The Role
Manage the full lifecycle of federal and commercial proposals, including solicitation analysis, compliance, scheduling, writing, editing, production, and submission. Lead multidisciplinary teams, develop win strategies and compliance matrices, coordinate reviews, maintain proposal artifacts in collaboration platforms, mentor staff, and conduct lessons-learned reviews to improve future proposal processes.
Summary Generated by Built In
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.
- 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 one another 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
Skills Required
- Minimum of 2–5 years managing federal proposal processes
- Working knowledge of Federal Government procurement processes
- Understanding of federal solicitation requirements, including Section L and M requirements
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Expertise with Adobe PDF or Adobe Acrobat
- Superior writing, editing, and organizational skills
- Ability to craft persuasive technical and non-technical content
- Ability to manage multiple concurrent proposals and lead diverse teams
- Ability to meet strict deadlines
- Bachelor’s degree in English, Literature, Business, or a related discipline
- APMP certification or Shipley training
- Experience with IT services, cybersecurity, healthcare, or professional solutions
- Experience with desktop publishing tools such as Adobe InDesign
- Experience with oral presentations orals
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The Company
What We Do
Agile Defense is a technology services company that provides advanced digital transformation, data analytics, and cybersecurity solutions to support critical national security and civilian government missions. With a global presence, the company focuses on delivering outcome-driven, AI-powered capabilities to solve complex mission challenges for federal and defense customers.
