What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Contracts Administrator position at Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation?
About Us
VT-ARC, a technical services and applied research company, has built an organizational culture marked by four primary values: Teamwork, Integrity, Excellence, and Service. Integral to our success is our staff’s enthusiasm for solving tough problems by working together in teams to get the job done. We foster a culture where every employee’s contribution is valued and performed with integrity while maintaining a fun work environment. VT-ARC strives for excellence in all that is done for our clients, and such achievement is recognized through service/merit awards. Moreover, we promote a sense of community larger than VT-ARC alone, where staff and institutional resources can be applied in service to our country.
We are proud to be the recipient of the Best Workplace in Defense Award by Emergent Magazine, an honor that recognizes companies with positive cultures that not only impact their people but also make a meaningful difference in the community.
About You
You are a seasoned contracts professional with a TS/SCI clearance and a deep understanding of federal acquisition regulations and a proven ability to provide full life cycle contract management for an anticipated federal award with support to an additional assigned portfolio of federal contracts and grants. You are skilled in balancing compliance with strategic problem-solving under tight timelines. Your judgment, analytical skills, and attention to detail make you a trusted advisor to both internal teams and external partners.
Experience in small business or nonprofit organizations is a plus, and you’re ready to bring your expertise to a role where precision and impact matter.
Position Overview
The Senior Contracts Administrator manages cradle to grave contractual activities, with a focus on postaward administration, modifications/changes, negotiations, compliance, reporting, closeout and file management and aspects of preaward planning, solicitation development, and negotiations. This role serves as the primary point of contact for contract matters, collaborates with internal stakeholders and external partners, and ensures adherence to applicable laws, regulations, organization policies, FAR/DFARS, and agency-specific guidelines.
This position is contingent based upon contract award
Duties/Responsibilities
Special Work Conditions: Possible travel to other CONUS locations (limited)
Security
To learn more about VT-ARC’s Benefits, Perks, Culture & more visit our Careers page: https://vt-arc.org/careers/
Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.E-Verify.gov.
VT-ARC, a technical services and applied research company, has built an organizational culture marked by four primary values: Teamwork, Integrity, Excellence, and Service. Integral to our success is our staff’s enthusiasm for solving tough problems by working together in teams to get the job done. We foster a culture where every employee’s contribution is valued and performed with integrity while maintaining a fun work environment. VT-ARC strives for excellence in all that is done for our clients, and such achievement is recognized through service/merit awards. Moreover, we promote a sense of community larger than VT-ARC alone, where staff and institutional resources can be applied in service to our country.
We are proud to be the recipient of the Best Workplace in Defense Award by Emergent Magazine, an honor that recognizes companies with positive cultures that not only impact their people but also make a meaningful difference in the community.
About You
You are a seasoned contracts professional with a TS/SCI clearance and a deep understanding of federal acquisition regulations and a proven ability to provide full life cycle contract management for an anticipated federal award with support to an additional assigned portfolio of federal contracts and grants. You are skilled in balancing compliance with strategic problem-solving under tight timelines. Your judgment, analytical skills, and attention to detail make you a trusted advisor to both internal teams and external partners.
Experience in small business or nonprofit organizations is a plus, and you’re ready to bring your expertise to a role where precision and impact matter.
Position Overview
The Senior Contracts Administrator manages cradle to grave contractual activities, with a focus on postaward administration, modifications/changes, negotiations, compliance, reporting, closeout and file management and aspects of preaward planning, solicitation development, and negotiations. This role serves as the primary point of contact for contract matters, collaborates with internal stakeholders and external partners, and ensures adherence to applicable laws, regulations, organization policies, FAR/DFARS, and agency-specific guidelines.
This position is contingent based upon contract award
Duties/Responsibilities
- Contract Administration & Compliance
- Manage cradle-to-grave contract activities, including negotiations, award review and management, modifications, extensions/renewals, closeout, and associated compliance tasks. May also include activities involving solicitation review and analysis, proposal development, review and submission.
- Prepare, review, and maintain contractual documentation in accordance with organizational policy and procedures (negotiation memoranda, justification & authorizations, reports, etc.).
- Ensure compliance with applicable FAR/DFARS, agency supplements, and other applicable regulations.
- Review, interpret, and advise teams on contract terms, conditions, risks, and obligations.
- Maintain accurate and complete contract files in accordance with internal policies and applicable regulations.
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Serve as the primary point of contact for government Contracting Officers, program managers, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders to support mission needs.
- Provide timely communication and issue resolution with both internal and external partners.
- Subaward & Vendor Management
- Support subcontractor and vendor oversight, including negotiation, compliance monitoring, and back up for invoice review.
- Provide guidance on procurement related contractual issues (consultants, service contracts, modifications, etc.).
- Financial & Data Management
- Support Finance Manager/Dept in review of invoices, financial reports, and cost data for accuracy and compliance.
- Conduct basic cashflow or cost/pricing analysis in support of acquisition decisions.
- Use contract and financial systems (e.g., SharePoint, enterprise workflows, contract writing tools) to maintain accurate information.
- Audit Support & Risk Management
- Support internal and external audits; respond to audit compliance reviews and findings.
- Active TS/SCI security clearance.
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Contract/Acquisition Management, Public Administration, or related field. Additional years of experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
- 5 years of federal contracting or contract management experience, including cradle to grave responsibilities.
- Demonstrated knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR/DFARS/agency supplements) and grant management regulations.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to interface professionally with government and nonprofit stakeholders.
- Proficiency in MS Office and familiarity with contract writing/management systems.
- Ability to receive and implement guidance and instruction while also able to suggest improvements and work independently as needed.
- Experience supporting national security, intelligence community, or classified programs.
- Knowledge of cost analysis, market research, and price negotiation techniques.
- Experience in a nonprofit environment with federal prime awards, subcontracts, subawards and grant-funded programs.
- Professional certification such as CFCM, CPCM, FACC/DAWIA.
- Ability to work independently; possess a proactive, collaborative and solution oriented mindset while maintaining attention to details.
- Support presolicitation and preaward strategy, requirements development, and market research.
- Assist in and support the review of cost estimates, evaluation criteria, and procurement strategies.
- Participate in preaward conferences and postaward reviews.
- Draft and manage small business subcontracting plans including pre-award planning, review and post-award management and oversight.
- Contribute to the refinement of SOPs, templates, and workflow improvements.
- Provide backup, training, or mentorship to staff involved in contract related work when needed.
Special Work Conditions: Possible travel to other CONUS locations (limited)
Security
- Must be a U.S. Citizen
- Active TS/SCI clearance
To learn more about VT-ARC’s Benefits, Perks, Culture & more visit our Careers page: https://vt-arc.org/careers/
Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.E-Verify.gov.