Proposal Manager

Shift5 • Arlington, VA

3h • Remote

About The Position

Shift5 is building the data platform for onboard operational technology (OT), delivering cybersecurity, predictive maintenance, and compliance capabilities for defense and commercial fleets. As a Proposal Manager, you will lead the development of compelling, compliant, and high-quality DOW proposals to drive Shift5’s growth in government markets. This role involves owning the entire proposal lifecycle, from kickoff through compliance reviews and delivery, ensuring responses resonate with evaluators and highlight Shift5 as the preferred partner for defense customers. You will collaborate extensively with capture, product, engineering, finance, legal, and executive leadership to produce winning proposals. This position is suited for individuals who thrive in fast-paced environments, can balance strategic storytelling with tactical compliance, and are keen on establishing scalable proposal processes within a growing company.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, communications, engineering, or related discipline.
• 5+ years of experience managing DOW or federal government proposals and RFP responses.
• Deep understanding of DOW acquisition processes and compliance requirements (FAR/DFARS).
• Proven success crafting technically accurate and persuasive proposal narratives.
• Exceptional project management skills and ability to lead cross-functional contributors under tight timelines.
• Experience with OTAs, CSOs, or other non-traditional DOW vehicles.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity, software/SaaS, or defense-tech offerings.
• APMP certification or similar professional proposal credentials.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex technical content for non-technical audiences.
• Experience with proposal management tools and collaborative review workflows.
• U.S. citizenship required and ability to obtain a security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Own and manage the full proposal lifecycle for DOW opportunities, including RFPs, RFIs, white papers, BOAs, OTAs, SBIR/STTR, and unsolicited proposals.
• Serve as the single-threaded owner for proposal execution, including schedules, outlines, compliance matrices, reviews, and final submissions.
• Lead proposal kickoffs, color reviews, and final production reviews to ensure high-quality, on-time deliverables.
• Collaborate closely with capture, business development, engineering, product, finance, legal, and executive leadership to develop winning storylines and technical narratives.
• Translate complex technical solutions into clear, persuasive proposal content that highlights Shift5’s value and differentiators.
• Partner with capture and BD to shape win themes, discriminators, and messaging strategies aligned with evaluator priorities.
• Ensure strict compliance with solicitation requirements, evaluation criteria, and formatting instructions.
• Coordinate inputs from subject matter experts, executives, and external partners throughout the proposal process.
• Develop, curate, and maintain reusable proposal content, templates, and best practices to support scalability and consistency.
• Support post-submission activities, including Q&A responses, clarifications, and proposal debriefs.

Benefits

• Base Salary: $130,000-$170,000
• Bonus program and equity in a fast-growing startup
• Competitive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families
• Health Savings Account with annual employer contributions
• Employer-paid Life and Disability Insurance
• Uncapped paid time off policy
• Flexible work & remote work policy
• Tax-deferred public transit benefits with Metro SmartBenefits (DC/MD/VA)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees