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Entry Level Secretary Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

American Oversight

Entry-Level Counsel

Washington, DC · On-site

... Secretary Pete Hegseth had put troops' lives in danger and violated federal record keeping laws ... entry-level Counsel to join our team to lead and support high-impact litigation advancing ...

American Oversight

Entry-Level Counsel

Washington, DC · On-site

... Secretary Pete Hegseth had put troops' lives in danger and violated federal record keeping laws ... entry-level Counsel to join our team to lead and support high-impact litigation advancing ...

Bowhead

Administrative Assistant Junior

Arlington, VA

$19.50 - $26.50/hr

In addition to secretarial duties (filing, taking phone calls, scheduling appointments, making travel arrangements using the Defense Travel System), this position will provide administrative support ...

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Entry Level Secretary information

See Washington salary details

$27.7K

$52K

$71.4K

How much do entry level secretary jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level secretary in Washington is $52,037.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,500.00 and $59,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Who pays $30 an hour without a degree?

Entry-level secretaries typically do not earn $30 an hour without a degree; their pay usually ranges from $12 to $20 per hour. However, some administrative roles in specialized industries or with strong skills in office management, organization, and software proficiency may approach higher wages, especially with experience or certifications. Generally, higher-paying positions often require additional skills or experience beyond basic secretarial duties.

What is an Entry Level Secretary job?

An Entry Level Secretary provides administrative and clerical support to ensure the smooth operation of an office. Responsibilities typically include answering phones, scheduling appointments, handling correspondence, and maintaining records. This role requires good organizational skills, attention to detail, and basic computer proficiency. It is an excellent starting position for individuals looking to build a career in administration or office management.

What are typical daily responsibilities for an Entry Level Secretary?

As an Entry Level Secretary, your day-to-day tasks may include answering phones, managing calendars, scheduling meetings, handling correspondence, and maintaining files or office supplies. You might also assist with basic data entry, prepare simple reports or documents, and provide support to other team members or departments as needed. Collaboration with coworkers, supervisors, and visitors is common, so you'll regularly interact with a variety of people. These tasks help keep the office running smoothly and are an excellent opportunity to learn about business processes in a supportive environment.

Can I be a secretary with no experience?

Entry level secretaries often do not require prior experience, as employers typically provide on-the-job training for basic administrative tasks such as filing, scheduling, and correspondence. Strong organizational skills, communication abilities, and familiarity with office software like Microsoft Office can help candidates qualify for these roles without previous experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Entry Level Secretary position, and why are they important?

To succeed as an Entry Level Secretary, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in basic office software such as Microsoft Office Suite or Google Workspace, along with at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with office equipment, scheduling tools, and basic data entry systems is commonly required, while additional certifications like Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) can be a plus. Excellent communication, time management, and a positive, service-oriented attitude help an entry level secretary stand out. These skills ensure efficient office operations, effective team support, and smooth handling of a variety of administrative tasks.

How to work as a secretary with no experience?

Entry-level secretaries can start by developing basic organizational and communication skills, often through online courses or volunteering. Gaining familiarity with office software like Microsoft Office and demonstrating a willingness to learn can improve job prospects, even without prior experience.

What jobs pay $700 a day?

Entry level secretary positions typically do not pay $700 a day; such high daily rates are more common in specialized or freelance roles like legal or executive assistants, consultants, or contract administrative professionals. These roles often require advanced skills, certifications, or experience, and may involve temporary or project-based work with higher pay rates.
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What cities in Washington are hiring for Entry Level Secretary jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Entry Level Secretary job openings:
Entry Level Secretary jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Secretary job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,037 per year, or $25 per hour.
Entry-Level Counsel

Entry-Level Counsel

American Oversight

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

WHO WE ARE
American Oversight (AO) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit watchdog that advances truth, accountability, and democracy by enforcing the public's right to government records. We use multiple tools, backed by aggressive litigation, to fight attacks on democratic institutions, threats to civil rights and liberties, abuses of power, and the erosion of government transparency. We expose and disrupt these attacks - and the officials and networks behind them - by forcing the government to turn over records officials would rather keep secret.
Since our founding in 2017, American Oversight has worked on issues that touch nearly every aspect of American life. Our team has:
  • Secured a court order to preserve records in the 2025 "Signalgate" scandal, and spurred a related investigation by the Department of Defense inspector general that found Secretary Pete Hegseth had put troops' lives in danger and violated federal record keeping laws
  • Forced DOGE to implement a records preservation policy to ensure long-term accountability for its chaotic actions
  • Revealed the Trump-sanctioned pressure campaign on the Ukrainian government by forcing the Trump administration to turn over records initially withheld from Congress
  • Unmasked sham "audits" of the 2020 election in Wisconsin and Arizona, which used taxpayer money to undermine state elections
  • Exposed the Trump administration's unprecedented use of personal data to target immigrant communities and remove people from state voter rolls

We are committed to fighting threats to democracy at the federal, state, and local levels, using time-tested and innovative tools to expose misconduct, defend against attacks on marginalized communities, and demand accountability.
For more information, please visit our website: www.americanoversight.org
JOB OVERVIEW
American Oversight seeks an entry-level Counsel to join our team to lead and support high-impact litigation advancing government accountability and transparency. This role focuses on high-impact, records-based and other transparency-driven litigation and legal strategies to expose corruption, challenge abuses of power, and hold those who threaten democratic institutions to account.
RESPONSIBILITIES (including but not limited to)
  • Litigate high-impact transparency and government accountability cases in federal and state courts, including matters under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), state open records acts, state and federal open meetings laws, open courts doctrines, and other relevant authorities.
  • Serve as lead or supporting counsel across a diverse docket of federal and state cases, shaping litigation strategy and managing day-to-day case execution.
  • Draft pleadings at the trial and appellate levels, including complaints, motions, briefs, and amicus filings.
  • Conduct discovery where permitted, including written discovery, depositions, and evidentiary hearings.
  • Present oral arguments in federal and state courts, including appellate courts.
  • Oversee and partner with local counsel nationwide on state-based litigation.
  • Develop and maintain expertise in FOIA and state open records laws.
  • Partner with American Oversight's investigations team to design records-driven strategies and shape public records requests to maximize strong legal leverage and evidentiary value.
  • Negotiate with federal, state, and local agencies to advance pending records requests and drive timely compliance through follow-up and escalation.
  • Draft non-judicial advocacy materials including demand letters, administrative complaints, and other tools for demanding accountability.
  • Collaborate with American Oversight's communications and investigations teams to translate legal findings into clear, compelling public-facing materials, including reports, blog posts, and other advocacy content.
  • Represent American Oversight in meetings with partners, coalitions, and external stakeholders, consistent with 501(c)(3) requirements.
  • Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
  • J.D. and admission to practice in at least one state (D.C. eligibility required).
  • 1-3 years of litigation experience (civil or criminal), including drafting pleadings, motions, and briefs.
  • Excellent legal analytical, research, and writing skills.
  • Demonstrated interest in government accountability and public interest advocacy.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities, operate with increasing independence, and exercise sound judgment.
  • Experience working in and/or desire to contribute to workplaces with a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Familiarity with pro-democracy issues, including but not limited to voting rights, election administration, civil rights and civil liberties, or threats like abuse of power, corruption, or undue influence.
  • Experience with the federal FOIA, state open records laws, or government ethics laws

COMPENSATION
The salary range for this position is $99,000 - $111,000 based on post-J.D. experience, qualifications, and internal leveling.
BENEFITS
  • Remote-first work environment
  • Generous employer contribution toward medical, dental and vision insurance coverage
  • Generous paid time off
  • Paid office closure from Christmas Eve to New Years' Day
  • 403(b) with up to 4% employer match
  • Flexible scheduling practices that support collaboration during core business hours
  • Summer Fridays
  • Up to $100/month reimbursement for internet services and personal device usage
  • Professional development stipend
  • Generous home office allowance
  • Commuter benefits

LOCATION
This position is based in the United States, with a preference for candidates in the Washington, D.C. area (remote will be considered). Must be available to work East Coast business hours, with evening and weekend work as needed.
TIMELINE
Interested applicants are encouraged to apply by Thursday, July 9 to ensure priority consideration of your application. Following July 9, we will continue to review applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
OUR COMMITMENT TO AN INCLUSIVE WORKPLACE
At American Oversight, we value and strive to hire, develop, and grow a diverse and inclusive team. We are an equal opportunity employer, and encourage applications from all individuals without regard to an individual's race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local laws. We strongly encourage individuals to apply for opportunities at American Oversight even if they do not have any of the desired qualifications.

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