OSP Support Specialist (Contracts)

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (VT); Blacksburg (VA); Hybrid; USD 30,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

Virginia Tech is seeking a Contracts Support Specialist within the Office of Sponsored Programs. The role supports faculty and staff by preparing documents for contracts, grants, subawards, and award changes while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and sponsor requirements.

This part-time, hybrid position emphasizes attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to work independently in a fast-moving environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in accounting, accounting information systems, auditing, finance, or research administration.
• Professional administrative support and/or customer service experience.
• Strong computer skills with word processing, spreadsheets, and email clients.
• Excellent attention to detail, good communication, and ability to work solo or in a team.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills to catch errors and inconsistencies.

Responsibilities

• Assist faculty and the Office of Sponsored Programs in preparing documents for contracts, grants, subawards, and changes.
• Organize large volumes of information and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, university regulations, and sponsor terms.
• Provide professional, customer-focused service in a fast-moving environment.

Skills

Accounting background

Administrative support

Customer service

Computer skills

Communication skills

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Email clients

Job description

Job Description

The Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) is a division of the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation at Virginia Tech. OSP provides a comprehensive array of administrative support services to the university to help faculty and staff obtain and manage grants and contracts from external sponsors who provide the funding for the university’s research projects. OSP functions as a steward of Virginia Tech’s research portfolio and is responsible for ensuring that all research proposals and projects comply with federal and state laws and regulations, the sponsor’s policies and terms and conditions, and university policies and procedures.

The Contracts Support Specialist is an integral part of a dedicated team of professionals working to ensure that obligations for sponsored programs align with federal, state, university regulations, and the sponsor’s requirements. The Contracts Support Specialist assists faculty and the Office of Sponsored Programs in the preparation of documents and materials that facilitate research agreements and requests, including contracts, grants, subawards and award change requests. The Contracts Support Specialist organizes large volumes of information and works closely with others in the office to deliver consistent results to internal and external stakeholders, while also displaying a high level of professionalism and customer service. The Contracts Support Specialist performs effectively and with limited supervision in a fast-moving environment.

Required Qualifications

• Experience and/or coursework in accounting, accounting information systems, auditing, business management, finance, or research administration.
• Demonstrated professional-level administrative support and/or customer service experience.
• Strong computer skills including word processing, spreadsheet applications, and email clients.
• Strong work ethic, attention to detail, good communication skills, and ability to work both individually and as a team member.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to notice and correct errors and inconsistencies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in handling complex and confidential material.
• Demonstrated experience in and/or familiarity with state and federal regulations and guidelines related to research administration.
• Knowledge of university administrative and/or accounting practices and procedures.
• Ability to synthesize and interpret applicable federal, state, corporate, university or private regulations, or comparable legal/regulatory program experience to ensure compliance.

Pay Band

4

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

$22-$25/hourly, commensurate with experience

Hours per week

Up to 29 hours/week, can vary based on schedule

Review Date

August 18, 2026

Additional Information

This is a part-time position and not eligible for state benefits.

Position is hybrid with a weekly on-campus presence, and will require the completion of a telework agreement in accordance with Policy 4325, Alternative Work Site and Telework Policy.

We are unable to sponsor work visas for this position.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Renee VanDykeat [e-mail] regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.