Principal Contracts Administrator

Job Description

Job Description

Be Challenged and Make a Difference  

In a world of technology, people make the difference. We believe if we invest in great people, then great things will happen. At AnaVation, we provide unmatched value to our customers and employees through innovative solutions and an engaging culture. 

We’re seeking a Principal Contracts Administrator to advance your career while supporting the full lifecycle of contract and subcontract activities across mission-critical programs central to our work.

In this role, you’ll partner closely with program, finance, and business development teams to ensure compliant, efficient contract execution while supporting ongoing growth initiatives. Our portfolio spans DoD, Civilian, and Intelligence Community (IC) customers, with a strong emphasis on IC programs. You’ll operate in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, contributing across contract administration, subcontract management, and multiple concurrent proposal efforts.

Work Environment

We support flexible work arrangements aligned to mission and security requirements. This role offers flexibility in scheduling while requiring a consistent weekly in-office presence at our Chantilly, VA location, along with additional on-site support as needed for classified program activities. This position requires a minimum of an active Secret clearance with the ability to obtain a Top-Secret with SCI eligibility.

How You Work

• Comfortable serving as a working lead, balancing strategic thinking with hands-on execution across day-to-day contract activities
• Brings structure and momentum to competing priorities
• Applies sound judgment when reviewing contract terms and supporting negotiations
• Demonstrates strong ownership mentality and accountability for moving actions through completion in a timely manner
• Able to quickly assess contracting, compliance, and proposal requirements and independently drive next steps
• Actively incorporates feedback to strengthen work quality and continuously improve
• Thrives in environments where priorities shift and where success requires both critical thinking and execution
• Resourceful and effectively leverage internal tools and systems (e.g., Microsoft Suite and other company platforms) to locate information, manage documentation, and support contract activities

Responsibilities

As a Principal Contracts Administrator at AnaVation, your work will matter every day. Here’s what you’ll do:

• Support contract and subcontract administration across the full lifecycle (cradle-to-grave), including proposal, award, performance, and closeout, for a range of contract types (e.g., CPFF, FFP, T&M, IDIQ, GWAC, BPA, SBIR, OTA, GSA Schedules)
• Draft, review, and support negotiation of contracts, subcontracts, modifications, NDAs, teaming agreements, cost proposals, and closeout documentation
• Contribute to business development and proposal efforts, including development of contracts and pricing volumes, review of terms and conditions, and ensuring compliance with solicitation requirements
• Lead coordination and execution of high-priority proposal and contractual efforts operating under compressed timelines.
• Collaborate with proposal managers, pricing leads, and technical teams to align contractual language and pricing with overall capture and proposal strategy Review, redline, and interpret contract terms, conditions, and pricing; identify risk and provide clear, actionable guidance to program teams and leadership
• Ensure compliance with FAR, DFARS, agency-specific regulations, and company policies, including completion of required representations and certifications
• Support subcontract administration, including issuance, negotiation support, flow-down of requirements, and coordination with subcontractors
• Track contract and subcontract funding, deliverables, and modifications; coordinate with program teams to meet contractual obligations
• Serve as a key point of contact for internal stakeholders and, as appropriate, external customers on contractual matters
• Maintain organized, complete, and audit-ready contract files in accordance with company and regulatory requirements
• Support negotiation approaches and contract strategy aligned with company objectives, whether acting as a prime or subcontractor
• Provide contractual interpretation, risk identification, and guidance to program managers, account teams, and leadership
• Support contracts with classified requirements, including handling of DD254s, safeguarding CUI, and aligning with applicable security protocols (e.g., NISPOM)
• Coordinate with security (FSO) and program teams to align contractual requirements with TS/SCI program needs, including facility and personnel clearance considerations
• Assist with classified proposal efforts and ensure compliance with applicable security and contracting requirements
• Drive contractual actions, timelines, and follow-through across internal stakeholders to ensure timely and compliant execution
• Stay current on contracting regulations, procedures, and industry best practices
• Contribute to team efforts and provide support across the contracts function as needed

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• 8+ years of industry experience in federal government contracting, including direct support in contract administration
• A Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• Working knowledge of FAR, DFARS, and agency-specific regulations, along with familiarity with federal acquisition and procurement processes
• Understanding of DCAA/DCMA compliance expectations and contract administration best practices
• Experience supporting or exposure to non-traditional acquisition pathways (e.g., SBIR/STTR, OTAs, CSOs, or similar), including accelerated or flexible procurement approaches
• Ability to interpret contract requirements, assess risk, and align contractual actions with broader business and program objectives
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage complex federal contracting actions with limited oversight
• Proven experience operating in a highly hands-on contracts role supporting multiple simultaneous priorities and deadlines
• Ability to take initiative, anticipate needs, and drive work to completion in a fast-paced environment
• Comfortable functioning as an individual contributor and working lead within a lean, high-performing contracts environment
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to work across internal teams and interface with external stakeholders
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 tools, including Word, Excel, and Teams
• Ability to obtain a Secret security clearance, Active secret clearance or above preferred. 

• Experience supporting Intelligence Community (IC) programs
• Active Secret or Top-Secret with SCI eligibility
• Experience supporting classified contracts, including those requiring TS/SCI access
• Familiarity with DD254s, NISPOM, and contractor security compliance requirements
• Experience coordinating with security teams (e.g., FSO, program security) and supporting contract requirements tied to clearance levels
• Exposure to DoD and Civilian agency contracting environments
• Familiarity with DCAA/DCMA audits and compliance expectations
• Experience with contract management systems (e.g., Unanet, Deltek, or similar)
• Professional certification (CPCM, CFCM)