Office Administrator

ARA•Alexandria, VA

18h•$55,000 - $62,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Strategic, Operations, Analysis and Research (SOAR) sector of Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking a proactive, organized, and customer-focused Office Administrator to join our Business Operations team. This is a highly visible role that serves as the hub of our office, helping ensure day-to-day operations run smoothly while providing exceptional support to employees, leadership, customers, and visitors. The ideal candidate enjoys variety, manages changing priorities with confidence, takes initiative, and is known as a dependable team player who enjoys helping others succeed. If you’re someone who takes pride in being the person others can count on, we’d love to hear from you.

Requirements

4+ years of progressively responsible administrative, office management, customer service, or related experience.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint, and SharePoint.
Outstanding organizational and multitasking skills with the ability to prioritize competing deadlines.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong customer service skills with a friendly, professional, and welcoming demeanor.
Demonstrated initiative, attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
Ability to occasionally lift and move office supplies and packages weighing up to 25 pounds.
High school diploma or equivalent required; additional administrative or business-related education is a plus.
U.S. Citizenship required.
Ability to obtain, at a minimum, a Department of Defense (DoD) Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

Own the day-to-day operations of the office, ensuring a professional, organized, and welcoming environment.
Manage office supply inventory and ordering.
Coordinate facilities requests, office maintenance, mail distribution, shipping, and vendor support.
Manage office phones and serve as a resource for general office operations.
Serve as the primary receptionist by welcoming visitors, answering and directing incoming phone calls, and ensuring every guest has a professional, positive experience.
Provide administrative support to leadership and project teams.
Coordinate meeting logistics, including conference rooms, calendars, and catering.
Assist with clerical projects and government inventory activities.
Maintain department files, records, and correspondence.
Reconcile purchase card transactions and maintain supporting documentation.
Assist with invoice processing, expense tracking, and other accounting tasks.
Enter and maintain accurate data within company systems.
Coordinate and support employee engagement activities, including holiday celebrations, potlucks, employee events, meetings, and other office functions.
Manage event logistics, including catering, supplies, setup, decorations, and coordination with internal teams and vendors.
Partner with Human Resources, Accounting, Security, and other internal departments to support daily business operations.
Assist with special projects and provide administrative support across multiple functional areas as business needs evolve.