Proposal Manager
This is a remote position. Our client has a remote position as a Proposal Manager located in Alexandria, VA. The Proposal Manager plays a pivotal role in driving organizational growth by leading the end-to-end development of high-quality, compliant, and compelling proposals for federal government opportunities. This remote position requires a strategic, detail-oriented professional who excels in fast-paced environments, managing multiple concurrent submissions with tight deadlines. The ideal candidate will serve as a central force in shaping winning proposals by translating technical expertise into persuasive narratives, fostering collaboration across cross-functional teams, and advancing proposal processes to enhance efficiency and success rates. With a strong focus on quality, compliance, and continuous improvement, the Proposal Manager ensures that every submission reflects the organization’s strengths and aligns with customer needs and strategic objectives.
Responsibilities
Lead the full lifecycle of proposal development, from RFP analysis and outline creation to final production, ensuring compliance, consistency, and customer alignment. Manage multiple proposals simultaneously, including rapid-response task orders and IDIQ submissions, under tight timelines. Coordinate and facilitate cross-functional review sessions, solutioning workshops, and content development with technical SMEs, business development, and leadership. Develop and maintain proposal schedules, compliance matrices, templates, and version control systems to ensure accuracy and efficiency. Write, edit, and refine high-impact proposal sections including technical approaches, management plans, past performance, and staffing narratives. Transform complex technical inputs into clear, persuasive, and customer-focused content. Maintain and expand a centralized repository of reusable content, resumes, and past performance materials. Support early capture and business development activities by contributing to win strategies, customer insights, competitor analysis, and solution design. Participate in pipeline reviews, teaming discussions, and opportunity qualification efforts. Champion proposal best practices and process improvements in environments where proposal work may be undervalued. Design and implement standardized workflows, templates, and tools to increase productivity and quality. Educate internal stakeholders on proposal timelines, roles, and expectations to strengthen readiness and collaboration. Coordinate with remote teams, subcontractors, and partners to gather inputs and ensure on-time delivery. Proactively identify and communicate risks, gaps, and resource needs to leadership. Build trusted relationships with SMEs and BD teams to enhance proposal quality and strategic alignment.
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in business, communications, or a related field. Five 5+ years of experience managing and writing federal government proposals, with small-business experience strongly preferred. Proven ability to manage multiple proposals concurrently with minimal supervision. Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills with the ability to distill technical information into clear, compelling narratives. Experience delivering proposals in rapid-turnaround environments, including 72-hour task orders and IDIQ frameworks. Familiarity with Shipley or similar proposal methodologies (formal certification is a plus). Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Teams, SharePoint, and other collaborative digital tools. Demonstrated success working independently in a remote setting with high accountability and self-direction. Gov/Con = government contracting with stable work background.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience supporting business development and capture activities in a small or emerging organization. Track record of introducing structure and process in environments with limited existing frameworks. In-depth knowledge of federal contracting regulations, including FAR/DFARS, and government procurement cycles. Graphic design or desktop publishing skills using tools such as PowerPoint, Visio, or Adobe Creative Suite. Key Success Factors Thrives in ambiguous situations and excels at creating structure from limited or evolving inputs. Performs effectively under pressure, adapting quickly to shifting priorities and tight deadlines. Possesses strong interpersonal skills and the ability to influence stakeholders without direct authority. Maintains exceptional attention to detail and a relentless commitment to quality. Acts as a strategic thinker who understands how proposals directly contribute to organizational growth and revenue. Apply To This Job