Proposal Manager

Agile Defense

Illinois

On-site

USD 90,000 - 140,000

Full time

9 days ago

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Job summary

Agile Defense is seeking a dynamic Proposal Manager to lead the development of compelling responses to federal and commercial solicitations. You will oversee all aspects of proposal creation, from interpreting requirements to submission, coordinating with capture managers, SMEs, writers, and designers.

The role demands strategic thinking, strong leadership, and exceptional writing and editing skills. You will drive win strategies, manage timelines, and ensure compliant, high-quality proposals

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent experience considered.
2–5 years of federal proposal management experience.
Experience with IT services, cybersecurity, healthcare or professional solutions a plus.
Strong writing, editing, and organizational skills; able to craft persuasive content.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and desktop publishing tools.

Responsibilities

Oversee the full lifecycle of proposal creation, including writing, editing, compliance checks, and production.
Lead and coordinate efforts with capture managers, subject matter experts, writers, and graphic designers to develop winning proposals.
Develop proposal schedules, compliance matrices, win strategies, and themes aligned with requirements and business objectives.
Guide and mentor proposal staff to foster a collaborative, high-performing team.
Conduct kick-off meetings, color team reviews, and daily status calls to ensure alignment and progress.
Write, edit, and refine proposal sections including executive summaries, management plans, past performance, and staffing plans.
Ensure proposals are clear, persuasive, and compliant with all solicitation instructions including Section L and M.
Maintain solicitation documents and artifacts on collaboration platforms like SharePoint or MS Teams.
Conduct post-submission reviews to identify lessons learned and improve future processes.

Skills

Proposal writing

Leadership

Communication

Project management

Team coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree

APMP/Shipley certification

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Adobe Acrobat

InDesign

SharePoint

MS Teams

Job description

About Agile Defense

At Agile Defense we know that action defines the outcome and new challenges require new solutions. That's why we always look to the future and embrace change with an unmovable spirit and the courage to build for what comes next.

Our vision is to bring adaptive innovation to support our nation's most important missions through the seamless integration of advanced technologies, elite minds, and unparalleled agility - leveraging a foundation of speed, flexibility, and ingenuity to strengthen and protect our nation’s vital interests.

Requisition #: Pending

Job Title: Proposal Manager

Location: 1430 Spring Hill Rd Suite 200 McLean, Virginia 22102

Required Certification(s): APMP or Shipley Training desired

SUMMARY

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Proposal Manager to lead the development of compelling, high-quality responses to federal and commercial solicitations. If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for crafting winning proposals and leading collaborative teams, we encourage you to apply and join our mission-driven organization.

As a key member of our Growth team, you will manage all aspects of proposal creation, from interpreting solicitation requirements to submission and delivery. This role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams. The position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to winning business strategies and drive organizational success.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Proposal Development Management: Oversee the full lifecycle of proposal creation, including writing, editing, compliance checks, and production, ensuring adherence to solicitation requirements and deadlines.
Team Collaboration: Lead and coordinate efforts with capture managers, subject matter experts, writers, and graphic designers to develop winning proposals.
Strategic Planning: Develop proposal schedules, compliance matrices, win strategies, and themes that align with solicitation requirements and business objectives.
Leadership and Mentorship: Guide and mentor proposal staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
Stakeholder Engagement: Conduct kick-off meetings, color team reviews, and daily status calls to ensure alignment and progress.
Content Development: Write, edit, and refine proposal sections, including executive summaries, management plans, past performance, and staffing plans, integrating strategic themes and discriminators.
Quality Assurance: Ensure proposals are clear, persuasive, and compliant with all solicitation instructions, including Section L and M requirements.
Database and Artifact Management: Maintain solicitation documents and proposal artifacts on collaboration platforms such as SharePoint or MS Teams.
Continuous Improvement: Conduct post-submission reviews to identify lessons learned and improve future proposal processes.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Certifications

APMP or Shipley Training desired

Education, Background, and Years of Experience

Bachelor’s degree preferred (fields such as English, Literature, Business, or a related discipline are ideal). Equivalent experience or certifications (e.g., APMP, Shipley) will also be considered.
Minimum of 2 - 5 years of experience managing federal proposal processes, with expertise in IT services, cybersecurity, healthcare, or professional solutions a plus.
In-depth understanding of federal procurement processes and solicitation requirements.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and desktop publishing tools (e.g., Adobe Acrobat, InDesign).
Superior writing, editing, and organizational skills, with the ability to craft persuasive, non-technical, and technical content.
Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent proposals, lead diverse teams, and meet strict deadlines.

ADDITIONAL SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

Required Skills

Working knowledge of the Federal Government procurement process
Expertise with Microsoft suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Adobe PDF

Preferred Skills

Orals experience desired

WORKING CONDITIONS

Environmental Conditions

Office

Strength Demands

Sedentary - 10 lbs. Maximum lifting, occasional lift/carry of small articles. Some occasional walking or standing may be required. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Physical Requirements

Stand or Sit

Our Core Values

Employees of Agile Defense are our number one priority, and the importance we place on our culture here is fundamental. Our culture is alive and evolving, but it always stays true to its roots. Here, you are valued as a family member, and we believe that we can accomplish great things together. Agile Defense has been highly successful in the past few years due to our employees and the culture we create together.

What makes us Agile? We call it the 6Hs, the values that define our culture and guide everything we do. Together, these values infuse vibrancy, integrity, and a tireless work ethic into advancing the most important national security and critical civilian missions. It's how we show up every day. It's who we are.