Administrative Officers/Executive Assistants Workshop Course (Blended)

Administrative Officers and Executive Assistants occupy critical roles requiring diverse competencies and substantial versatility to excel in their positions. These "staff" roles provide coordinating and facilitation functions supporting managers or leaders rather than holding direct supervisory responsibility. This foundational course addresses the universal critical skills and competencies essential for staff support roles across all federal agencies, regardless of title, grade, or organizational placement. The curriculum delivers knowledge necessary for success in Administrative Officer and Executive Assistant functions throughout the government.

Target Audience:

• Administrative officers, executive assistants, and administrative support staff working in Federal Government agencies

Related Learning Programs:

These companion courses address overlapping skills and topics. You may select and compare up to two related courses to view detailed side-by-side comparisons.

Leadership Skills for Non-Supervisors Course:

• Develop essential leadership capabilities to manage diverse personalities, resolve workplace conflicts, and strengthen team effectiveness and collaboration

Instructional Design Essentials Course:

• Learn fundamental methods for planning, designing, and evaluating effective training programs and e-learning solutions using instructional design principles

Managing Multiple Priorities Course:

• Develop strategies to prioritize competing demands, manage time efficiently, and reduce stress while handling numerous responsibilities

Core Competencies Covered:

• Describe how Administrative Officers and Executive Assistants serve as operational facilitators, aligning diverse priorities and initiatives around shared organizational values and outcomes
• Apply foundational concepts of federal budgeting processes to support organizational planning
• Use leadership and change management principles to coach and guide staff toward project completion and mission success
• Apply essential federal acquisition and procurement processes
• Use basic statistical analysis to complete project evaluation, measure team progress, and prepare accountability documentation
• Resolve divergent and rapidly changing demands through sound problem-solving strategies
• Analyze how the Administrative Officer and Executive Assistant career development requires unique skill sets and competencies that evolve with organizational changes and leadership transitions

Comprehensive Course Syllabus:

Module 1: Managing Change Effectively

• Define organizational change and analyze its impact on institutional and individual performance
• Apply practical strategies to navigate and effectively manage change
• Use transition management models to guide staff through change transitions
• Examine how administrative staff are perceived by leadership versus organizational expectations
• Identify motivational factors and methods for fostering positive organizational change

Module 2: Federal Budgeting Fundamentals

• Understand the purposes, fundamental structure, and distinct phases of the federal budget process
• Identify the roles of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Government Accountability Office (GAO), and agencies in budget development and execution
• Apply performance-based budgeting principles required under the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) mandates
• Implement financial management principles to maintain accountability and legal compliance
• Develop outcome statements, establish performance measures, and prepare budget requests

Module 3: Project Management Essentials

• Define the project management process and understand the complete project life cycle
• Establish clear project objectives, identify stakeholders, and define team roles and responsibilities
• Plan and schedule projects using sequencing logic and comprehensive resource allocation
• Manage project time, quality standards, and costs to ensure successful outcomes
• Recognize common project delay causes and implement proven prevention strategies

Module 4: Federal Acquisition and Procurement

• Understand the legal foundation and primary goals of the federal acquisition process
• Apply simplified acquisition procedures for procuring goods and services
• Follow established procurement ethics standards and prohibited activities guidelines
• Use government purchase cards appropriately and with full compliance
• Integrate socioeconomic policy goals into acquisition planning

Module 5: Data Analysis and Interpretation

• Analyze, present, and manage data relevant to administrative operations
• Perform fundamental statistical calculations, including mean, median, and percentage change
• Develop and interpret charts and graphs for formal reporting purposes

Module 6: Group Problem-Solving Approaches

• Determine situations where group problem-solving methods provide optimal value
• Apply recognized frameworks, including brainstorming and nominal group techniques
• Lead or contribute effectively in collaborative team problem-solving efforts
• Understand the distinct roles and responsibilities of group meeting facilitators

Module 7: Integrated Responsibilities and Strategic Skills

• Apply time management strategies to balance complex and competing responsibilities
• Communicate effectively in supporting leadership and team functions
• Understand human resources responsibilities and integrate strategic planning concepts
• Apply project management skills within the context of broader administrative duties