Office receptionist Jobs in Cary, NC

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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/ Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.