Bids & Proposals Specialist

Project Lead The Way; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Project Lead The Way seeks a Bids & Proposal Specialist to manage PLTW's bid and proposal function across federal, state, and district opportunities. The role coordinates opportunity identification, bid qualification, proposal development, and submission management, ensuring timely and high-quality responses while supporting renewal activities.

The specialist researches funding opportunities and collaborates with multiple departments to align proposals with PLTW's mission and growth initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent related experience.
• Experience in bids and proposal processes, including bid/no-bid decisions.
• Ability to monitor procurement platforms and funding opportunities.
• Experience analyzing outcomes to improve bid strategies and win rates.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the full bid and proposal lifecycle from identification to renewal.
• Coordinate proposal development and submission management across departments.
• Proactively research and identify funding opportunities aligned with PLTW’s priorities.
• Ensure regulatory and compliance documentation is completed and up-to-date.
• Engage with school districts and customers on expiring contracts.

Skills

Bid management

Proposal development

RFP reviews

Regulatory compliance

Vendor management

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Project management

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Job description

At Project Lead The Way (PLTW), we are empowering students to thrive in an evolving world. We know that U.S. students must develop the knowledge and skills necessary to compete in the workforce, solve important challenges, and contribute to global progress. We know that teachers need support in empowering students to build these skills. Through our pathways in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science, PreK-12 students learn problem-solving strategies, critical and creative thinking, and how to communicate and collaborate.

The Bids & Proposal Specialist is responsible for managing and optimizing PLTW's bid and proposal function to support organizational growth and mission impact. This role oversees the full proposal lifecycle, including opportunity identification, bid qualification, proposal development, submission management, contract implementation, and bid renewal activities.

The Specialist proactively researches federal, state, district, and other funding opportunities aligned with PLTW's strategic priorities and collaborates cross-functionally to develop compelling, high-quality responses. This role serves as a key liaison across departments to ensure accurate, timely, and competitive submissions while supporting operational excellence throughout the bid process.

Occasional on-site presence to support bid-related administrative activities is required.

PLTW IS SEEKING CANDIDATES WITH:

• Experience managing vendor registrations and procurement portals.
• A Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent related experience.
• Bids and Proposal experience, including conducting RFP reviews, coordinating proposal development, and providing recommendations regarding bid/no-bid decisions.
• The ability to monitor public procurement platforms, funding sources, government websites, and federal, state, district, and educational agency procurement channels to identify bid opportunities aligned with PLTW's mission, strategic objectives, and growth initiatives.
• Experience analyzing proposal outcomes and identifying opportunities to improve bid strategy, processes, and win rates.
• The ability to proactively engage with school districts and customers regarding expiring contracts and renewal opportunities.
• The ability to coordinate completion and maintenance of required regulatory and compliance documentation, including CIQ, 1295, EDGAR, and other procurement-related forms.
• Experience identifying emerging trends, procurement practices, funding mechanisms, and best practices that may create new opportunities for PLTW.
• The desire to recommend process improvements and operational efficiencies related to proposal development and contract management.
• A customer-centric approach to all internal and external interactions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to build and nurture relationships.
• Superior organizational skills with strong attention to detail.
• The ability to work independently with a hands-on approach and minimal supervision.
• Excellent project management skills.
• The ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• The ability to work independently, resourcefully seek answers, and remove obstacles.
• Complex problem-solving and analytical skills.