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Department Assistant Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Office Assistant

Woodbridge, VA ยท On-site

$16.50 - $21.75/hr

... department. Assist with covering the building information desk when needed. Duties and tasks include communicating with potential faculty to obtain hiring forms, obtaining and filing end of the ...

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Department Assistant information

See Reston, VA salary details

$8

$22

$31

How much do department assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for department assistant in Reston, VA is $22.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a department assistant?

Department Assistants are administrative professionals who provide support to a specific department within an organization. Their responsibilities often include scheduling meetings, managing correspondence, maintaining records, and assisting with departmental projects. They play a key role in ensuring the department runs smoothly by handling various clerical and organizational tasks. Department Assistants also serve as a point of contact for internal and external communications related to their department.

How does a department assistant typically support team efficiency and communication within a department?

Department Assistants play a crucial role in streamlining workflows by managing schedules, organizing meetings, and handling correspondence between team members and external partners. They often maintain and update records, prepare reports, and ensure that information flows smoothly within the department. By proactively addressing logistical needs and anticipating potential bottlenecks, Department Assistants help teams stay organized and focused, contributing significantly to overall productivity. Regular collaboration with managers, colleagues, and other departments is a key aspect of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a department assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Department Assistant, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in office administration, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant associate degree. Familiarity with office software such as Microsoft Office Suite, scheduling tools, and document management systems is typically required. Excellent communication, multitasking, and problem-solving abilities help you effectively interact with colleagues and handle shifting priorities. These skills ensure smooth office operations, support team productivity, and enable efficient handling of administrative tasks.

What is the difference between Department Assistant vs Administrative Assistant?

AspectDepartment AssistantAdministrative Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer post-secondary educationHigh school diploma; often some post-secondary education or certifications
Work EnvironmentTypically within specific departments like HR, finance, or marketingGeneral office setting across various industries
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in organizations with multiple departments needing specialized supportCommon across industries for general administrative support
Search & Comparison IntentOften searched by those looking for department-specific support rolesMore general, searched by those seeking broad administrative roles

In summary, a Department Assistant focuses on supporting a specific department within an organization, often requiring specialized knowledge of that department's functions. An Administrative Assistant provides broader support across various office functions, serving multiple departments or the entire organization.

What are the most commonly searched types of Department jobs in Reston, VA?

The most popular types of Department jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Department Assistant jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Department Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Department Assistant job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,898 per year, or $22.1 per hour.

Legal Department Assistant

ArentFox Schiff LLP

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

$60K - $72K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Who We Are

ArentFox Schiff is an award-winning, globally recognized law firm that delivers sophisticated, innovative, and practical legal solutions to clients around the world. With more than 600 lawyers and policy professionals, ArentFox Schiff's expertise is sought out by Fortune 500s, start-ups, international governments, non-profits and trade associations, and private individuals. Our work spans highly complex, global matters as well as the deeply personal issues that shape the lives of individuals and communities.

Why Join Us

At ArentFox Schiff, we know that diverse backgrounds produce different perspectives, richer thinking, and more creative solutions to the challenges our clients face. We hope you share that vision. Join us and take on the challenge of doing meaningful work while helping us build upon a culture that reflects our dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We base all of our employment decisions on merit and do not discriminate on the basis of any legally protected characteristic.


Job Description


The Legal Department Assistant is responsible for providing entry-level administrative assistance to attorneys, professionals, paralegals, and secretaries in support of the assigned practice area.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES*

  • Prepare and edit correspondence, memoranda, and other legal documents from attorney drafts (handwritten and electronic) employing standard firm templates.

  • Utilize direct time and billing systems to submit attorney time and assist in preparing client invoices.

  • Assist in coordination and submission of conflict checks, preparation of draft engagement letters, and opening of new client and/or matter numbers.

  • Coordinate travel arrangements, schedule conference rooms and catering for meetings, book visitor offices for attorney travel.

  • Prepare filings, government documentation or other materials, as appropriate for practice of team attorneys, professionals, and/or paralegals.

  • Arrange for assistance from administrative staff departments (e.g., Resource Center, Finance, Conflicts, House Services, and Office Services) as necessary to complete assigned work.

  • Process expense reimbursements for attorneys, professionals, and/or paralegals, utilizing Firm standard software.

  • Possess or ability to obtain a notary license in local jurisdiction.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Act as backup to neighborhood team members to support attorneys, professionals, paralegals, and/or secretaries.

  • Perform other duties as assigned at the request of the Manager, attorneys, professionals, paralegals, and/or practice area secretaries.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • High school diploma or equivalent, college degree preferred.

  • Previous work experience in a professional office environment is preferred.

  • Proficiency with Microsoft software, including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

  • Ability to work in a team environment with attorneys, professionals, paralegals, staff, and other colleagues throughout the firm.

  • Ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing.

  • Detail oriented and able to handle multiple projects simultaneously to meet deadlines.

  • Flexibility in daily schedule to meet Firm needs during periods of heavy workload or special projects; availability to work scheduled overtime, as needed.

This is an hourly, non-exempt position that is eligible for a generous overtime plan that exceeds minimum legal requirements.

The anticipated good-faith base salary range for this position is:

  • Washington, DC: $60,000 to $72,000 per year.


Your exact offer will be based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, your experience, skills, and overall qualifications. We also review compensation regularly against industry benchmarks and performance outcomes, so you can grow your career here with confidence-knowing your pay recognizes both your impact and our commitment to an equitable approach.

In addition to a competitive base salary, certain positions are eligible for a comprehensive performance-based bonus, payable monthly or annually.

Benefits

We know that the needs of our employees vary and can change throughout the different stages of life. That's why we offer a wide array of flexible benefit options designed to help you live healthy, live well, and live for tomorrow. In addition to medical, dental, vision, profit-sharing, generous paid time off, and numerous other benefits, we also provide a flexible reimbursement account that helps pay for the things that contribute to your personal well-being, in your own way.

Commitment to Equal Opportunity

ArentFox Schiff is committed to equal employment opportunity and diversity in the workplace. We base all employment decisions on merit and maintain a policy of considering all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion or creed, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, citizenship status, order of protection status, national origin, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, physical or mental disability, parental status, source of income, military or veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, or any other basis protected by applicable law. We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

* The job description is a general summary of the major duties. It may not specify all duties, tasks, and assignments associated with a job. It does not limit or in any way modify the right of management to direct, assign, and control the work of employees in a unit. Accuracy, attention to detail, ability to work effectively in a team environment, and ability to work in an atmosphere of multiple projects and shifting priorities are requirements of all jobs at ArentFox Schiff LLP. Additional job-related qualifications may be specified for some openings. Job descriptions are subject to periodic review and modification.