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Reception Assistant Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Club Reception Our reception team are positioned in the heart of our stunning ground floor lobby ... Attend daily line-ups when requested and reporting key information back to the team * Assist with ...

Facilities/ Security Assistant

Arlington, VA · On-site

$27.88 - $33.65/hr

Open and close the reception area each business day and assist with training backup reception staff. * Support facility operations by coordinating maintenance requests, preparing service orders, and ...

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Answer incoming phone calls and assist with scheduling appointments * Verify insurance eligibility ... Optometric or ophthalmology reception experience strongly preferred * Excellent communication and ...

Be Seen First

Answer incoming phone calls and assist with scheduling appointments * Verify insurance eligibility ... Optometric or ophthalmology reception experience strongly preferred * Excellent communication and ...

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Reception Assistant information

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

To thrive as a Reception Assistant, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with office software such as Microsoft Office Suite and experience with phone systems or appointment scheduling tools are typically required. Excellent communication, professionalism, and a welcoming attitude help you stand out in this customer-facing role. These skills and qualities ensure efficient front-desk operations, positive first impressions, and effective support for both staff and visitors.

What is the difference between Reception Assistant vs Office Clerk?

AspectReception AssistantOffice Clerk
Primary RoleGreeting visitors, answering phones, managing front deskHandling administrative tasks, data entry, filing
Work EnvironmentFront reception area, customer-facingOffice setting, administrative area
Required SkillsCommunication, customer service, organizationData management, organization, basic computer skills
Common CertificationsNone typically required, but customer service experience helpsNone typically required, basic computer skills preferred

While both roles support office operations, a Reception Assistant primarily manages front desk duties and customer interactions, whereas an Office Clerk handles administrative and clerical tasks behind the scenes. The roles often overlap in skills like organization and communication, but their focus areas differ based on the work environment and responsibilities.

What are some common challenges a Reception Assistant might face, and how can they effectively handle them?

Reception Assistants often face challenges such as managing multiple phone lines, handling a high volume of visitors, and addressing unexpected issues like scheduling conflicts. Effective time management, clear communication, and adaptability are key to handling these situations smoothly. Building strong organizational habits and staying calm under pressure will help you provide excellent service and maintain a welcoming environment.

What does a Reception Assistant do?

A Reception Assistant is responsible for greeting visitors, answering incoming calls, and providing administrative support at the front desk of an organization. They help manage appointments, handle inquiries, and direct guests to the appropriate departments. Additionally, Reception Assistants may sort mail, maintain visitor logs, and perform light clerical tasks to ensure the smooth operation of the office. Their role is essential in creating a positive first impression and facilitating efficient communication within the workplace.
What are the most commonly searched types of Reception jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Reception jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Reception Assistant jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Reception Assistant job openings:
Reception and Operations Administrative Assistant

Reception and Operations Administrative Assistant

Council on Foreign Relations

Washington, DC • On-site

$55K - $60K/yr

Other

Medical

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Reception And Operations Administrative Assistant

The Reception And Operations Administrative Assistant is a cross-functional support role, working as a key communication link with CFR staff, members, speakers, applicants, event managers, and visitors, and provides administrative support to the Chief Financial Officer and Finance team. In addition to traditional reception tasks, the Reception And Operations Administrative Assistant works under the direction of the Deputy Director, Operations on administrative assistance for the Finance team as well as supporting administrative work for other teams as needed.

This is a full-time position in CFR's Washington D.C. office on site five days per week. This position will have regular scheduled overtime, including early mornings, evenings, and occasional weekends, to support departmental operations and scheduled events.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities
  • Serve as one of the principal first contact points at CFR's DC office for all visitors and incoming phone calls, using discretion to screen incoming phone calls and requests from callers, including the media,
  • Greet visitors, staff, members, and guests to CFR DC, supporting a welcoming yet highly professional atmosphere and providing excellent customer service to internal and external constituents,
  • Assist the Senior Reception Services and Security Operations Manager with ongoing tasks such as scheduling staff headshots; distributing ID badges; maintaining a working knowledge of building occupancy levels; coordinating access for visiting staff(including booking workspace and ensuring badge information is current within the building access system), operating the visitor management system (Envoy) and familiarity with procedures and technology; and assisting with scheduling and tracking of various staff trainings or mandatory certification programs,
  • Assisting as needed with day-of coordination of Council meetings, including checking in and handling special requests from meeting attendees, creating and posting the daily agenda, and working with facilities and events staff during the function,
  • Provide scheduling and administrative task support to the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer as well as other senior Finance Team members, including expense report submissions, document preparation, tracking tasks and deadlines, meeting coordination, and some travel booking,
  • Provide administrative task support to the Chief Legal Officer, including invoice processing and expense reports,
  • Provide general administrative assistance as assigned by the Deputy Director, Operations to teams across CFR,
  • Perform any other duties or tasks as assigned or required.
Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

  • High school diploma required, Bachelor's degree preferred
  • A minimum of 2 years' related administrative experience in a high profile and fast-paced organization; reception experience strongly preferred

Related Skills & Other Requirements

  • Demonstrable success in customer facing roles, with a keen focus on providing a welcoming and customer-friendly environment
  • Excellent verbal and written communication and customer service skills
  • Effective problem-solving capabilities; ability to anticipate patterns and links and to look beyond the immediate problem to the wider implications.
  • Strong computer skills with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
  • Flexibility and positive, team-player attitude
  • Strong business writing and proofreading skills
  • Outstanding punctuality and attendance
  • Availability to work flexible hours, including some early mornings, evenings, and an occasional weekend.
Required Application Materials

Please submit a résumé and cover letter stating your interest in the position.

Compensation and Benefits
  • The full-time annual compensation range for this position is $55,000 – $60,000, depending on experience.
  • In addition to competitive salaries, the Council on Foreign Relations offers a benefits package that is among the best offered by nonprofit institutions today, including an award-winning health and wellness program, an on-site fitness center, and generous leave policies and health insurance programs.
About CFR

The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is committed to fostering a foreign policy community in the United States that is more representative of American society, recognizing that diverse backgrounds and perspectives contribute to broader, more informed participation in the foreign policy debate and lead to an enhanced understanding of the world and the United States' role therein. To that end, CFR is dedicated to continuing to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout its work and workplace by building a more diverse membership and staff, producing and dispensing thoughtful analysis on a broad range of foreign policy issues, and developing relevant, wide-reaching programming that also serves to expand the foreign policy talent pipeline to underrepresented populations.