Administrative Assistant

Middle East Broadcasting Networks; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Middle East Broadcasting Networks (MBN) seeks an Administrative Assistant to support the External Affairs Department. You will manage calendars, arrange travel, prepare materials, and coordinate meetings, events, and communications with stakeholders.

The role requires strong organizational and writing skills, discretion with confidential information, and proficiency in MS Office. You will interact with executives and support multiple initiatives in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of administrative or office support experience, preferably in government, media, nonprofit, communications, or public affairs.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Professional demeanor with excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support to the Director of External Affairs and departmental staff.
• Coordinate calendars, meetings, conference calls, and travel arrangements.
• Prepare meeting agendas, briefing materials, correspondence, reports, and presentation materials.
• Maintain departmental files, contact databases, stakeholder lists, and other records.
• Assist with planning and logistics for meetings, conferences, live events, receptions, and the MBN Salons series.
• Coordinate invitations, RSVPs, guest communications, and event registration.
• Prepare expense reports, purchase requests, and other administrative documentation.
• Monitor departmental email accounts and respond to routine inquiries.
• Support media outreach, government relations, and stakeholder engagement activities by preparing mailing lists and briefing packets.
• Track project deadlines and coordinate multiple initiatives.
• Maintain inventories of promotional materials and event supplies.
• Assist with research projects and compile background information.
• Coordinate with other MBN departments to facilitate meetings, events, and special projects.

Skills

Strong written and verbal

Excellent organizational skills

Education

Associate’s or Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Outlook

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Teams

Publisher

Job description

Job Announcement Administrative Assistant

About MBN

Middle East Broadcasting Networks (MBN) is the premier Arabic-first media organization that connects the Middle East and the United States. The company is in the midst of an exciting digital transformation and looking for energetic and talented people who care about journalism and the Middle East to join us on this journey.

We provide original and indispensable reporting, perspectives and commentary on the Middle East and how America’s engagement impacts the region. MBN delivers content in both Arabic and English across multiple platforms, in formats including written articles, short-form video, newsletters, podcasts, data trackers and social media.

Our target audience is decision-makers, influencers, and residents of key capitals across the Middle East, as well as the next generation of globally engaged, digitally connected youth.

About The Role

Reporting to the Director of External Affairs, the Administrative Assistant provides administrative, logistical, and operational support to the External Affairs Department. This position helps ensure the efficient day-to-day operation of the department by coordinating schedules, supporting special events, managing departmental communications, maintaining stakeholder records, and assisting with a variety of projects and initiatives.

The Staff Assistant serves as a key point of coordination for meetings, events, travel, correspondence, and departmental activities while supporting the Government Relations Associate, Media Relations Associate, Executive Producer, and other members of the External Affairs team.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following tasks are considered essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions:

• Provide administrative support to the Director of External Affairs and departmental staff.
• Coordinate calendars, meetings, conference calls, and travel arrangements.
• Prepare meeting agendas, briefing materials, correspondence, reports, and presentation materials.
• Maintain departmental files, contact databases, stakeholder lists, and other records.
• Assist with planning and logistics for meetings, conferences, live events, receptions, and the MBN Salons series.
• Coordinate invitations, RSVPs, guest communications, and event registration.
• Prepare expense reports, purchase requests, and other administrative documentation.
• Monitor departmental email accounts and assist in responding to routine inquiries.
• Support media outreach, government relations, and stakeholder engagement activities by preparing mailing lists, assembling briefing packets, and coordinating follow-up communications.
• Track project deadlines and assist in coordinating multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Maintain inventories of promotional materials and event supplies.
• Assist with research projects and compile background information as requested.
• Coordinate with other MBN departments to facilitate meetings, events, and special projects.

Other Duties

Perform additional job-related duties and take on new responsibilities as needed based on organizational requirements and circumstances.

Qualifications and Requirements

Candidates are required to have:

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience.
• Two or more years of administrative or office support experience, preferably in government, media, nonprofit, communications, or public affairs.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Professional demeanor with excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.

The following qualifications are a plus to have

• Experience supporting executives or senior leadership.
• Experience coordinating meetings, conferences, or special events.
• Familiarity with customer relationship management (CRM) or stakeholder database systems.
• Interest in media, public affairs, international relations, or government relations.
• Experience working in a nonprofit, media organization, government agency, or policy environment.

MBN is an equal opportunity employer committed to workforce diversity.