Administrative Program Specialist (Managing Consultant/Associate Director)

Company: Guidehouse
Location: Arlington
Posted on: February 2, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Family: Strategy & Transformation Consulting Travel Required: Up to 25% Clearance Required: Ability to Obtain Public Trust What You Will Do The Administrative Program Specialist will provide operational and programmatic expertise to support the client’s research and development initiatives, which are essential for advancing efforts in biotechnology and biopharmaceuticals to address public health impacts. This includes developing program strategies, plans, and budgets, and overseeing portfolios to ensure technical and contractual requirements are met. You’ll analyze proposals and metrics to identify risks and recommend improvements, while coordinating across government directors, stakeholders, and partners to align on emerging technologies and transition opportunities. Additionally, you’ll support acquisition planning, manage program milestones, and facilitate technical discussions and documentation to advance the client’s mission. As an administrative program specialist, you will be a critical member of project teams, helping our clients solve complex public health and business challenges from strategy through execution. You will have an opportunity to deepen your specialized knowledge and consulting skills, with room for long-term professional growth and career development within the firm. We are looking for candidates who are self-motivated, outcomes oriented, and capable and willing to develop solutions on their own and collaboratively as part of a team of highly skilled professionals. Job Description/Responsibilities - Provide operation and programmatic expertise for the execution of multiple research and development programs - Analyze and evaluate programs, proposals and plans, and program metrics for technical and programmatic merit, as well as to identify risks, mitigation strategies and potential areas of improvements - Analyze and evaluate programs, plans, and metrics to align with mission and program goals; assist with the design, procurement, and execution of programs in support of the Government Program Director(s) - Identify, evaluate, and accelerate innovative projects to advance client initiatives - Identify opportunities and assist with transition of selected programs; provide contract management and acquisition support to program - Develop program plans, strategies, and budgets; assist in managing program portfolios and providing oversight on projects and product development to ensure all requirements are addressed - Develop and manage program plans and financial tools to provide appropriate oversight to a number of programs and budgets in a portfolio - Coordinate and integrate amongst Government Directors and potential stakeholders, interagency partners, and user communities regarding areas of collaboration, needs, emerging industrial and academic capabilities and technologies; identify and review emerging requirements and opportunities for transition of selected technology programs - Assist with the vision, design, acquisition, and execution of programs in support of the Government Program Director(s) - Assist in development and editing of various documents and briefings; organize, coordinate and host technical meetings, workshops, etc. - Assist with the preparation for technical discussions with Government and Industry regarding program concepts, funded projects, strategies, and transition concepts - Assist the program manager with programmatic metrics and milestones (cost, schedule and adherence to contractual requirements) - Build and sustain meaningful relationships with clients and colleagues - Contribute to positive, inclusive team culture and collaborative working environment - Understand and use firm capabilities, solutions, and methodologies What You Will Need: Administrative Program Specialist - Managing Consultant - Bachelor’s degree in business or appropriate scientific/life sciences field - Minimum 8 years of relevant industry experience related to: project management supporting medical countermeasures initiatives such as, cost, schedule, performance, risk analysis, and advice; managing the process of identifying, capturing, storing, archiving, evaluating, retrieving, distributing, and sharing information assets supporting the federal government; facilitating collaboration across multiple Advanced Research and Development (ARD) and Medical Countermeasure (MCM) workstreams; planning, analysis, and interagency coordination Administrative Program Specialist - Associate Director - Graduate degree in business or appropriate scientific/life sciences field - Minimum 10 years of relevant industry experience related to: project management supporting medical countermeasures initiatives such as, cost, schedule, performance, risk analysis, and advice; managing the process of identifying, capturing, storing, archiving, evaluating, retrieving, distributing, and sharing information assets supporting the federal government; facilitating collaboration across multiple Advanced Research and Development (ARD) and Medical Countermeasure (MCM) workstreams; planning, analysis, and interagency coordination What Would Be Nice to Have: - Ability to identify program risks and problems and assist with mitigation strategies - Strong organizational skills (e.g., time management, communication, setting goals, delegation, working under pressure, self-motivation, analytical thinking, and attention to detail) - Proficiency in written and oral communications, planning and analysis - Being a self-starter and ability to critically think at the operational level to determine and recommend project management practices for implementation - Expertise in project management tools, information management and content management strategies - Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams, and Outlook; experience with data visualization tools such as Power BI is preferred - Proficiency in Adobe applications, including Acrobat Reader, DC Pro, and Adobe Connect - Ability to think strategically while delivering tactically, with a keen attention to detail - Ability to work effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment - Demonstrated ability to collaborate and contribute as a team member, understanding personal and team roles, contributing to a positive working environment by building relationships with team members, and proactively seeking guidance, clarification, and feedback - Experience prioritizing and handling multiple tasks, researching and analyzing pertinent client, industry and technical matters, and utilizing problem-solving skills to achieve desired outcomes The annual salary range for this position is $113,000.00-$188,000.00. Compensation decisions depend on a wide range of factors, including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, security clearances, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. What We Offer: Guidehouse offers a comprehensive, total rewards package that includes competitive compensation and a flexible benefits package that reflects our commitment to creating a diverse and supportive workplace. Benefits include: - Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance - Personal and Family Sick Time & Company Paid Holidays - Position may be eligible for a discretionary variable incentive bonus - Parental Leave and Adoption Assistance - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Basic Life & Supplemental Life - Health Savings Account, Dental/Vision & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts - Short-Term & Long-Term Disability - Student Loan PayDown - Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development & Learning Opportunities - Skills Development & Certifications - Employee Referral Program - Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach - Emergency Back-Up Childcare Program - Mobility Stipend About Guidehouse Guidehouse is an Equal Opportunity Employer–Protected Veterans, Individuals with Disabilities or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation. Guidehouse will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law or ordinance including the Fair Chance Ordinance of Los Angeles and San Francisco. If you have visited our website for information about employment opportunities, or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation, please contact Guidehouse Recruiting at 1-571-633-1711 or via email at RecruitingAccommodation@guidehouse.com. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodation. All communication regarding recruitment for a Guidehouse position will be sent from Guidehouse email domains including @guidehouse.com or guidehouse@myworkday.com. Correspondence received by an applicant from any other domain should be considered unauthorized and will not be honored by Guidehouse. Note that Guidehouse will never charge a fee or require a money transfer at any stage of the recruitment process and does not collect fees from educational institutions for participation in a recruitment event. Never provide your banking information to a third party purporting to need that information to proceed in the hiring process. If any person or organization demands money related to a job opportunity with Guidehouse, please report the matter to Guidehouse’s Ethics Hotline. If you want to check the validity of correspondence you have received, please contact recruiting@guidehouse.com. Guidehouse is not responsible for losses incurred (monetary or otherwise) from an applicant’s dealings with unauthorized third parties. Guidehouse does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Guidehouse and Guidehouse will not be obligated to pay a placement fee.

Keywords: Guidehouse, Charlottesville , Administrative Program Specialist (Managing Consultant/Associate Director), Science, Research & Development , Arlington, Virginia