Receptionist

Location: HoustonSchedule: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PMFLSA: Non-ExemptPosition Type: Full-Time/RegularAkin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP is a leading international law firm with more than 900 lawyers in offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. We are currently seeking a Receptionist to support the Houston office, reporting to the Office Administrator.The role will reside in the Houston office and be responsible for handling the office reception areas, answering internal and external switchboard calls, and performing other general reception duties. Receptionists are expected to perform all responsibilities with a commitment to providing superior service to the firm’s attorneys, advisors and staff, and maintaining an atmosphere of teamwork and continuous improvement. Above all, the Receptionist must fulfill the needs of the firm in a manner which is consistent with the Firm's Core Values.Key responsibilities of this position include:Greet, welcome and announce clients and visitors to the office.Guide visitors to their respective meeting rooms or visitor offices.Answer telephones (internal and external calls); take and transmit calls and messages to office personnel, clients and visitors.Schedule and confirm meeting reservations for Conference Center.Schedule and confirm visiting attorney office requests.Consult with appropriate personnel to coordinate conference room functions, as needed.Assist with various tasks as assigned by the Conference Center Coordinator and/or Office Administrator.Assist with maintenance of in-house coffee bars and employee lounge.Maintain visitor badge inventory and log to ensure security standards are upheld.Serve as Receptionist for special office events (conferences, symposia, training programs), and direct outside visitors to their destinations.Serve as Receptionist for special off-site events (conferences, symposia, Marketing or Recruiting programs).Coordinate with Facilities Department for service requests and tenant requests.Notify Office Administrator of security concerns.Perform clerical and administrative projects as assigned by supervisors.Assist with basic IT needs for conference rooms.Order food for meetings as directed by Conference Center Coordinator and/or Office Administrator.Qualifications (Experience, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities):High School Diploma or equivalentMinimum of 1 year experience as a Receptionist, preferably in a professional services environmentExtensive knowledge of and proficiency on telephone and voicemail systems, including basic and advanced functionsExcellent telephone manner and oral communication skillsThorough knowledge of office procedures for conference room and food service schedulingAbility to handle difficult situations with discretion, tact and diplomacyFamiliarity with office and firm personnelFamiliarity with office space (location of specific departments, offices, conference rooms, etc.)Ability to operate office equipment and technology used on a regular basis, including computers and telephonesAbility to read, comprehend and follow instructionsAbility to respond to changing prioritiesAbility to handle many tasks simultaneouslyAbility to work in a fast-paced environmentAbility to perform clerical tasks with a high degree of accuracyAbility to work with a wide range of people in a team settingAbility to establish effective working relationships with clients, vendors and others outside the firmAbility to establish effective working relationships within the department, office and firmStrong service orientationLegible handwritingExcellent organizational and record-keeping skillsCommitment to professional growth and development