Business Operations Specialist — Independent Contractor / Fractional Support

Business Operations Specialist — Independent Contractor / Fractional Support Location: 100% remote, based in the United States Engagement: Independent Contractor | Up to 10 hours per week Rate: $40-$50/hour, commensurate with experience. This is not benefit eligible. Period of Performance: Initial engagement of 6 months, with potential extension. Ideal start date of 9/1/2026. Availability: The Contractor shall maintain reasonable availability for scheduled meetings, collaboration, and coordination during normal Eastern Time business hours (9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.), as mutually agreed. The majority of work may be performed on a flexible schedule. About the Role We are seeking a highly organized and resourceful independent contractor to provide fractional support across contracts administration and project coordination. This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys bringing structure to operational work, keeping processes moving, and identifying opportunities to make systems more efficient. The independent contractor will work directly with our Chief of Staff, providing day-to-day execution and coordination while helping strengthen the processes and tools that support our organization. What You'll Do Contracts Administration, Tracking, and Process Improvement Prepare and coordinate routine organizational agreements using approved templates, including standard vendor agreements, non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), and other low-complexity agreements. Coordinate internal reviews, approvals, signatures, and document management. Escalate contract interpretation, negotiation, compliance, and non-standard matters to the Director of Contracts & Grants Administration. Document the status of agreements from initiation through execution. Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, templates, and other operational documentation. Help identify bottlenecks and implement improvements to organizational processes, tools, and workflows. Project Coordination Manage small, well-defined operational and cross-functional projects from planning through completion. Develop project plans, coordinate stakeholders, track milestones and action items, document decisions, and help ensure timely completion. Support implementation of internal operational initiatives and other special projects as needed. What We're Looking For Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience. Approximately 3–6 years of relevant experience in business operations, contracts administration, project coordination, or a related field. Experience coordinating routine contracts, approvals, or other business documentation. Experience managing small operational or cross-functional projects. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Experience maintaining tracking systems and producing operational reports. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to independently manage multiple priorities, follow through on commitments, and recognize when an issue requires escalation. Experience in a nonprofit, research, higher education, government, or other mission-driven environment preferred. Familiarity with contract lifecycle management or grants administration preferred. Experience developing standard operating procedures and process documentation preferred.