Receptionist

ARA is seeking a friendly, professional individual to join our administrative support team in Raleigh, NC. This role serves as a first point of contact for visitors and callers and plays a key part in ensuring the smooth daily operations in our office of 350+ employees. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong communication skills, a welcoming demeanor, and a genuine desire to support others.

The successful candidate will be attentive, organized, responsive, and comfortable working in a fast‑paced environment. They should be confident using computers and office software and excel at both verbal and written communication.

Receptionist Primary Responsibilities:

• Provide front desk coverage Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

• Welcome and assist visitors, customers, and vendors, ensuring a professional and positive experience while directing guests to the appropriate office, meeting location, or employee

• Administer visitor and vendor check-in procedures, maintain visitor records, and ensure adherence to company security and access control requirements

• Coordinate meeting and event logistics, including conference room setup, catering arrangements, beverage service, and special event support

• Support employee recognition and engagement activities, including monthly off-site pickup and coordination of birthday celebration cakes and related events

• Maintain inventory levels and coordinate the procurement and distribution of office, kitchen, and breakroom supplies

• Provide backup reception coverage, including greeting visitors, answering and directing incoming calls, managing visitor sign-in procedures, and supporting facility security protocols during absences or peak periods

• Support new hire onboarding activities, including workspace preparation, office supply distribution, phone extension updates, and employee welcome support

• Monitor and maintain common areas, including conference rooms, kitchens, breakrooms, and collaboration spaces, ensuring a professional and welcoming environment

• Perform routine maintenance and cleaning of shared office equipment, including daily cleaning bean-to-cup coffee machines and other employee amenities

• Communicate professionally and effectively with employees, visitors, vendors, and management

• Identify and proactively address office operational needs to ensure efficient day-to-day office operations

Receptionist Secondary Responsibilities:

• Perform shared administrative and clerical support tasks as assigned
• Assist with document preparation, data entry, filing, records management, and other clerical duties
• Support employee engagement activities, training events, and special projects
• Crosstrain with administrative team members to ensure continuity of operations and departmental coverage
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of organizational objectives
• Support other administrative team members as needed

Receptionist Required Experience and Skills:

• US citizenship required
• Eligibility to apply for and hold a U.S. security clearance (selected applicants will undergo a security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements at the time of employment)
• High school diploma and 1-2 years of relevant experience
• Excellent customer service and communication skills
• Strong attention to detail and organizational abilities
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint)
• Residence within commuting distance of Raleigh, NC

Receptionist Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs. and perform tasks requiring a full range of motion
• Ability to push and pull a rolling cart
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk

Who is ARA?

Do you want to work for a purpose? Applied Research Associates, Inc. (aka ARA) is an employee-owned international research and engineering company. We have been providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences since 1979. ARA has over 2,300 employee-owners and continues to grow rapidly. Together, our offices throughout the U.S. and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense, civil, and health technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement.

ARA also prides itself on having a challenging culture where innovation & experimentation are the norm. The motto, "Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit" sums up the ARA experience. Employee ownership ensures you have a voice in what happens in the company.

To find out more about what the Integrated Mission Systems Sector has to offer, visit our website at: https://www.ara.com/benefits/