expense reporting and document approvals.
• Conduct research and support special projects aligned with enterprise priorities.
• Other duties as assigned.
• This is an in-person position located in Arlington, VA.

Job Specifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent. Bachelor’s Degree and/or IAAP preferred.
• 5+ years work experience in a senior administrative support role and/or project support role. Relevant experience in a not-for-profit, military, multicultural and/or global organization preferred.
• Experience supporting Board governance and senior committees preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills. Ability to interact with USO Leadership, high profile public officials, the general public and military audiences at a variety of levels with integrity and professionalism.
• Strong organizational and communication skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment and neutrality related to politically controversial and/or culturally sensitive subjects. Ability to handle confidential information with tact and poise.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
• Must be punctual, organized and self-motivated, with the ability to quickly and easily adapt to changing organizational needs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and collaboration platforms.
• Ability to adapt quickly in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to achieve desired results while working collaboratively in a team environment.
• Ability to perform basic math and follow proper cash/donation handling and reporting procedures.
• Ability to obtain and maintain proper credentials necessary to access USO Center locations and facilities including but not limited to security, credit and/or background screening, SOFA status, valid driver’s license.
• Must be a strong advocate of the USO’s mission.

Details

• The salary range for this position is $80,000-$105,000.
• To support pay transparency, this posting includes the anticipated base salary range for this role. Compensation is determined based on several factors including geographic location, relevant experience, specialized skills, certifications, and overall alignment with the position requirements. Our compensation practices are designed to ensure market competitiveness and internal equity across roles and levels.
• Resume and cover letter are required for full consideration.
• Background check – education, criminal and driving required.
• The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibility and essential functions of this position but should not be considered to be an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.

If that’s not enough to convince you, here are some direct quotes from employees:

• The organization truly cares about the people who work here.
• There is great consideration given and extended in the following areas: organizational core values for all, work-life balance, impact we can actually see (and even experience as a staff member- the feeling of making an impact is priceless), autonomy with respect to current position within the organization.
• Everyone is friendly and easy to talk to. We collaborate well together and share ideas and interests to create fun activities for our overall goal in the community. I couldn't think of a better organization to work for.
• The mission alone provides a positive and meaningful purpose, where people should want to work and be a part of. Most of the people who work for the USO and volunteer for the USO have giving hearts and want to make a difference. This also makes the organization a place where people would want to work.
• The mission and opportunities to make a Difference are amazing. There is no doubt that the USO is one of the most forward-facing, frontline serving nonprofits that I know of.

Apply today. Join the mission. Join Team USO.