Office Operations & Administrative Coordinator

ARA Brand; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Job summary

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking a proactive Office Administrator to join our Business Operations team in Alexandria, VA. This full-time, on-site role is the hub of the office, delivering essential support to employees, leadership, customers, and visitors.

You will manage day-to-day operations, coordinate meetings and supplies, handle reception, and support accounting and events. The ideal candidate has 4+ years of admin experience, strong MS Office skills, and a

Qualifications

• 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.

Skills

Office administration

Customer service

Organizational skills

Communication

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Physical ability

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Administrative or business-related education

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft PowerPoint

SharePoint

Job description

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking a proactive Office Administrator to join our Business Operations team in Alexandria, VA. This full-time, on-site role is the hub of the office, delivering essential support to employees, leadership, customers, and visitors.

You will manage day-to-day operations, coordinate meetings and supplies, handle reception, and support accounting and events. The ideal candidate has 4+ years of admin experience, strong MS Office skills, and a