Senior Proposal Writer

Agile Defense, Inc.; McLean (VA); Hybrid; USD 145,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Agile Defense, Inc. in McLean, VA, is seeking a Senior Proposal Writer to lead development of high-quality proposals for federal civilian and defense bids.

This role requires translating complex technical information into persuasive narrative and working closely with solution architects and SMEs to deliver compliant, responsive content on tight deadlines. The ideal candidate will have 6+ years of relevant experience, a bachelor’s degree in English/Communications/Technical Writing, and the

Qualifications

• Convert complex technical material into clear, compelling written content.
• Write technical and management approaches for federal proposals.
• Manage multiple deadlines under pressure.
• Strong interviewing skills for gathering information from SMEs.
• Excellent written communication, organization, and attention to detail; proficient in MS Office and SharePoint.

Responsibilities

• Develop written proposal content including technical and management approaches.
• Collaborate with solution architects to articulate designs for evaluation.
• Engage with SMEs to refine raw input into polished narrative.
• Ensure compliance with solicitation requirements and alignment with win themes.
• Manage multiple bids and deadlines concurrently.
• Collaborate with proposal managers, graphics specialists, and team members.

Skills

Convert complex tech content

Write proposals (technical)

Deadlines under pressure

Interview SMEs

MS Office & SharePoint

Education

Bachelor’s degree in English, Communications, Business, Technical Writing

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 #: 1953

Job Title: Senior Proposal Writer

Location: Hybrid, McLean, VA

Clearance Level: Secret, Must Have Ability to Obtain a Clearance

Job Description

The Senior Proposal Writer is responsible for leading the development of high quality, compelling proposal content for complex government bids supporting federal civilian and defense customers. This role requires a strong ability to translate raw technical information into clear, persuasive prose; collaborate closely with solution architects and subject matter experts (SMEs); and deliver compliant, responsive, and differentiated proposal sections under tight deadlines.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop written proposal content including technical approaches, management approaches, and other narrative sections that require technical insight
• Work closely with solution architects (SAs) to understand solution designs and articulate them clearly for proposal evaluators
• Engage with SMEs across diverse technical domains to gather, synthesize, and refine raw technical input into polished narrative
• Ensure proposal content is compliant with solicitation requirements, aligns with win themes, and reflects a strong understanding of the customer mission
• Maintain the ability to manage and prioritize multiple bids and deadlines concurrently
• Collaborate with proposal managers, graphics specialists, and other team members throughout the proposal lifecycle
• Edit and refine submitted content to ensure clarity, accuracy, consistency, and adherence to industry writing standards
• Apply industry best practices (e.g., Shipley, APMP) to produce structured, customer focused, and compelling proposal narratives
• Participate in color team reviews and activities (Blue, Pink, Red, Gold)

Education and Background

• Minimum of 6 years of experience developing proposal content for federal civilian and defense customers, including work specifically supporting the IC
• Bachelor’s degree in English, Communications, Business, Technical Writing, or a related field
• Additional experience or technical writing certificate in lieu of degree would be acceptable

Years of Experience

6+ years

Required Skills

• Demonstrated ability to convert complex technical material into clear, compelling written content
• Proven experience writing technical and management approaches for federal proposals
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure while managing multiple concurrent deadlines
• Strong interviewing skills for gathering information from SMEs
• Excellent written communication, organization, and attention to detail Proficient in MS Office Suite and SharePoint

Preferred Skills

• Active security clearance or ability to obtain a clearance
• Shipley, APMP Practitioner, or other formal proposal management/writing methodology training
• Experience with proposals for classified or IC customers
• Familiarity with proposal collaboration tools and environments; i.e. SharePoint, VT Docs, PSCi

Working Conditions

Flexibility to work late nights and weekends, as required.

$145,000 - $175,000 a year

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.

• Happy - Be Infectious. Happiness multiplies and creates a positive and connected environment where motivation and satisfaction have an outsized effect on everything we do.
• Helpful - Be Supportive. Being helpful is the foundation of teamwork, resulting in a supportive atmosphere where collaboration flourishes, and collective success is celebrated.
• Honest - Be Trustworthy. Honesty serves as our compass, ensuring transparent communication, and ethical conduct, essential to who we are and the complex domains we support.
• Humble - Be Grounded. Success is not achieved alone, humility ensures a culture of mutual respect, encouraging open communication, and a willingness to learn from oneanother and take on any task.
• Hungry - Be Eager. Our hunger for excellence drives an insatiable appetite for innovation and continuous improvement, propelling us forward in the face of new and unprecedented challenges.
• Hustle - Be Driven. Hustle is reflected in our relentless work ethic, where we are each committed to going above and beyond to advance the mission and achieve success.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities