Proposal Manager

JOB DESCRIPTION

 Proposal Leadership & Management
Lead end-to-end development of compliant, compelling proposals, including RFP analysis, outline creation, schedule development, writing, editing, and final production.
Manage multiple concurrent proposals, often with short turnaround times (including 72-hour task order responses).
Facilitate color team reviews, solutioning discussions, and content development sessions with technical SMEs, BD, and leadership.
Develop and enforce proposal schedules, compliance matrices, templates, and version control practices.
Writing & Content Development
Write clear, persuasive, and compliant proposal sections, including technical, management, past performance, and staffing narratives.
Translate SME input into polished, customer-focused content.
Maintain and expand a library of reusable proposal content, resumes, and past performance materials.
Capture & BD Support
Support early capture activities by contributing to win strategy, customer analysis, competitor assessments, and solution development.
Participate in BD pipeline reviews and teaming discussions.
Assist BD with shaping activities, pipeline management, and opportunity qualification.
Process Improvement & Organizational Maturity
Introduce and champion proposal best practices in an environment where proposals may be viewed as administrative rather than strategic.
Establish repeatable processes, templates, and workflows to improve efficiency and quality.
Educate internal stakeholders on proposal roles, expectations, and timelines.
Collaboration & Communication
Coordinate across remote teams, subcontractors, and partners to gather inputs and ensure timely delivery.
Proactively communicate risks, gaps, and needs to leadership (owner).
Build strong relationships with SMEs and BD staff to improve proposal readiness and solution quality.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in business, or related field.
5+ years of experience managing and writing federal government proposals; small-business experience strongly preferred.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple proposals simultaneously with minimal oversight.
Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills with the ability to synthesize technical information.
Experience with rapid-turnaround task orders and IDIQ environments.
Familiarity with Shipley or similar proposal methodologies (formal certification a plus).
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and collaborative tools (Teams, SharePoint, etc.).
Ability to work independently in a remote environment with high accountability.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience supporting BD and capture activities in a small or growing organization.
Ability to introduce structure and process where limited frameworks currently exist.
Knowledge of federal contracting, FAR/DFARS, and government procurement cycles.
Graphic design or desktop publishing experience (e.g., PowerPoint, Visio, Adobe) is a plus.
Key Success Factors
Thrives in ambiguity and can create order from limited inputs.
Comfortable working under tight deadlines and shifting priorities.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to influence without authority.
High attention to detail and commitment to quality.
Strategic thinker who understands how proposals drive growth.