Senior Advisor: Embedded as Client-Facing, On-site Executive Assistant

Description

We’re seeking an Executive Assistant to support our U.S. government client for an initial 6-month engagement, with potential to expand into other projects across Frontier based on performance and firm needs. 

This role requires 2-5 years of relevant experience supporting executive leadership or operating within complex federal environments. Tasks include high-level administrative and operational support, including but not limited to strategic calendar management, cross-functional tracking, communications coordination, and cross-office collaboration, all in support of executive leadership priorities. Experience in federal or public sector environments is highly valued; consulting experience is an asset but not required.

We are an innovative, fast-paced boutique consulting firm with a highly collaborative and supportive human-centered culture. We value experienced, creative, and proactive problem solvers who thrive in a collaborative setting. As a member of our team, you will dive into a variety of projects, working both as part of a team and independently on critical deliverables. We seek individuals who are both  strategic thinkers and meticulous executors. Ideal candidates are robust communicators who are open to continuous feedback, iteration, and adaptation, ready to tackle challenges head-on and drive meaningful change.

About US

Frontier Design is a design and impact advisory firm, dedicated to serving mission-driven organizations and leaders transforming the world. Our core capabilities include measuring and improving impact, co-creating and implementing innovative strategies, leading human-centered change and transformation, and developing and supporting leaders and teams. How we deliver these services is unique, rooted in the mindset, tools and approaches of human-centered design and organizational psychology. 

We sit at the intersection of management consulting and human-centered design—what we call Design Advising. Our interdisciplinary team is both creative and analytical, combining our expertise as engineers, designers, evaluators, strategists, innovators and storytellers. We believe in delivering radical value, delighting our clients with exceptional quality and wowing them with our cost-effectiveness.

We work globally and locally in the U.S., with a wide variety of world class organizations across industries including federal and state governments, non-profit organizations, academia, foundations and the private sector. While headquartered in Alexandria, VA, our organizational construct is largely “virtual”, which offers us the opportunity to employ remarkable talent regardless of physical location. For team members in the Washington, DC area, we utilize shared office spaces for in-person meetings as needed. To learn more about Frontier Design please visit www.imaginefrontier.com.

Requirements

 Responsibilities

Executive and Administrative Support

• Manage and maintain executive calendars, scheduling, and meeting logistics to ensure effective coordination and time management.
• Organize and prepare materials for meetings, agendas, briefings, presentations, correspondence, and other communication materials for leadership.
• Conduct light research, information gathering, and coordination activities to support leadership decision-making, planning, and meeting preparation.
• Support travel coordination, document management, and other administrative processes as needed.
• Track and monitor leadership priorities, action items, and deliverables to ensure alignment and timely follow-through.
• Maintain organized tracking systems, administrative files, and coordination tools to support efficient operations.
• Identify opportunities to improve workflow, scheduling efficiency, and operational processes.
• Provide flexible support to leadership in response to evolving organizational needs and priorities.

Communications and Coordination

• Coordinate internal and external communications between leadership, staff, and stakeholders.
• Draft, organize, and disseminate updates, briefings, meeting summaries, and other information to ensure timely and consistent communication.
• Facilitate collaboration and coordination across teams, offices, and initiatives to support organizational goals.
• Conduct light research, gather background information, and synthesize materials in preparation for leadership meetings and decision-making.
• Maintain clear and professional communication channels to enhance engagement and operational effectiveness.

Required Skill- and Mindsets

Collaboration and Client Engagement

• Must be willing to work on site five days a week in Washington, DC. 
• Proven experience in executive operations and leadership support within senior executive environments, including experience managing multiple priorities simultaneously and maintaining a high level of professionalism and confidentiality
• Demonstrated experience in federal government or consulting, including stakeholder coordination and navigating complex organizational agency environments.
• Strong foundational skills in project and program management. 
• Expertise in strategic communications, executive briefing preparation, meeting coordination, and organizational skills.
• Comfort with budget tracking, tracker maintenance, and baseline operational data management.
• Strong record of cross-functional collaboration, initiative facilitation, and workflow coordination.
• Experience in the development, maintenance, and user-adoption of tracking systems, dashboards, and organizational tools
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to develop effective and trusted working relationships with a geographically and range of stakeholders from various industries.
• Proven ability to use empathy and others' perspectives to creatively frame engagements and surface possible solutions.
• Collaborative work style and openness/willingness to act on feedback and continuously iterate.

Execution

• Commitment to delivering high-quality, professional products within tight timeframes.
• Experience creating compelling visual slide decks, executive briefings, guidance documents, and more.
• Ability to problem-solve complex issues using strong analytical skills.
• Self-motivated with effective time management skills and an ability to proactively anticipate executive needs, with minimal supervision.
• Interest/skills in visual design and communication to enhance data synthesis for executive review. 
• Interest and willingness to support a broad range of project topics and client types, including potential future target assignments.

Other

• Ability to embrace positivity and joy in the work environment. 
• Desire for continuous learning and growth, especially learning by doing.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Public Trust or equivalent background investigation clearance in accordance with federal client requirements.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a relevant field.
• Must be based in Washington, DC.

Type of Position: Full-time, fixed-term contract (40 hours per week)

Compensation: The salary range for this position is $90,000 - $120,000, depending on experience and education. In addition to a competitive base salary, Frontier offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes flexible work schedules, 20 days of paid time off, 11 paid federal holidays, immediate 401K contribution, health/dental & vision insurance and more. All employees are also eligible for an annual performance-based bonus.

To learn more about Frontier Design, please visit www.imaginefrontier.com.