Principal Proposal Manager

ICF Olson; United States; Remote; USD 108,000 - 184,000; Full time

Job summary

ICF is seeking a Principal Proposal Manager to lead federal proposals focused on technology and experience-driven solutions within the DMX Group. You will partner with capture, technical, and business leaders to translate solicitation requirements into clear proposal plans and guide teams from kickoff through submission.

This role combines proposal leadership with hands-on management, coordination, and production, requiring 12+ years of federal IT proposal experience and US work authorization.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience managing federal IT proposals, including proposals valued at more than $50 million, for a large consulting firm or similar organization.
• Candidate must reside in the United States and be authorized to work in the United States.
• Must be a US Citizen or Green Card Holder

Responsibilities

• Lead the entire proposal lifecycle, managing schedules, assignments, risks, and deadlines to deliver compliant, compelling proposals on time.
• Partner with capture and technical leads to align proposal content with solicitation requirements, evaluation criteria, and win strategies.
• Guide proposal writers and subject matter experts in developing clear, responsive content supported by evidence.
• Organize and lead proposal colour team reviews and debriefs, and drive resolution of reviewer feedback.
• Lead preparation and coordination for oral presentations, demonstrations, and technical challenges.
• Use approved AI tools responsibly to improve productivity and efficiency across the proposal lifecycle, while protecting sensitive information and applying human judgment to verify accuracy, quality, and compliance.

Skills

Proposal leadership

Communication

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

Excel

SharePoint

Adobe Acrobat

Job description

The Work

ICF is seeking a Principal Proposal Manager to lead the development of high-quality, compelling, and compliant federal proposals focused on technology and experience-driven solutions within the Digital Modernization and Experience (DMX) Group. You will partner with capture, technical, and business leaders to translate solicitation requirements and win strategies into clear proposal plans and guide teams from kickoff through submission. This role combines proposal leadership with hands-on management, coordination, and production.

Job Location: This position requires that the job be performed in the United States. If you accept this position, you should note that ICF does monitor employee work locations and blocks access from foreign locations/foreign IP addresses, and also prohibits personal VPN connections. You may be asked to travel once a quarter to an office.

What You Will Do

• Lead the entire proposal lifecycle, managing schedules, assignments, risks, and deadlines to deliver compliant, compelling proposals on time.
• Partner with capture and technical leads to align proposal content with solicitation requirements, evaluation criteria, and win strategies.
• Guide proposal writers and subject matter experts in developing clear, responsive content supported by relevant evidence.
• Organize and lead proposal colour team reviews and debriefs, and drive resolution of reviewer feedback.
• Lead preparation and coordination for oral presentations, demonstrations, and technical challenges.
• Use approved AI tools responsibly to improve productivity and efficiency across the proposal lifecycle, while protecting sensitive information and applying human judgment to verify accuracy, quality, and compliance.

Basic Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience managing federal IT proposals, including proposals valued at more than $50 million, for a large consulting firm or similar organization
• Candidate must reside in the United States and be authorized to work in the United States.
• Must be a US Citizen or Green Card Holder

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• Experience managing all aspects of proposal preparation, development, and production.
• Experience reviewing and analyzing proposal content for consistency, clarity and compliance and providing sound direction on how to improve.
• Experience partnering with capture and account leads to translate opportunity strategies and proposed solutions into compelling proposal content.
• Ability to lead proposals independently while collaborating with capture, business development and technical teams.
• Experience managing competing priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with desktop publishing for proposals, including managing templates, styles, graphics, tables, and formatting to meet solicitation requirements.
• Experience using AI tools responsibly across the proposal lifecycle.
• Experience managing oral presentations, demonstrations, and technical challenges.
• Experience coaching proposal contributors and mentoring less experienced proposal staff.
• Experience facilitating proposal strategy sessions and driving decisions, accountability, and follow-through.

Professional Skills

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, SharePoint, and Adobe Acrobat.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Excellent verbal, interpersonal, and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

Working at ICF

ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future. We can only solve the world’s toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read ourEEO policy. We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Work Authorization and Sponsorship

All candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for new H-1B visa sponsorship by ICF. Candidates who currently hold valid work authorization may be considered for a change of employer petition, subject to company policy and applicable immigration requirements.

Reasonable Accommodations

Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation, please [e-mail] we will be happy to assist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations. Read more aboutworkplacediscriminationrights or our benefit offering which are included in theTransparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance [e-mail]. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.

Pay Range

There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position. The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is: $108,476.00 - $184,409.00 Nationwide Remote Office (US99)

About ICF

ICF is a global consulting and technology services company with approximately 9,000 employees, but we are not your typical consultants. At ICF, business analysts and policy specialists work together with digital strategists, data scientists and creatives. We combine unmatched industry expertise with cutting-edge engagement capabilities to help organizations solve their most complex challenges. Since 1969, public and private sector clients have worked with ICF to navigate change and shape the future. Learn more at icf.com.