Proposal Manager

Applied Research Solutions (ARS) is seeking a process-focused Proposal Manager to lead the daily execution of high-priority government bids. This role works collaboratively with the proposal department, capture team, program managers, and others to manage the process of creating cohesive, winning submissions throughout all stages of the proposal development lifecycle.

You will act as a process specialist, navigating complex requirements to professionally position ARS to win. Beyond effective and efficient active bid management, you will be responsible for the curation of our past performance database and content library to ensure our team is continuously prepared for the next pursuit.

Why Work with us?

Applied Research Solutions (ARS) is respected as a world-class provider of technically integrated solutions as we deliver premier talent and technology across our focused markets for unparalleled, continuous mission support. Awarded a Best Places to Work nominee since 2020, ARS recognizes that without our career- driven, loyal professionals, we would not be able to deliver state-of-the-art results for our mission partners. We firmly believe that prioritizing our employees is of the upmost importance. We provide a culture where our employees are challenged to meet their career goals and aspirations, while still obtaining a work/life balance. ARS employees are motivated through our industry competitive benefits package, our awards and recognition program, and personalized attention from ARS Senior Managers. 

Responsibilities

Active Proposal Management (Primary)

• Full Lifecycle Execution: Manage the development of compliant, compelling proposals. This includes reviewing and deciphering the RFP, creating the compliance matrix, and establishing the proposal schedule.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work as a peer alongside Capture, Business Development, and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) both within ARS and from teammate companies to gather technical inputs and translate them into a "one-voice" narrative.
• Review Facilitation: Coordinate and participate in Color Team reviews (Blue, Pink, Red, Gold), ensuring all feedback is actionable and incorporated into the final draft.
• Compliance Ownership: Ensure every submission meets 100% of the government's requirements, acting as the primary safeguard against non-compliance.
• Production: Manage the final assembly, formatting, and submission of proposal volumes through government portals.
• Security and Quality Assurance: Understand and shape internal processes and procedures that ensure ARS’s compliance with quality and security protocols (CMMI, ISO, CMMC, etc.)

Content & Knowledge Management (Secondary)

• Library Curation: After a bid is submitted, lead the effort to harvest high-quality content for the SharePoint content library.
• Past Performance Cataloging: Systematically organize and update our capabilities and past performance records, ensuring technical metrics and customer feedback are easily searchable for the entire team.
• Tech-Forward Workflow: Utilize Microsoft 365 (Office/SharePoint/Teams) and AI tools (e.g., Copilot) to automate repetitive tasks like drafting initial compliance outlines or searching the library for relevant boilerplate.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in English, Communication, Business, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in proposal development, professional writing, or marketing.
• U.S. Citizenship and the ability to obtain/maintain a DoD Security Clearance. 

Technical Proficiencies

• Advanced MS Word & SharePoint: Expert-level document management, including styles, templates, and cross-referencing.
• AI Literacy: Experience leveraging AI tools for research, drafting efficiency, and data analysis.
• Style Standards: Mastery of AP Style and established corporate style guides. 

Core Competencies

• Knowledge Management: Proven ability to catalog and curate complex data libraries (e.g., Past Performance, Resumes, Technical Capabilities).
• Strategic Communication: Exceptional writing, editing, and visual communication skills tailored for both technical and executive audiences.
• Project Management: Strong organizational and time-management skills with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and peer-level stakeholders independently.
• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively in a multi-department team environment, providing constructive feedback and direction to meet organizational goals. 

All positions at Applied Research Solutions are subject to background investigations. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history and identity check.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-741.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability, and requires affirmative action by covered prime contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified protected veterans, and requires affirmative action by covered contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.