OverviewThe Proposal Manager is responsible for managing all aspects of the proposal development lifecycle from pre-RFP through submission to maximize contract award success. This role requires a highly capable proposals professional who is experienced working in a small business environment and consistently delivers high-quality proposals.
Responsibilities
- Leads and supports the development of compliant, compelling federal government proposals through collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, including:
- Capture Managers & Business Development Officers
- Technical Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)
- Proposal Team members
- Subcontractor personnel
- Executive leadership and other contributors as needed
- Writes, edits, and manages proposal responses to government Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Quotes (RFQs), Task Order Proposals, and Requests for Information (RFIs).
- Coordinates and manages multiple proposal efforts simultaneously while maintaining schedule discipline and compliance requirements.
- Serves as the primary point of contact (POC) for assigned proposal efforts, including:
- Preparing kickoff packages
- Developing proposal schedules and compliance matrices
- Coordinating virtual and in-person meetings
- Managing proposal content development, reviews, and production activities
- Reviews and rewrites proposal sections to ensure consistency, compliance, responsiveness, and overall proposal quality.
- Responds to clarification requests, deficiency reports, and final proposal revision requests within compressed timelines.
- Supports and maintains proposal knowledge management repositories and SharePoint libraries.
- Works effectively in a dynamic small business environment requiring flexibility, initiative, and the ability to pivot quickly to changing priorities and customer demands.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Communications, Marketing, English, or related discipline preferred.
- Four years of experience employed by the federal government or supporting federal government contracting or military service (active duty, reserves, or national guard) may substitute for a bachelor’s degree.
- Demonstrated experience working in a small business and/or veteran-owned business environment preferred.
- Minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience writing, coordinating, and managing federal government proposals, preferably supporting DoD and IT services opportunities.
- Strong proposal writing, editing, and content development skills with the ability to translate technical information into clear, compelling proposal narratives.
- Proven ability to work under aggressive deadlines, manage multiple competing priorities, and adapt quickly in a fast-paced proposal environment.
- Experience supporting rapid-turn proposal efforts with minimal oversight.
- Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills with the ability to collaborate across functional teams.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, SharePoint, and proposal collaboration tools.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, during active proposal efforts as needed.
Preferred Qualifications
- AMPM certifications, experience with the Shipley Proposal Process or similar proposal development methodologies.
- Familiarity with federal government procurement processes and Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) environments.
- Experience supporting proposals for IT, cybersecurity, engineering, or technical support services contracts.
- Active Secret clearance or ability to obtain one preferred.
Salary: $90K - $110K
