Virtual Assistant for Job Applications and Contracts

About the Role:
We are seeking an experienced Virtual Assistant (VA) specialized in applying to job applications for contract-based work. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of successfully identifying, applying for, and securing freelance, per-project, and annual contract opportunities for highly skilled professionals.

This role involves researching opportunities, preparing high-quality applications, managing outreach, and securing interviews on behalf of a seasoned professional with 12+ years of experience in grant writing and strategic consulting. The VA will work across multiple platforms to ensure a steady pipeline of contract-based work, with a strong emphasis on high-value annual contracts (industry average is $50K–$110K+ per annual contract) while supplementing with per-project work (the industry average is $1k to $10k per-project).

This is a performance-driven role, requiring strong research, writing, outreach, and organizational skills. Compensation includes base pay plus high commission incentives, making this a lucrative opportunity for a highly motivated and experienced VA.

Key Responsibilities:
1. Contract & Project Opportunity Research
- Identify and track contract-based work opportunities across freelance platforms, job boards, government RFP listings, and industry-specific sites.
- Prioritize high-value contracts ($50K+ annual contracts) while supplementing with smaller per-project grants ($3K+ secured monthly minimum).
- Source opportunities on Upwork, PeoplePerHour, Freelancer, LinkedIn Jobs, Indeed, FlexJobs, government procurement sites, nonprofit grant databases, direct RFP portals, and more.
- Research companies, nonprofits, and government agencies that regularly contract grant writers and strategists.

2. Application Management & Submission
- Submit 400+ high-quality applications per month (~20+ per day), tailored for each opportunity.
- Ensure each application aligns with contract requirements, qualifications, and best practices in grant writing and strategic consulting.
- Track and manage applications efficiently, ensuring follow-ups and optimizations for better success rates.

3. Interview Scheduling & Outreach
- Secure at least 10 interviews per month, with a target of 12–15+.
- Manage scheduling, coordinate with hiring managers, and ensure timely responses to inquiries.
- Maintain detailed records of application responses, interview requests, and outcomes.

4. Contract Closing & Pipeline Management
- Ensure a minimum of $3,000 in secured contract value per month, with a target of $50,000+ for annual contracts.
- Facilitate contract negotiations by coordinating follow-ups, gathering necessary documents, and assisting with client communications as requested by the lead applicant.
- Maintain an organized pipeline of pending, secured, and upcoming contracts to ensure consistent contract flow.

Required Skills & Qualifications:
Industry-Specific Experience
- Proven experience in securing freelance and contract-based work. Preferred, but not required: experience in grant writing, nonprofit consulting, or strategic business development.
- Familiarity with grant writing, RFPs, nonprofit funding, and consulting contracts is preferred, but not required.
- Experience applying for freelance platforms (Upwork, PeoplePerHour, Freelancer, etc.) and applying to contract positions (Indeed, LinkedIn, and other job boards)

Hard Skills
- Strong written communication skills – must craft compelling applications tailored to each opportunity.
- Tech-savvy – ability to navigate multiple platforms, submit online applications, track contracts, and manage outreach efficiently.
- CRM and spreadsheet management – ability to track hundreds of applications, interviews, and contract wins effectively.
- Understanding of contract negotiations and consulting agreements for freelancers and grant writers is preferred.

Soft Skills & Personal Qualities
- Highly proactive – takes initiative to research and secure new opportunities without micromanagement.
- Detail-oriented and organized – tracks progress, follows up on applications, and ensures deadlines are met.
- Persistent and results-driven – motivated by a commission-based model and willing to refine strategies for better results.
- Professional and persuasive – can communicate effectively with potential clients and decision-makers.

Tools & Platforms:
- Freelance Job Platforms: Upwork, PeoplePerHour, Freelancer, Fiverr, others
- Job & Contract Sites: LinkedIn Jobs, Indeed, FlexJobs, AngelList, Direct RFP Sites
- CRM & Organization: Google Sheets, Trello
- Outreach & Communication: LinkedIn, Email, Zoom, Google Meet, Calendly

Compensation Structure:
- Base Pay: $200/month
- Per Interview Incentive: $20 per interview secured (paid out after first contract is secured)
- Commission: 5% of secured contract value
- Bonuses:
--- $100 for securing $10K+ in a month
--- $500 for securing $50K+ in a month
--- $1,000 for securing $100K+ in a month

Performance Expectations:
- Applications sent: 400/month (100/week) minimum, 500/month target, 600+ stretch goal
- Interviews Secured: 10/month minimum, 12-15 target, 20+ stretch goal
- Contract value secured: $3,000/month minimum, $50,000/month target (industry standard for 1 annual contract), $80k/month stretch goal

Probationary Period & Performance Review:
This role includes a 60-day probationary period to assess effectiveness. The probationary period will include training, a ramp-up period, a 30-day performance review, and a 60-day performance review.

Who Should Apply?
This role is ideal for someone who:
- Has secured contract-based work for professional services before (a grant writer, consultant, or freelancer preferred).
- Understands the job application process for contractors and per-project professional services.
- Is highly organized, self-motivated, and thrives in a performance-driven role.
- Wants an opportunity with unlimited commission potential based on performance.

How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit:
- A resume detailing relevant experience in contract sourcing, applications, business development, and relevant experience.
- A short cover letter explaining previous successes in securing freelance or contract-based work.
- Any references or additional material to substantiate past successful contracts secured (as applicable).