Receptionist​/General Office Assistant

NRAO Headquarters, 520 Edgemont Rd, CHARLOTTESVILLE, Virginia, United States of America

Posted Friday, August 28, 2026 at 4:00 AM

Position

Description:

Position Summary

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a prestigious research and development organization that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI) is a nonprofit organization that manages and operates the NRAO under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation. The Observatory is a hub for technological and scientific collaboration, operating state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community.

The Observatory has been instrumental in the study of black holes, galaxies, and the early universe.

At NRAO we are seeking a Receptionist/General Office Assistant with a high level of professionalism to perform a variety of challenging administrative and clerical assignments, frequently handling confidential information. This position creates a positive first and last impression for the organization and is key for monitoring our visitors.

This position will be based at our headquarters in Charlottesville, Virginia located on the grounds of the University of Virginia.

What You Will be Doing:

• Staffing the front desk during business hours of operation (8:30am-5pm, M-F)
• Greeting and monitoring visitors
• Maintaining building security by following safety procedures and controlling building access via the reception desk (monitor visitor access log, issue visitor badges, etc.)
• Answering, handling, and directing incoming calls accordingly
• Responding to visitor inquiries in a polite and timely manner
• Scheduling meetings and conferences via the Meeting Planner system
• Assisting with internal meeting/event set-up and break-down as needed
• Managing the Observatory-wide events calendar
• Overseeing the staff vehicle registration log
• Coordinating facility use for non-NRAO (external) organizations
• Assisting with various clerical duties as needed (e.g., filing, photocopying, invoicing, credit card reconciliation)
• Proactive compliance with NRAO and government safety policies and procedures in own work area is expected
• Assisting with special projects as needed
• Other administrative duties as assigned

Work is typically performed in an open office environment but may occasionally be required to be outdoors.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee typically sits at a desk, uses a personal computer, telephone, photocopier, scanner, facsimile, and other standard office equipment.

Who You Are:

• You have a high school diploma or GED or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• You have a minimum of one year of experience in a receptionist or administrative capacity.

Competency Summary

• Proficiency with personal computers including word processing and spreadsheet software (Microsoft Office Suite)
• Provides excellent customer service and comfortable interacting with the general public, groups, and individuals of all professional levels
• Knowledge of standard office practices, procedures, various office equipment and administrative techniques
• Strong attention to detail
• Excellent verbal and communication skills and ability to understand and follow oral and written instruction
• Highly organized, takes initiative, and performs work independently in the absence of specific instructions
• Maintain accurate records
• Ability to be resourceful and proactive when issues arise
• Possesses a positive and professional attitude

Physical Requirements

Must be able to work at a computer terminal for extended periods of time and work effectively in an environment given multiple tasks and competing priorities. Must be able to handle, bend, stoop, lift, and reach, in the maintenance of the office filing system.

May occasionally drive a vehicle, lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The employee frequently is required to communicate in person, by electronic mail, and by telephone. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.

Additional Requirement

Observatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States. The Observatory presently…