Proposal Manager

RemoteAlexandria, VAProposal 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, Client, 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 & Client Support

• Support early capture activities by contributing to win strategy, customer analysis, competitor assessments, and solution development.
• Participate in Client pipeline reviews and teaming discussions.
• Assist Client 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 Client 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 Client 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.