Capture Manager - Federal Programs and Policy

FirstDay Foundation • Washington, DC

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Capture Manager is responsible for leading capture efforts for competitive government contracts aligned with organizations’ priorities. Based in Washington, D.C., this role builds early-stage relationships, develops pre-solicitation strategies, and supports win themes and teaming approaches. The Capture Manager for federal programs and policy coordinates with organizations to position the organization effectively for awards and ensure readiness to respond when solicitations are released.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Minimum five years of experience in federal programs, grants management, or government operations.
• Demonstrated expertise in grants management and compliance, interagency coordination, and program oversight.
• Demonstrated experience translating federal policy and program operations into actionable strategies for funding, program design, or organizational positioning.
• Strategic thinking grounded in federal program knowledge
• Deep knowledge of federal and state procurement processes
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills
• Ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder capture efforts
• Strong analytical, writing, and briefing skills
• Valid state driver’s license and the ability to pass a clear criminal background check
• Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience working with or within federal agencies, preferably in human services, education, or health sectors is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead qualification and shaping of opportunities with emphasis on alignment to federal priorities and programmatic feasibility
• Develop capture strategies grounded in policy, regulatory, and operational insight
• Analyze agency needs, funding mechanisms, and historical award patterns to inform positioning
• Identify and cultivate relationships with government decision-makers and industry partners
• Track and report on pipeline development and capture progress in Salesforce or designated CRM
• Collaborate with SBD team to develop and leverage competitive intelligence.
• Advise internal teams on feasibility, risk, and operational alignment of pursuits
• Support development of technical approaches informed by real-world program administration experience
• Support teaming agreements and partnership negotiations to ensure optimal positioning
• Maintain a strong presence in the D.C. contracting ecosystem, attending key briefings, industry days, and networking events
• Monitor legislation, policy changes, and agency trends that influence affiliate strategy
• Leverage knowledge of interagency coordination and federal decision-making processes to inform engagement strategies
• Provide regular intelligence briefings and consultation to inform capture and proposal planning and development

Benefits

• EEO Statement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level