Administrative Assistant, Policy and Outreach

Position Summary

Are you a highly organized, polished professional energized by supporting policy, advocacy, and academic initiatives in higher education? Phi Beta Kappa is seeking an Administrative Assistant, Policy and Outreach to provide high-level support to the Policy and Advocacy and the Academic Programs & Outreach teams.

In this role, you will manage a wide range of administrative, operational, and communications responsibilities—supporting policy research, coordinating initiatives, and helping the teams advance the Society’s mission. The ideal candidate brings an understanding of the current higher education landscape, experience with policy or advocacy work, and the ability to operate in a fully nonpartisan environment.

You will thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, exercising discretion, sound judgment, and professionalism while supporting staff across multiple departments.

Position Title: Administrative Assistant, Policy and Outreach
Department: Policy and Advocacy; Academic Programs & Outreach
Reports To: Deputy Director for Policy and Advocacy
Status: Full-time, Exempt
Location: Dupont Circle, Washington DC- in person required

Key Responsibilities:

- Provide administrative and operational support to the Policy and Advocacy and Academic Programs & Outreach teams, including calendar management, scheduling, correspondence, invoicing/payments, and program coordination.
- Assist with policy research, data collection, and preparation of briefing materials, reports, and presentations.
- Support communications efforts, including drafting, editing, and disseminating materials for internal and external audiences.
- Coordinate meetings and events as the primary contact with vendors, ensuring smooth logistics and follow-up.
- Manage inquiries and requests related to policy and academic programs, escalating as appropriate to staff leads.
- Maintain records, databases, webpages, and files to ensure accuracy, consistency, and ease of access.
- Serve as a trusted, professional point of contact internally and externally, representing the Society with discretion and integrity.

Who You Are:

- Sophisticated and professional, with experience supporting policy, advocacy, or academic programs in higher education or nonprofit settings.
- Knowledgeable about the current higher education landscape and able to understand and contribute to policy and outreach initiatives. - Highly organized and detail-oriented, with a proven ability managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Discreet and judicious, consistently exercising sound judgement and professionalism.
- Clear and diplomatic, in both written and verbal communications.
- Proactive and resourceful, anticipating needs independently while collaborating effectively across teams.
- Passionate about advancing Phi Beta Kappa's nonpartisan mission championing the liberal arts and sciences, combined with a keen interest in news, books, culture, and politics.

Why It Matters:

This position is critical to the success of Phi Beta Kappa’s policy, advocacy, and academic initiatives. By providing high-level administrative support and assisting with research, communications, and program coordination, the Administrative Assistant, Policy and Outreach ensures the teams operate efficiently, effectively, and with the professionalism that reflects the Society’s mission of excellence, integrity, and service.

How to Apply:

To apply, please send resume and cover letter to HRHiring@pbk.org.

All materials should be in a single pdf file titled “Admin-Policy, applicant’s last name” (e.g., Admin-Policy, Jones)

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until a successful applicant is found.

The anticipated salary is in the range of $50,000-60,000 depending upon experience.

The Phi Beta Kappa Society offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and retirement. The national office of Phi Beta Kappa is in the heart of Dupont Circle in Washington, D.C.