Contract Proposal Manager/Proposal Writer

8m Services; McLean (VA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking experienced Proposal Managers and Writers to support Federal RFP responses. This exciting contract role involves managing the complete lifecycle of proposal development, ensuring compliance with Federal guidelines, and crafting compelling narratives. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in Federal contracting, particularly in IT, healthcare, or defense. Join a dynamic team where your expertise will directly impact winning proposals and contribute to significant government contracts. This is a fantastic opportunity to leverage your skills in a meaningful way while working on high-stakes projects.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in Federal proposal management or writing.
• Strong understanding of FAR and proposal methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead the lifecycle of Federal proposal development for RFPs and RFIs.
• Develop persuasive proposal content and ensure compliance with requirements.

Skills

Proposal Management

Proposal Writing

Federal Procurement Processes

Research Skills

Technical Writing

Compliance Knowledge

Tools

Microsoft Word

SharePoint

Visio

Job description

Contract Proposal Manager/Proposal Writer

3 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

This range is provided by 8m Services. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$80.00/hr - $120.00/hr

We seek experienced Proposal Managers and Proposal Writers to support Federal RFP responses on a contract basis. This role requires expertise in managing and/or writing competitive, compliant, and compelling federal proposals. Candidates with experience in Federal IT, healthcare, defense, logistics, or other government contracting domains are highly preferred.

Applicants may apply for either Proposal Management or Proposal Writing roles, or both if qualified.

Key Responsibilities

Proposal Manager Responsibilities (10+ Years Experience Required):

• Lead and manage the full lifecycle of Federal proposal development in response to RFPs, RFIs, RFQs, and Sources-Sought Notices.
• Develop and oversee proposal schedules, compliance matrices, outlines, and templates to ensure a structured response.
• Conduct proposal kickoffs, daily stand-ups, color team reviews, and debrief sessions to drive efficient development.
• Assign tasks, track progress, and enforce deadlines to ensure timely and high-quality submission.
• Collaborate closely with capture teams, solution architects, SMEs, and leadership to align proposal strategy with win themes.
• Ensure proposals comply with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), agency-specific requirements, and solicitation guidelines.
• Manage version control and maintain a proposal content library to improve efficiency across bids.
• Oversee desktop publishing, formatting, and final production of submission-ready documents.

Proposal Writer Responsibilities (Federal Experience Preferred):

• Develop, write, and edit persuasive, compliant proposal content for technical, management, past performance, and executive summary sections.
• Transform input from SMEs, technical teams, and program leads into clear, compelling narratives aligned with evaluation criteria.
• Conduct research on client missions, procurement trends, and competitive landscape to strengthen proposal positioning.
• Create and integrate graphics, process flows, and compliance tables using tools like Visio or other diagramming software.
• Proofread and edit proposals to ensure clarity, grammar, consistency, and compliance with agency requirements.
• Maintain reusable proposal content, templates, and boilerplate materials to streamline development.

Required Qualifications

Proposal Managers (Required Experience)

• 10+ years of progressive experience developing and then leading Federal proposal efforts in GovCon.
• Demonstrated success managing large, complex proposals (e.g., IDIQs, GWACs, BPAs, multi-billion-dollar opportunities).
• Strong understanding of proposal methodologies, APMP best practices, and Federal procurement processes (FAR/DFARS).
• Experience managing proposals for agencies such as DoD, DHS, HHS, VA, GSA, DOJ, DOE, or civilian agencies.

Proposal Writers (Preferred Experience)

• Proven experience in technical, management, or business writing for Federal proposals.
• Strong ability to translate technical and operational concepts into clear, compelling narratives.
• Experience with federal IT, cybersecurity, cloud computing, healthcare, defense, or logistics proposals is a plus.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Word, SharePoint, and Visio (or similar tools) for content development and visual enhancements.

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Contract

Job function

Management and Manufacturing

Industries

Information Services