Proposal Manager

Xcelerate Solutions; McLean (VA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Xcelerate Solutions in McLean, VA, seeks a Proposal Manager to own full lifecycle proposals for the Growth Team. You will lead a cross-functional group of writers, SMEs, and partners, ensuring compliant, high-quality submissions that meet federal requirements.

The role demands strong writing, editing, and project leadership with a track record in Shipley-based processes and MS Office proficiency. Hybrid schedule and occasional after-hours work are expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher (Journalism or related field preferred).
• 3 years of Federal proposal full cycle development and management experience.
• 5 years of proposal development experience.
• Strong technical writing and copyediting experience.
• Familiarity with the Shipley Proposal Process.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office suite (MS Word and PowerPoint).
• Ability to lead and manage proposal teams and multiple projects.
• Ability to write, edit, produce proposals for federal agencies.
• Willingness to work nights and weekends to meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Read and interpret Federal RFPs, RFIs, BPA, RFQ, IDIQs, etc.
• Develop all proposal materials: outline, compliance matrix, plan, kickoff materials, storyboard, writing plans.
• Provide writing support, editing, and desktop publishing as needed.
• Copyedit for grammar, clarity, and style.
• Ensure proposals are professional, on-brand, and compliant with government requirements.
• Lead and manage proposal writers, graphics, SMEs, teaming partners, and consultants.
• Use SharePoint to plan, assemble, review, store, and disseminate proposal information.
• Develop win themes and discriminators; coordinate with BD VPs/Directors and PMs.
• Organize final submission, production, and post-submission activities.
• Schedule and run kick-off meetings and color-team reviews.

Skills

Proposal management

Technical writing

Copyediting

Team leadership

Multitasking

Communication skills

Deadline-driven

Proposal development

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher ( Journalism or related field preferred )

Tools

MS Word

PowerPoint

SharePoint

Job description

Corporate Function CareersHybrid Remote , McLean,Virginia

Xcelerate Solutions is seeking a Proposal Manager to join our Growth Team. This individual will report to the Vice President of Proposal Operations and is responsible for the full lifecycle development and management of proposals. Come join our award-winning organization and work with some of the most talented and brightest minds in the GovCon industry.

Location:

Hybrid

Clearance:

None; ability to obtain clearance if needed

Responsibilities:

In this Proposal Manager role, you will have the opportunity to:

• Read and interpret Federal RFP's, RFI's, BPA's, RFQ's, IDIQ's, etc.
• Develop all proposal development materials including but not limited to: proposal outline, compliance matrix, proposal management plan, proposal kick-off meeting materials, storyboard, and writing plans
• Provide writing support as needed for proposals, as well as editing, and desktop publishing
• Perform copyediting for grammar, clarity, and style
• Ensure the proposal is clearly written, consistent, and free from errors
• Perform desktop publishing to format and style proposals in accordance with the RFP
• Ensure proposals look professional, on-brand, and meet government requirements
• Provide valuable feedback in reviews for compliance, weaknesses, inconsistencies, or gaps
• Manage proposal writers, graphic artists, subject matter experts, teaming partners, and consultants in the development and support of pre and post RFP proposal activities.
• Schedule and assign internal and external resources to ensure compliant responses to all requests for proposals, request for information, and sources sought notices
• Manage and conduct Pink, Red, and Gold team reviews involving the proposal team members and SMEs including storyboards, layout, and final production needs
• Use SharePoint to effectively plan, assemble, review, store, and disseminate proposal information
• Lead and assist in solution development and creation of win themes and discriminators
• Collaborate with Business Development VPs/Directors, Program Managers, and other client program personnel to provide proposal leadership, writing support, and overall direction
• Develop specific proposal sections to include Technical, Management, Staffing, Quality, Executive Summaries, etc. as required
• Coordinate with graphics resource(s) to ensure proposal visuals are compliant and meaningful
• Create and mandate the proposal schedule up to and including delivery
• Organize final RFP submission for compliance with all aspects of Federal RFP protocols
• Schedule and run kick-off meetings and color team reviews to ensure accuracy consistency and compliance of proposal with the RFP requirements
• Perform and manage proposal production, including hard copy submissions
• Help maintain past performance and graphics database
• Perform other proposal support duties as required
• Must have a Bachelor's Degree or higher education (Journalism or related field preferred)
• 3 years of Federal proposal full cycle development and management of proposals experience
• 5 years of proposal development experience
• Strong technical writing and copyediting experience
• Familiarity with the Shipley Proposal Process
• Proven experience with Microsoft Office suite (MS Word and PowerPoint Required)
• Comfortable taking ownership and accountability to produce high quality proposal responses
• Ability to write, edit, produce and review proposals, white papers, and request for information responses to federal agencies
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously solve problems and adhere to strict and often tight deadlines
• Ability to collaborate and work effectively as a team leader
• Dynamic interpersonal skills required to interact with all levels of management
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team, in a fast‑paced deadline‑oriented work environment completing multiple complex tasks simultaneously
• Ability to work nights and weekends when required to meet deadlines

About Xcelerate Solutions:

Founded in 2009 and headquartered in McLean, VA, Xcelerate Solutions (www.xceleratesolutions.com) is one of America's fastest-growing companies. Xcelerate's culture is defined by our diversified workforce of dynamic and versatile professionals, supported with growth and development opportunities that contribute to individual and company growth. This strong commitment to our employees has been recognized by our inclusion on the Washington Business Journal's "50 Best Places to Work" list as well as being a "Great Place to Work" certified company with a 4.6 star, and a 99% CEO approval Glassdoor rating. Come find out why Xcelerate Solutions is one of the DC Metro top employers!

Xcelerate Solutions is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, age, equal pay, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or expression of another protected characteristic. As part of this commitment to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals, Xcelerate provides reasonable accommodations if needed because of an applicant's or an employee's disability.

Pay Transparency Notice: Xcelerate Solutions will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.