Proposal Manager

Overview:

Description:

The Proposal Manager at C3EL leads and supports proposal development efforts across DoD and Federal Civilian opportunities within a fast-paced small business environment. This hands-on role includes proposal management, direct proposal writing, cross-functional coordination, and continuous improvement of proposal processes, templates, and reusable content. The position works closely with executive leadership, capture personnel, technical SMEs, recruiting, contracts, and pricing teams to develop compliant, compelling, and customer-focused proposals supporting mission-critical programs.

Responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:

• Lead development and submission of RFPs, RFQs, and RFIs.
• Serve as a lead writer and editor for technical, management, staffing, transition, and past performance proposal volumes.
• Analyze solicitation requirements, Sections L & M, and PWS/SOW/SOO documentation to ensure proposal compliance and alignment.
• Develop and manage proposal schedules, compliance matrices, annotated outlines, kickoff materials, and review activities.
• Coordinate with technical SMEs, Program Managers, pricing, recruiting, contracts, and executive leadership throughout proposal efforts.
• Perform editing, recovery writing, and refinement of SME-generated content to improve proposal quality and clarity.
• Identify proposal strengths, discriminators, and win themes aligned to customer priorities.
• Support continuous improvement of proposal processes, templates, reusable content, and AI-assisted workflows.
• Effectively communicate proposal status, risks, and recommendations throughout the proposal lifecycle.
• Operate successfully within a fast-paced, deadline-driven, collaborative proposal environment. 

Required Qualifications:

• U.S. Citizenship.
• Minimum 5 years of Federal Government proposal writing experience supporting DoD and/or Federal Civilian agencies.
• Minimum 2 years of proposal management experience supporting competitive Federal proposals. Proposal management and proposal writing experience may be concurrent.
• Demonstrated experience developing compliant Federal proposals, including technical and management volumes.
• Demonstrated experience interpreting and applying solicitation requirements including Sections L & M, PWS/SOW/SOO requirements, evaluation criteria, and compliance requirements.
• Experience utilizing AI-enabled tools to support proposal development, research, drafting, editing, and content refinement activities.
• Experience supporting collaborative proposal environments involving technical SMEs, operations leadership, pricing, and executive stakeholders.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong persuasive writing, editing, organizational, and time management skills.
• Ability to operate independently and manage multiple proposal priorities simultaneously.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Active security clearance or ability to obtain one.
• Experience supporting Enterprise IT, Cybersecurity, Engineering, Communications, AV/VTC, and/or C5ISR-related Federal programs.
• Experience supporting proposals within small business or growth-oriented GovCon environments.
• Familiarity with Shipley-based proposal development methodologies. Shipley Associates Proposal Management Certification and/or Shipley Capture Management Training preferred.
• Experience establishing or improving proposal operations processes within a growing organization.
• Experience managing proposal content repositories, templates, and proposal knowledge management practices.

Education:

•  Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution OR equivalent directly relevant professional experience.