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 color 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.
#Li-cc1
#Indeed
Bot and Third-Party Applications
Please note that this application must be submitted directly by the applicant for consideration. Failure to do so may result in the application being excluded for consideration. Applicants needing an accommodation for disability or religious purposes in connection with the application process should contact [email protected] for assistance.
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 our EEO 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 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 email [email protected] and 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 about workplace discrimination rights or our benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act.
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 at [email protected]. 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 - $184,409.00Nationwide Remote Office (US99)Skills Required
- 12+ years of experience managing federal IT proposals, including proposals valued at more than $50 million, for a large consulting firm or similar organization
- Reside in the United States
- Authorized to work in the United States
- US Citizen or Green Card Holder
- Bachelor's degree
- Experience managing proposal preparation, development, and production
- Experience reviewing and analyzing proposal content for consistency, clarity, and compliance
- Experience partnering with capture and account leads to translate opportunity strategies and proposed solutions into 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 templates, styles, graphics, tables, and formatting
- 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
- 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
ICF Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about ICF and has not been reviewed or approved by ICF.
-
Healthcare Strength — Multiple medical plan choices (UHC PPO/HDHP and Kaiser in some areas) come with employer HSA/HRA funding and wellness incentives, with dental and vision included. Mental-health access is emphasized via Modern Health, offering up to 10 therapy and 10 coaching sessions annually.
-
Parental & Family Support — Family-building resources include Maven support on UHC plans, $10,000 lifetime fertility/surrogacy reimbursement, and $5,000 for adoption, milk-shipping, and clinician-led programs. Caregiver and 24/7 resources are also available through the EAP.
-
Equity Value & Accessibility — An Employee Stock Purchase Plan with a 5% discount is broadly available and regularly highlighted in postings. This adds a straightforward path for employees to build ownership alongside salary and benefits.
ICF Insights
What We Do
ICF is a leading global solutions and technology provider with approximately 9,000 employees in industries across the public and private sectors. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.
Why Work With Us
At ICF, we’ve built a culture rooted in expertise, innovation, and purpose—enabling us to build a more prosperous and resilient world for all. When our employees grow, our solutions thrive—regardless of your role, team, or location, you’ll have opportunities to make connections, build community, and take action to develop your career.
Gallery
