Sr. Federal Proposal Coordinator/ Jr Proposal Manager (Secret Clearance)

Vantor Inc.; Herndon (VA); On-site; USD 83,000 - 139,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Mental health resources

Student loan repayment assistance

Adoption reimbursement

Pet insurance

Job summary

Vantor Inc. is seeking an Associate Proposal Manager to lead the development of complex federal proposals. This role requires 3-5 years of related experience and advanced skills in proposal management. Candidates must have strong communication skills and the ability to manage compliance throughout the proposal lifecycle. The position is based in Herndon, Virginia, and requires U.S. citizenship with active Secret clearance. Benefits include a robust 401(k), mental health resources, and unique perks.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience managing complex federal proposals.
• Experience coordinating major sections of proposal volumes for large opportunities.
• Proven ability to present to senior executives.
• Willingness to work onsite in Herndon, VA.

Responsibilities

• Support the full lifecycle development of federal proposals.
• Develop winning proposal strategies and compliant content.
• Lead and guide proposal efforts with executives and partners.
• Own compliance and manage proposal activities against schedules.

Skills

Proposal management

Compliance

Time management

Written and verbal communication

Advanced Microsoft Office skills

Persuasive writing

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Adobe Acrobat

Job description

Associate Proposal Manager

Eligibility: U.S. Person (citizen, permanent resident, asylee, or refugee) required. U.S. Government Secret clearance required.

Responsibilities

• Support the full lifecycle development of complex federal proposals for enterprise and large opportunities from pre-proposal phase through post-proposal submittal phases.
• Develop winning proposal strategies and translate capture objectives into high-quality, compliant proposal content across all volumes (technical, management, cost, past performance, etc.).
• Work closely with executives, leadership teams, business development staff, partners, and subject matter experts to lead and guide proposal efforts, providing strategic direction and support throughout.
• Own compliance and on-time submission: manage and control all proposal activities against the proposal schedule and RFP requirements within Vantor's complex business environment.
• Drive storyboarding, proposal mock-ups, and iterative drafts from concept through final submission; ensure cost volume integration and alignment with technical/management volumes.
• Plan and conduct structured kick-offs that set expectations, responsibilities, and schedules for all contributors.
• Lead and/or coordinate color reviews that produce actionable feedback (in-briefs / de-briefs) and ensure reviewer accountability.
• Coach SMEs, authors, and proposal contributors in persuasive writing and proposal best practices; collaborate closely with production, graphics, and desktop publishing teams to ensure high-quality deliverables.
• Communicate progress, risks, and decisions effectively with senior leadership, capture teams, and program leadership.
• Operate effectively under pressure and tight deadlines, maintaining composure and ensuring proposal quality when proposals have CEO visibility.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Business Administration (or equivalent experience).
• 3-5 years of related experience managing and developing complex federal proposals (experience with opportunities exceeding $100M strongly preferred).
• Demonstrated experience coordinating and leading major sections of all proposal volumes (technical, solution, management, cost) for large/enterprise opportunities.
• Demonstrated experience developing and applying formal proposal management artifacts and processes: proposal schedules, outlines, compliance matrices, kick-offs, storyboards, mockups, and color review in-briefs/de-briefs.
• Strong time management, prioritization, attention to detail, and sound judgment under deadline pressure.
• Advanced Microsoft Word and Office skills; familiarity with proposal production tools and Adobe Acrobat for final production.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; proven ability to present to senior executives.
• Willingness to work onsite in Herndon, VA 3 days per week.
• U.S. citizenship required. Must possess an active Secret clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Formal proposal training and/or certifications (e.g., Shipley, APMP)
• Experience collaborating with Senior/Corporate leadership
• Background in geospatial services/products, digital transformation, cybersecurity, cloud, or related technical domains
• Experience supporting large, complex federal proposals (e.g., IDIQs, GWACs, BPAs)
• Proposal experience within a large systems integrator or federal contractor
• Familiarity with AI tools, workflows, and processes

Pay Transparency

Base pay: $83,000.00 - $139,000.00 annually (Washington, DC metropolitan area). For all other states, geographic cost of labor is used to develop market‑driven ranges for our roles.

Benefits

Vantor offers a competitive total rewards package that includes a robust 401(k) with company match, mental health resources, and unique perks such as student loan repayment assistance, adoption reimbursement, and pet insurance to support all aspects of your life.

EEO Policy

Vantor is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.