Office Administrator

About the role

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.

This is a full-time, on-site position, Monday through Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm. Regular on-site attendance is an essential function of the role. The position will initially support our Eisenhower office before transitioning to our new Walker Lane office following our planned office relocation.

Responsibilities

• Office Leadership & Administration
  • 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.
• Reception & Customer Service
  • Serve as the primary receptionist by welcoming visitors, answering and directing incoming phone calls, and ensuring every guest has a professional, positive experience.
• Administrative Support
  • 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.
• Accounting & Administrative Support
  • 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.
• Event Coordination
  • 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.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • 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.

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.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement benefits, including an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
• Paid time off.
• Opportunities for professional growth and career development in a supportive, team-oriented environment.
• Collaborative work environment with cross-functional teams.

Pay

Pay ranges from $55,000.00 to $62,000.00 per year based on years of experience, degree, and any special skills and knowledge.

Schedule

Full-time, on-site position, Monday through Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm.