Special Assistant to Deputy Secretary (Administrative Officer 3)
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Special Assistant to Deputy Secretary (Administrative Officer 3)
Salary
$69,086.00 - $104,959.00 Annually
Location
Dauphin County, PA
Job Type
Non-Civil Service Permanent Full-time
Job Number
N-2026-56863
Department
Department of General Services
Division
GS Dep Sec Bus Inc and Splr Dv
Opening Date
08/27/2026
Closing Date
8/31/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code
08650
Position Number
50691728
Union
Non Union
Bargaining Unit
A3
Pay Group
ST08
Bureau / Division Code
00155000
Bureau / Division
Business Inclusion and Supplier Development (BISD)
Worksite Address
401 North Street, Suite 611
Worksite Address
North Office Building
City
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Zip Code
17120
Contact Name
Tracy Wright
Contact Phone
717.772.0022
Contact Email
trwright@pa.gov
Description
Benefits
Questions
THE POSITION
Are you looking for a unique opportunity to work directly with the Deputy Secretary and play a meaningful part in advancing the Commonwealth's mission to expand opportunities for small and diverse businesses? As Special Assistant, you will gain direct exposure to executive level decision making, lead and support high impact projects, collaborate across agencies, and help shape initiatives that strengthen supplier diversity statewide. Our ideal candidate will be data-driven, a strategic thinker, leader, and experienced with small business programs and/or procurement and economic development initiatives. This is an ideal position for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment, enjoys strategic problem solving, and is looking to grow quickly through hands on experience, visibility, and leadership development.
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
This role provides broad administrative, strategic, and operational support to advance the priorities of the Office of Business Inclusion and Supplier Development. It supports high level coordination, planning, and communication across the Deputate. As a Special Assistant to the Deputy Secretary, you will perform the following duties:
Policy Support:Assist with developing goals, shaping administrative procedures, and guiding their implementation across bureaus
Project Coordination:Oversee major initiatives, track progress, and maintain clear communication among stakeholders
Meeting Preparation:Prepare agendas, attend meetings on behalf of leadership, and document key follow-up actions
Communication Management:Draft written materials, screen incoming inquiries, and determine proper routing or escalation
Operational Review:Examine procedures, suggest improvements, and help streamline daily operations
Calendar Oversight:Coordinate schedules, anticipate conflicts, and ensure leadership is prepared with necessary information
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description (https://careers.employment.pa.gov/pd/PD_NEOGOV.asp?p=50691728) .
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
Full-time employment
Work hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with 30-minute lunch.
Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, two (2) days remote and three (3) days in office. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
One year as an Administrative Officer 2 (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration);or
Four years of experience in progressively responsible and varied office management of staff work in public or private organization, including experience in personnel management budgeting or procurement; and such training as may have been gained through graduation from a four-year college or university;or
Any equivalent combination of experience and training.
Additional Requirements:
You must have two years of experience regularly interacting with executive leadership, employees, external stakeholders, or members of the public in a professional setting that required you to communicate effectively, build collaborative working relationships, and resolve sensitive or complex issues.
You must have two years of experience working collaboratively with diverse groups of stakeholders who have differing or competing priorities, including situations requiring you to navigate disagreements, resolve conflicts, and maintain effective working relationships.
You must have two years of experience working directly with small businesses, including providing assistance, coordinating resources, or supporting programs designed to address small business needs.
You must have three years of administrative experience coordinating projects, managing priorities, tracking assignments, and supporting day-to-day organizational operations.
You must have two years of experience developing, tracking, and analyzing performance metrics to measure program outcomes, operational effectiveness, or progress toward established goals.
You must have two years of experience preparing reports for management or executive leadership that summarize program activities, performance metrics, findings, and recommendations.
You must have two years of experience coordinating small business programs or initiatives involving multiple internal and external stakeholders, including monitoring activities, following up on deliverables, and reporting on results.
You must possess a current driver's license which is not under suspension.
You must be able to travel on an as-needed basis.
You must be able to perform essential job functions.
Preferred Qualifications (not required):
Two years of Commonwealth of Pennsylvania experience coordinating employee travel arrangements and processing or reconciling travel expenses in accordance with Commonwealth travel policies and procedures.
Two years of Commonwealth of Pennsylvania experience supporting budget administration, including monitoring expenditures, tracking available funds, reconciling financial information, or preparing budget-related reports.
Two years of Commonwealth of Pennsylvania experience with procurement processes, including preparing or processing purchasing documentation, coordinating purchases, tracking procurement activities, or working with Commonwealth procurement systems and procedures.
Two years of experience serving as an administrative liaison with Commonwealth Human Resources and Information Technology offices, including coordinating personnel or IT requests, tracking issues, and facilitating communication between staff and the appropriate support offices.
Two years of experience managing complex calendars and scheduling in Microsoft Outlook, including coordinating meetings involving executive leadership, multiple stakeholders, competing priorities, and schedule changes.
Two years of experience using advanced Microsoft Excel functions and formulas to organize, analyze, reconcile, and report administrative, budgetary, program, or performance data.
How to Apply:
Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents willnotbe reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers (https://www.pa.gov/agencies/hrmoa/resources/generative-ai-hiring-guidance) for additional information.
Veterans:
Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.
Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):
711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).
If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.
The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.
Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this shortvideo (https://www.youtube.com/embed/HtcSRnndflc?rel=0) !
See the total value of your benefits package by exploring ourbenefits calculator.
Health & Wellness
We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*
Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.
Work/Life Balance
We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*
Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.
Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.
For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visitwww.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.
*Eligibility rules apply.
01
Have you been employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as an Administrative Officer 2 for one or more years full-time?
Yes
No
02
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experiencemustalso be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, @type N/A in the text box below.
03
How many years of full-time experience do you possess in varied office management or staff work in a public or private organization, including experience in personnel management, budgeting or procurement?
4 years or more
3 but less than 4 years
2 but less than 3 years
1 but less than 2 years
Less than 1 year
None
04
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experiencemustalso be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, @type N/A in the text box below.
05
What level of college coursework have you completed in business administration, public administration, human resources, strategic leadership, or other related areas? If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If your education was acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visitingwww.naces.organd clicking the Evaluation Services Link.
You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.
Master's degree or higher
Bachelor's degree
Some coursework
None
06
Additional Requirement- Do you have at least two years of experience regularly interacting with executive leadership, employees, external stakeholders, or members of the public in a professional setting that required you to communicate effectively, build collaborative working relationships, and resolve sensitive or complex issues?
Yes
No
07
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, @type N/A in the text box below.
08
Additional Requirement- Do you have at least two years of experience working collaboratively with diverse groups of stakeholders who have differing or competing priorities, including situations requiring you to navigate disagreements, resolve conflicts, and maintain effective working relationships?
Yes
No
09
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, @type N/A in the text box below.
10
Additional Requirement- Do you have at least two years of experience working directly with small businesses, including providing assistance, coordinating resources, or supporting programs designed to address small business needs?
Yes
No
11
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, @type N/A in the text box below.
12
Additional Requirement- Do you have at least three years of administrative experience coordinating projects, managing priorities, tracking assignments, and supporting day-to-day organizational operations?
Yes
No
13
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, @type N/A in the text box below.
14
Additional Requirement- Do you have at least two years of experience developing, tracking, and analyzing performance metrics to measure program outcomes, operational effectiveness, or progress toward established goals?
Yes
No
15
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, @type N/A in the text box below.
16
Additional Requirement- Do you have at least two years of experience preparing reports for management or executive leadership that summarize program activities, performance metrics, findings, and recommendations?
Yes
No
17
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, @type N/A in the text box below.
18
Additional Requirement- Do you have at least two years of experience coordinating small business programs or initiatives involving multiple internal and external stakeholders, including monitoring activities, following up on deliverables, and reporting on results?
Yes
No
19
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, @type N/A in the text box below.
20
Additional Requirement- Do you possess a current driver's license which is not under suspension?
Yes
No
21
If you answered yes to the above question, please provide your driver's license number and expiration date. If you answered no, @type N/A in the text box below.
22
Preferred Criteria- Do you have at least two years of Commonwealth of Pennsylvania experience coordinating employee travel arrangements and processing or reconciling travel expenses in accordance with Commonwealth travel policies and procedures?
Yes
No
23
Preferred Criteria- Do you have at least two years of Commonwealth of Pennsylvania experience supporting budget administration, including monitoring expenditures, tracking available funds, reconciling financial information, or preparing budget-related reports?
Yes
No
24
Preferred Criteria- Do you have at least two years of Commonwealth of Pennsylvania experience with procurement processes, including preparing or processing purchasing documentation, coordinating purchases, tracking procurement activities, or working with Commonwealth procurement systems and procedures?
Yes
No
25
Preferred Criteria- Do you have at least two years of experience serving as an administrative liaison with Commonwealth Human Resources and Information Technology offices, including coordinating personnel or IT requests, tracking issues, and facilitating communication between staff and the appropriate support offices?
Yes
No
26
Preferred Criteria- Do you have at least two years of experience managing complex calendars and scheduling in Microsoft Outlook, including coordinating meetings involving executive leadership, multiple stakeholders, competing priorities, and schedule changes?
Yes
No
27
Preferred Criteria- Do you have at least two years of experience using advanced Microsoft Excel functions and formulas to organize, analyze, reconcile, and report administrative, budgetary, program, or performance data?
Yes
No
Required Question
Employer
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Address
613 North Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120
Website
http://www.employment.pa.gov
